BIM (Building Information Modeling) in Public Procurement Law 2026

Definition: BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a digital planning and management method in which all relevant construction and building data are captured, managed and exchanged in a shared data model, and which is increasingly becoming a mandatory requirement in public tenders for construction and planning services.

Last updated: January 2026 · Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU Article 22(4), BVergG 2018 Section 98(3), VgV Section 11a, EU BIM Handbook 2017

---

What is BIM?

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and refers to both a method and a process: all parties involved in a construction project – contracting authority, designers, construction companies, facility managers – work with a shared digital building model that integrates geometric, technical and operational information in a single database. In contrast to traditional 2D planning, BIM enables three-dimensional, time-based and cost-based planning (3D, 4D, 5D BIM) as well as the management of operational data across the entire life cycle of a building (6D/7D BIM).

BIM in public procurement law

Since 2014, EU procurement law has expressly allowed contracting authorities to require BIM methods for construction and planning tenders (Article 22(4) of Directive 2014/24/EU). In Austria and Germany, public contracting authorities have increasingly integrated BIM into their tender requirements; in some countries (e.g. the United Kingdom), BIM is already mandatory for public construction projects above a certain value.

Requirements in the tender

When BIM is required in a tender, the following requirements are typically included:

• BIM Execution Plan (BEP): The contractor must submit a project-specific BIM Execution Plan defining how BIM is used in the project.
• Data standards: Requirements regarding file format (e.g. IFC – Industry Foundation Classes), Level of Development (LOD) and naming conventions.
• Common Data Environment (CDE): Specification of a shared digital data platform via which all project participants exchange models and documents.
• BIM coordination: Obligation to coordinate the discipline-specific models (architecture, structural, MEP) in a coordination model.
• Hand-over of the as-built model: Upon completion, an updated building model (as-built BIM) must be handed over for building operation.

BIM standards and norms

The implementation of BIM in public tenders relies on international and national standards.

Key standards:

• ISO 19650: International standard for information management across the life cycle of structures (Parts 1–5)
• IFC (Industry Foundation Classes): Open, vendor-neutral data exchange format for BIM models (ISO 16739)
• ÖNORM A 6241: Austrian standard for digital planning documents and quantity surveying in the BIM context
• DIN SPEC 91400: German BIM specifications for public contracting authorities

National developments

Austria

In Austria, the Federal Ministry for Climate Action (BMK) is driving forward BIM implementation in federal projects. Asfinag and ÖBB already use BIM for infrastructure projects. A national BIM standard based on ISO 19650 is under development. BIM requirements are increasingly being formulated as part of the technical specifications in Austrian tenders.

Germany

The Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) has made BIM mandatory for federal trunk-road projects above EUR 100 million since 2020. The "Stufenplan Digitales Planen und Bauen" (Roadmap for Digital Planning and Construction) of the BMWSB provides for a gradual extension of the BIM obligation to further public construction projects. BIM-relevant services are procured via the technical requirements in the specifications.

Suitability requirements in BIM tenders

For BIM tenders, contracting authorities may formulate additional suitability requirements that demonstrate bidders' technical competence in BIM. Examples:

• Evidence of BIM reference projects
• Certifications (e.g. BIM Manager according to VDI 2552)
• Information on BIM software and data standards used
• Qualification of the BIM coordinator to be deployed

FAQ

Is BIM mandatory in Austrian and German tenders? At present, BIM is not yet mandatory for most public projects in Austria and Germany, but it is increasingly being required by major public contracting authorities (rail, road, federal government). The legal trend is clearly towards a gradual extension of the BIM obligation.

May a contracting authority admit only BIM-capable bidders? Yes, provided BIM is a legitimate and proportionate requirement for the specific contract. The suitability requirements must, however, be non-discriminatory and linked to the subject matter of the contract.

What is the difference between BIM and CAD? CAD (Computer-Aided Design) produces geometric drawings without linked specialist data. BIM integrates geometry, material, costs, scheduling and operational data in a semantically enriched, database-based model.

What costs do BIM requirements entail for bidders? BIM requirements increase the effort involved in preparing tenders and executing projects. Contracting authorities are required to set proportionate requirements and to take the increased costs into account in the cost estimate.

---

Last updated: January 2026 All information without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.