E-Procurement Software in Procurement Law 2026

Definition: E-procurement software comprises digital applications that support contracting authorities in creating and managing procurement procedures and assist tenderers in preparing and electronically submitting offers.

Last updated: January 2026 · Legal status: Directive 2014/24/EU Art. 22, BVergG 2018 §§ 45–58, VgV §§ 9–10, e-procurement obligations

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What is e-procurement software?

E-procurement software is the umbrella term for all digital tools that electronically support the public procurement process – from needs assessment through tendering to award. Since e-procurement became mandatory in the EU, e-procurement software solutions have become indispensable for all larger contracting authorities.

Since 18 October 2018, procurement law has required full electronic handling of procurement procedures above thresholds (Art. 22 Directive 2014/24/EU). E-procurement software must meet specific technical requirements, including those relating to IT security, encryption and time-stamping.

Functions for contracting authorities

Authority-side e-procurement software supports the entire procurement process from internal planning to documentation.

Typical functions:

• Creation of procurement documents (specifications, suitability requirements)
• Management of procurement procedures and documentation in the procurement record
• Electronic publication (TED connection, eForms)
• Management of incoming offers (encrypted until opening)
• Evaluation support (scoring matrices, award criteria scoring)
• Production of tenderer notifications and award decisions
• Reporting and statistics

Functions for tenderers

Tenderer-side software enables the structured preparation and electronic submission of offers.

Typical functions:

• Digital retrieval of procurement documents
• Structured entry of prices (bill of quantities editing)
• Signature and encrypted submission of offers
• Management of procurement platform accounts
• Reminder functions for tender deadlines
• Archiving of submitted offers

Key e-procurement solutions

For contracting authorities

• eVergabe Bund (DTVP) – Germany
• Vergabe.NRW / eVergabe Bayern – federal-state platforms in Germany
• Austrian Federal Procurement Portal – Austria
• SAP SRM / SAP Ariba – large public contracting authorities

For tenderers and contracting authorities

• subreport ELVIS
• DTVP (German Procurement Portal)
• cosinex bidder cockpit
• Austrian Contractor Register (ANKÖ)

E-procurement obligation and technical standards

The electronic submission of offers requires a qualified or advanced electronic signature to guarantee the authenticity and integrity of offers. E-procurement software must therefore be compatible with the prevailing signature solutions.

FAQ

Is e-procurement software mandatory for all contracting authorities? Above thresholds, electronic procurement has been mandatory since October 2018 (with few exceptions). Below thresholds, the obligation is expanding through national rules, but is not yet fully enforced everywhere.

What costs do tenderers incur from e-procurement software? Tenderers may not, in principle, be burdened with disproportionate costs for the use of procurement platforms. The EU directive requires that procurement documents be made available free of charge.

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