Electronic Marketplace (EMP) in Public Procurement 2026

Definition: An electronic marketplace (EMP) in the context of public procurement is a digital platform on which public contracting authorities can procure goods and services electronically, either within the framework of framework agreements, dynamic purchasing systems, or via standardised ordering processes.

Last updated: January 2026 · Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU Art. 34–37, BVergG 2018, GWB/VgV

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What is an electronic marketplace in public procurement?

Electronic marketplaces for public procurement are digital platforms that enable public contracting authorities to carry out standardised, efficient, and transparent procurement processes. They function similarly to commercial online marketplaces (e.g. Amazon) but are tailored to the special legal requirements of public procurement. Products and services are offered by pre-qualified suppliers; contracting authorities can order directly or run mini-competitions within the marketplace.

Electronic marketplaces significantly reduce administrative burden because procurement law requirements (suitability check, minimum price comparison) are already integrated into the platform structure.

Dynamic purchasing system (DPS) as the basis for an EMP

The dynamic purchasing system (DPS) under Art. 34 of Directive 2014/24/EU is the most important procurement law instrument for electronic marketplaces above the EU thresholds. A DPS is a fully electronic, time-unlimited system for common, routinely available services, in which:

• All interested and suitable companies may be admitted at any time
• Individual contracts are awarded through mini-competitions among admitted participants
• No publication of a new contract notice is required for each individual contract

Framework agreements as the marketplace basis

Many electronic marketplaces are based on framework agreements, where contracting authorities call off products and services at pre-negotiated terms. Central purchasing bodies (e.g. BBG in Austria, BeschA in Germany) conclude framework agreements with multiple suppliers and allow other contracting authorities to use them (so-called "purchasing lists" or "contract catalogue systems").

Examples in Austria and Germany

Austria: BBG procurement portal

Bundesbeschaffung GmbH (BBG) operates one of the largest electronic marketplaces for public contracting authorities in Austria with the BBG procurement portal. It comprises thousands of products and services from BBG framework contracts that can be called off by federal authorities, federal states, and municipalities.

Germany: Kaufhaus des Bundes (KdB)

The Kaufhaus des Bundes (KdB) is the central electronic marketplace of the federal administration for standardised products and services from framework contracts of the Procurement Office of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BeschA).

Advantages and disadvantages of electronic marketplaces

Advantages for public contracting authorities:

• Faster procurement through pre-configured processes
• No laborious individual tender for standard products
• Price transparency and comparability

Challenges:

• Limited flexibility for very specific requirements
• Dependence on the platform infrastructure
• Need for regular updates of supplier qualifications

Related terms

• E-procurement
• Electronic contract awarding
• EU procurement directives

FAQ

Can all public contracting authorities use electronic marketplaces? This depends on the respective marketplace operator. Marketplaces of central purchasing bodies (e.g. BBG, BeschA) are accessible to certain contracting authorities on a voluntary or mandatory basis.

Is the use of an electronic marketplace always compliant with procurement law? Only if the marketplace is based on a foundation compliant with procurement law (e.g. DPS or framework agreement) and is suitable for the specific procurement transaction.

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