HVA B-StB – Manual for the Award of Construction Services 2026

Definition: The HVA B-StB (Handbuch für die Vergabe und Ausführung von Bauleistungen im Straßen- und Brückenbau – Manual for the Award and Performance of Construction Services in Road and Bridge Construction) is a manual issued by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) which guides public contracting authorities – in particular road construction agencies – in the proper preparation, tendering and management of construction services in road and bridge construction.

Last updated: January 2026 · Legal status: HVA B-StB (current edition); VOB/A; VgV

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What is the HVA B-StB?

The HVA B-StB is a practice-oriented body of rules which gives concrete shape to the application of the VOB/A and procurement law specifically in the field of road and bridge construction, and provides model forms, checklists and explanatory notes for public clients. It is aimed primarily at federal authorities and the road construction administrations of the federal states, but is also used by municipal contracting authorities in road construction and civil engineering.

The manual contains:

• Templates for notices, invitations to tender and procurement documents
• Checklists for the individual procurement steps
• Explanatory notes on the application of the VOB/A and VgV in road construction
• Guidance on costing and price determination

Scope of application

The HVA B-StB applies primarily to construction services in road and bridge construction tendered by federal authorities and the road construction administrations of the federal states. It supplements the general procurement rules (VOB/A, VgV, GWB) with road-construction-specific rules and standards. Related manuals are the HVA F-StB (for services of the liberal professions) and the HVA L-StB (for supplies).

Significance in everyday procurement

For bidders in road and bridge construction, familiarity with the HVA B-StB is important, because tender documents are frequently based on this manual and use its model forms. The manual creates a uniform tendering practice for public road construction projects and makes it easier to compare bids.

FAQ

Is the HVA B-StB legally binding? The HVA B-StB is not a statute or regulation, but it is in practice binding on the authorities for which it is prescribed as an administrative provision or service instruction. It has no direct binding effect on bidders.

Is there an Austrian equivalent? There is no direct counterpart to the HVA B-StB in Austria. Procurement in road construction is governed by the BVergG 2018 and by ÖNORM B 2110/B 2111.

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