Prequalification for Contracts under VOB 2026

Definition: Prequalification for contracts under VOB is an upstream suitability assessment procedure in which construction companies can demonstrate their professional and economic suitability for public works contracts in advance and have themselves entered in a recognised prequalification register.

Last updated: January 2026 · Legal basis: § 6b EU VOB/A, § 6b VOB/A, PQ-VOB Guidelines, BVergG 2018

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What is prequalification under VOB?

Prequalification under VOB allows construction companies to evidence their suitability for public works contracts once and in a consolidated way, instead of having to submit extensive suitability evidence anew in every tender procedure. This relieves both companies and contracting authorities of repeated bureaucratic effort. The central prequalification register for construction services in Germany is the official register of prequalified undertakings for construction services (PQ-VOB).

Legal basis

§ 6b EU VOB/A (for the supra-threshold range) and § 6b VOB/A (for the sub-threshold range) permit contracting authorities to require evidence of prequalification as proof of suitability. Entered undertakings need not provide separate individual evidence; the entry in the PQ register replaces such evidence as a rule.

The PQ-VOB system

The PQ-VOB system is jointly run by contracting authority and contractor associations and administered through the contract advisory bodies (Auftragsberatungsstellen) of the federal states. Certification examines and confirms:

• Technical expertise (professional qualifications, technical resources)
• Performance capacity (economic and financial capacities)
• Reliability (no grounds for exclusion, proper conduct of business)

The certificate is generally valid for three years and must be renewed thereafter.

Advantages of prequalification

For companies, prequalification offers significant time savings and increased competitive opportunities, since the effort of providing suitability evidence in every individual tender procedure is eliminated. For contracting authorities, the suitability assessment is greatly simplified, as they can rely on audited and certified information. Prequalification also enhances the quality and currency of suitability evidence.

Procedure

The procedure begins with the application to the competent prequalification office, followed by the submission of all relevant documents and an examination by the body. A positive outcome leads to entry in the PQ register. The register is publicly accessible, so that contracting authorities can check the suitability of applicants at any time.

FAQ

Is prequalification mandatory for VOB contracts? No, it is voluntary for companies. Contracting authorities may, however, request its submission. Without prequalification, companies must submit separate suitability evidence on a case-by-case basis.

How long is the prequalification valid? As a rule, three years. After that, a renewal must be applied for.

What does prequalification cost? Costs vary depending on the classification of the company and the responsible body, but typically fall within the three- to four-digit euro range.

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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.