Procurement Advisory Office in Public Procurement Law 2026

Definition: A procurement advisory office is a publicly funded or institutional advisory body that provides free or low-cost advice to companies and public contracting authorities on questions of procurement law and public procurement.

Last updated: January 2026 · Legal status: Institutionally anchored at federal and state level in Austria and Germany

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What is a procurement advisory office?

Procurement advisory offices are neutral contact points that, in particular, make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the public procurement market and support contracting authorities in conducting procurement procedures in compliance with the law. They are usually based at chambers of commerce and industry, chambers of crafts, or specialised public bodies, and offer their services independently and on a non-commercial basis.

Tasks and Services

The range of services offered by a procurement advisory office covers advice, information and, in some cases, training on all topics relevant to procurement law.

Typical advisory services:

• Explanation of the fundamentals of procurement law (EU law, national law)
• Support with the interpretation of tender documents
• Guidance on tender preparation and suitability evidence
• Information about review rights and procedures
• Advice for contracting authorities on procedurally compliant tender design
• Pointers to relevant publication platforms and deadlines

Procurement Advisory Offices in Austria

In Austria, the Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) and its regional organisations as well as the Federal Procurement Office perform advisory functions. In addition, specialised procurement information offices exist at the state level. The Federal Procurement Agency (BBG), as the federal government's central procurement office, also provides information about ongoing procurement procedures and guidance on market participation.

Procurement Advisory Offices in Germany

In Germany, procurement advisory offices are based at the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and the Chambers of Crafts (HWK) of the federal states. The network of procurement advisory offices is organised nationwide and coordinated by the Federal Working Group of Procurement Advisory Offices (BAFA network). In addition, the Competence Centre for Public IT (ÖFIT) and the Procurement Office of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BeschA) provide information about public procurement procedures.

FAQ

Is advice from a procurement advisory office free of charge? As a rule, yes. Most procurement advisory offices offer free initial advice. Extensive training or in-depth consultations may be subject to a fee.

Can procurement advisory offices give legally binding information? No. Procurement advisory offices provide informational guidance, not legally binding statements. For binding legal assessments, a law firm specialising in procurement law should be consulted.

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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.