The state of Brandenburg wants to significantly simplify the awarding of public contracts for state authorities and other contracting authorities at state level. The corresponding decree amending the administrative regulation on Section 55 of the State Budget Code stipulates that construction work with an estimated contract value of up to EUR 100,000 net can in future be commissioned directly without an award procedure. The same applies to the awarding of contracts for supplies and services up to an estimated net contract value of 100,000 euros. Previously, the limit for the direct commissioning of construction services was 3,000 euros net; for other services it was 1,000 euros net. They will therefore be raised significantly. In addition to the obligation to regularly alternate between companies in the case of direct commissions, the budgetary regulations on economy and efficiency remain unaffected. Clients are therefore well advised to carefully check and document the appropriateness of tender prices for direct commissions.

In future, the limit for the restricted or direct award of construction services will be 1,000,000 euros net. When awarding contracts for supplies and services, contracting authorities are free to choose between all types of procedure up to the current threshold value of 221,000 euros net.

The changes have been in force since 17 June 2025.

It remains to be seen whether and when the above simplifications will also be extended to municipal clients. This will require an amendment to Section 28 of the Municipal Budget and Cash Regulations, which should be expected shortly.