Since 1 February 2026, higher value limits for direct contracts in public procurement have applied in North Rhine-Westphalia. They are intended to help reduce bureaucracy and simplify procurement practices in order to strengthen the state's competitiveness and better manage modernisation and digitalisation-related challenges. Since 1 February 2026, a value limit of €50,000 (net) has applied to direct contracts for supplies and services. For construction services, the value limit has been raised to €100,000 (net).

The amendments were brought forward and made provisionally by decree. In terms of content, they correspond to the future version of the administrative regulations on Section 55 of the NRW State Budget Code (LHO NRW) and are intended to contribute to simpler and more efficient award procedures below the threshold values.