What is SME Promotion in Procurement?
SME promotion is a legally anchored principle of German procurement law. § 97(4) GWB requires that SME interests must be primarily considered in public contract awards.
Instruments
Trade lot division, partial lot division, proportionate suitability criteria, reasonable reference requirements, joint bidding (consortia), reliance on third-party capabilities, and minimum bidder numbers in restricted procedures.
Proportionate Suitability Criteria
Turnover requirements: maximum twice the contract value (§ 45(2) VgV). References: comparable but not identical. Certifications: only when objectively necessary.
Practical Tip
As an SME, you have special protection under German procurement law. Patterno finds matching lots and tenders, including below-threshold procurements where over 80% of all contracts are awarded.