What is the UVgO?
The UVgO (Unterschwellenvergabeordnung) governs the award of public supply and service contracts below EU thresholds in Germany. It came into force on September 2, 2017, replacing the first section of the former VOL/A.
Scope
The UVgO applies to supply and service contracts below 143,000 EUR (federal) or 221,000 EUR (state/municipal level). Most German states have declared it binding through administrative regulations.
Procedure Types
The UVgO provides five procedure types ranging from direct awards (up to 1,000 EUR) through negotiated procedures and restricted tenders to full public tenders, offering flexibility depending on contract value and complexity.
Differences from VgV
Key differences include less formalized procedures, shorter deadlines, national rather than EU-wide publication, limited legal remedies (no procurement chamber jurisdiction), and only partial e-procurement obligations.
Importance for SMEs
The UVgO is particularly relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises, as the majority of public contracts fall below EU thresholds. The less formalized procedures and shorter deadlines facilitate market access while maintaining core principles of transparency and competition.