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What Is Competition as a Procurement Principle (Wettbewerb, Germany)?
This is a German procurement term. A core principle ensuring that public contracts are awarded through fair competition among several providers.
What does the competition principle require?
That public contracts are awarded through genuine competition among several providers, and that the buyer does nothing to restrict it unnecessarily.
How can a buyer breach it?
By specifying a particular product without 'or equivalent', by setting requirements only one supplier can meet, or by choosing a procedure that limits participation without justification.
Why is it fundamental?
It is the mechanism that delivers value for money and prevents favouritism. The other principles, transparency and equal treatment, exist to protect it.
