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What Is the Duty to Wait (Wartepflicht, Germany)?
This is a German procurement term. The duty to observe the standstill period before concluding the contract.
What is the Wartepflicht?
The standstill period between informing the bidders of the award decision and signing the contract: fifteen calendar days, or ten if the information is sent electronically.
What happens if the buyer signs too early?
The contract is ineffective from the start if a bidder applies for review within the time limits. The buyer may also face damages claims.
Does it apply below the thresholds?
Not under federal law. Some state procurement laws impose a shorter standstill below the thresholds, so check the state concerned.
