The VOF was the former German framework for certain professional services. It ceased to be the current procurement instrument in the 2016 reform. Contemporary planning procurements must be assessed under the applicable GWB, VgV and other relevant rules.
Recognise historical material
Older judgments, contracts and guidance may properly refer to the VOF because of their date. That historical reference should not be copied into a new notice as if the VOF still governed the procurement. First identify when the procedure began and which version of the law applies.
Planning under the VgV
Above-threshold architectural and engineering services are addressed by the relevant VgV provisions, including sections 73 onwards where applicable. Procedure, selection, evaluation and design competitions require attention to their particular conditions. Professional status does not itself remove the procurement obligation.
Value and project structure
Estimate the relevant total service requirement and assess aggregation, lots, options and staged commissioning. An annual budget or separate internal department does not automatically create unrelated contracts. Document the intended structure and ensure the published scope corresponds to the expected project.
Evaluate professional quality
References concern capability; project-specific team quality, methodology and performance can have an award role within the legal framework. Use clear, proportionate requirements and a transparent comparison. Avoid rewarding an established name without examining the actual team and services offered.
Four practical examples
The following scenarios are illustrative, not reports of actual client matters. The outcome depends on the documents and circumstances of the individual procurement.
Example 1: Old form
A notice template still cites the VOF. The authority updates the legal basis and checks the underlying procedural steps.
Example 2: Staged planning
A commission includes later optional phases. Their estimated value and clear option design are considered before procurement.
Example 3: New practice
A younger engineering practice has capable personnel. Reference requirements should be tested for proportionality and the permitted evidence of capability.
Example 4: Historic dispute
An older judgment applies the VOF. Its reasoning may be informative, but the current statutory framework must be examined separately.
Related topics
Procurement of architectural and engineering services · The German Procurement Ordinance: VgV · EU procurement thresholds for 2026 and 2027 · Selection criteria, references and self-declarations
Discuss your procurement
For a review, please identify the authority, contract or lot, current procedural stage and any deadline. We can then clarify the scope of the requested work. Contact our team. An enquiry does not itself create a retainer or preserve a legal deadline.
Legal sources
Official legislation and materials, some in German: Aktuelle VgV
Updated 13 November 2026. Illustrative guidance on German and EU procurement law.