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Branchevereniging Nederlandse Architectenbureaus

BNA

The BNA is the professional organisation of architecture firms in the Netherlands, which has been advocating for the role of architects in Dutch society for more than 175 years.

Lobbying Activity

Response to Evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives

6 Mar 2025

The BNA (Branchevereniging Nederlandse Architectenbureaus) is the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects, the professional organisation of architecture firms in the Netherlands, which has been advocating for the role of architects in Dutch society for more than 175 years. Led by a Board, a Members Council, a Secretariat and several specialised working groups, the BNA currently counts with almost 1,000 architectural firms in membership. The topic of public procurement has always been of high priority for the BNA and Dutch architects. While there is a broad consensus among the sector that the EU Directive on public procurement (2014/24/EU) is well-intentioned in its aim of ensuring open and fair opportunities for all, reality paints a different picture: onerous procedures, restrictive criteria, poor remuneration and insufficient professionalisation in tender drafting and evaluation, all of which result in very low participation for public tenders and ultimately an uneven level playing field. Thus, there is an urgent need for a legislative revision to ensure greater participation and a better recognition of quality-orientated procurement procedures under architectural profession. In this short paper (in attachment), we highlight the main challenges experienced by Dutch architecture firms during the tendering process, along with recommendations to be considered during the revision of the EU Public Procurement Directive, which would lead to a healthier, more open and competitive procurement process at European and national levels.
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