Rostock's Procurement Strategy in February 2026: From Bridge Construction to Support for People with Disabilities

Rostock's Procurement Strategy in February 2026

In February 2026, the Hanseatic city of Rostock was in an intensive phase of its procurement activities. Numerous decisions made in the Economic and Procurement Committee and other bodies laid the foundation for investments in infrastructure, culture, and social infrastructure. The city deliberately chose EU-wide procurement procedures and transparent criteria to ensure competitiveness and sustainability.

Infrastructure in Focus: Bridge Structures and Road Construction

One of the biggest challenges for the city in February was the new construction of the bridge structure BW 121 in Rennbahnallee. This project, part of the connection between Rostock Zoo and DB route 6921, was the subject of an EU-wide procurement process under the Open Procedure. The sole award criterion was the price. With a threshold value of over 216,000 EUR net, a transparent and competitive process was crucial.

The renovation of the ceilings in Nobelstraße between Tychsenstraße and Südring was also decided. Here, the award criterion was again 100% price. The city deliberately chose a restricted tender, which is more efficient especially for smaller projects. The costs for this project also exceeded the EU threshold, necessitating a European-wide tender.

Culture and Museum Operations: New Assignment of Services

In the field of culture, Rostock implemented a balanced evaluation system with the reassignment of supervision and cash handling services for the Cultural History Museum. Here, 70% of the award criteria were allocated to the price and 30% to the concept. The duration of the new contract is up to four years, with an option for extension. This project is an example of how the city not only focuses on cost efficiency but also on quality criteria to provide museum visitors with an appropriate offering.

Support for People with Disabilities: Redesigning Mobility

Another focus was the transportation of students with disabilities. With a contract volume of over 216,000 EUR net and a duration until 2030, Rostock used an Open Procedure. The evaluation criteria included not only the price (70%), but also the route plan (15%), the possibility of vehicle tracking (10%), and the certificate for secure transportation (5%). This variety of criteria underscores the city's commitment to ensuring high quality even in social projects.

Future Visions: The Rostock City Cube and the Parking Garage in Warnemünde

Another highlight was the initiation of the procurement process for the construction of the "Rostock City Cube" at Neuer Markt. This project, part of the Smart City initiative "Zukunft:Quartier," is funded by grants. With an estimated volume of 500,000 EUR net and a purely price-based selection procedure, Rostock focused on efficiency and transparency here.

There was also a significant development in Warnemünde: a request for evaluation was submitted for the construction of a parking garage at Strand Mitte. The city is examining whether the rear part of the plots can be tendered to private investors. This project could not only improve the parking situation in the future but also provide new economic impulses.

Conclusion: Transparent and Strategic Procurement Policy

February 2026 marked a milestone for Rostock in procurement and contract policy. The city deliberately chose EU-wide procedures, transparent criteria, and long-term planning. Whether in infrastructure, culture, or education — Rostock demonstrates that a modern city must not only rely on innovation but also on sustainability and social responsibility. With projects such as the City Cube, the TRAM WEST, or the redevelopment of the Werftbecken, Rostock is setting the course for a capable and future-ready city that continues to develop economically and socially.