DB InfraGO Secures €72.6 Million Framework for Concrete Sleeper Crack Treatment and Reprofiling

A framework agreement for crack treatment and reprofiling of concrete sleepers worth up to €72.6 million has been awarded by DB InfraGO AG. The contract, spanning two lots with multiple winners including Possehl Spezialbau GmbH, adicon dichte Bauwerke GmbH, and GETEK GmbH, demonstrates how Germany's railway infrastructure operator is maintaining the safety and reliability of its track network across the country.

Introduction

Every kilometre of railway track in Germany depends on concrete sleepers to maintain gauge and support the rails. Over time, these sleepers can develop cracks or suffer damage that requires treatment to prevent failure. DB InfraGO AG, Germany's railway infrastructure operator, has taken a significant step to maintain the safety of its network by awarding a new framework agreement for crack treatment and reprofiling of concrete sleepers.

While not a headline-grabbing consumer deal, this contract is fundamental to ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of Germany's railway infrastructure. It reveals a great deal about how Deutsche Bahn maintains its track network through specialised maintenance frameworks.

Why This Contract Matters

DB InfraGO AG is responsible for operating and maintaining Germany's railway infrastructure, including approximately 33,000 kilometres of track, 5,000 stations, and numerous bridges, tunnels, and other structures. Concrete sleepers are a critical component of the track system, supporting the rails and maintaining the precise gauge required for safe train operation.

Concrete sleepers can develop cracks over time due to stress, weather, and age. These cracks must be treated promptly to prevent failure. The framework agreement covers two treatment methods: injection (injektion) and grouting (verguss), as specified in DB's internal guideline Ril 824.3620. This specialised work can only be performed by service providers approved by DB InfraGO's track engineering department.

Contract Timeline

• Contract award notice published: 23 July 2026 (OJ S 140/2026)
• Winner chosen: 17 July 2026
• Contract concluded: 20 July 2026
• Coverage start date: 1 November 2026
• Coverage end date: 31 October 2030 (with 2 x 2-year renewal options)

Contract Overview

DB InfraGO AG conducted an open procedure for a framework agreement for crack treatment and reprofiling of concrete sleepers in special locations in tracks and switches, according to DB guideline Ril 824.3620. The contract is divided into two lots:

• Lot 1 – Injection: Treatment of cracks and reprofiling of damage in prestressed concrete sleepers using injection (Injektion)
• Lot 2 – Grouting: Treatment of cracks and reprofiling of damage in prestressed concrete sleepers using grouting (Verguss)

The framework is a multi-supplier framework agreement with reopening of competition for individual call-offs. The maximum value of the framework is €72,570,978, with Lot 1 valued at €52,346,580 and Lot 2 at €20,224,399. The initial contract period is 4 years (November 2026 – October 2030), with two 2-year renewal options (maximum total duration of 8 years).

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting Authority	DB InfraGO AG – Geschäftsbereich Fahrweg (Bukr 16)
Contract Subject	Track construction works (CPV 45234116) – Crack treatment and reprofiling of concrete sleepers
Procedure Type	Open procedure
Legal Basis	Directive 2014/25/EU (Sector Directive), SektVO
Maximum Framework Value	€72,570,978.00
Lot 1 Maximum Value	€52,346,580.00
Lot 2 Maximum Value	€20,224,399.00
Number of Lots	2
Contract Duration	4 years + 2 x 2-year renewal options (max 8 years)
Award Criteria	Price (100%)
Bids Received (Lot 1)	6
Bids Received (Lot 2)	7
EU Funding	None disclosed
Covered by GPA	Yes
Review Organisation	Vergabekammer des Bundes

Lots and Winners

Lot	Treatment Method	Winners	Rank
LOT-0001	Injection (Injektion)	GETEK GmbH Possehl Spezialbau GmbH adicon dichte Bauwerke GmbH Krebs GmbH & Co. KG Heinrich Schmid GmbH & Co. KG DB Bahnbau Gruppe GmbH	1 2 3 4 5 6
LOT-0002	Grouting (Verguss)	adicon dichte Bauwerke GmbH Possehl Spezialbau GmbH Heinrich Schmid GmbH & Co. KG VE-Log GmbH Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH Krebs GmbH & Co. KG DB Bahnbau Gruppe GmbH	1 2 3 4 5 6 7

About the Contracting Authority

DB InfraGO AG is a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG responsible for operating and maintaining Germany's railway infrastructure. The company manages approximately 33,000 kilometres of track, 5,000 stations, and numerous bridges, tunnels, and other railway structures. DB InfraGO ensures that Germany's railway network is safe, reliable, and efficiently maintained. The procurement was managed through Deutsche Bahn's central procurement function on behalf of DB InfraGO.

About the Winning Companies

Possehl Spezialbau GmbH is a medium-sized German construction company based in Sprendlingen, specialising in specialist civil engineering, track construction, and concrete repair. The company won both lots with ranks 2 and 2 respectively.

adicon dichte Bauwerke GmbH is a medium-sized German company based in Hörsel, specialising in waterproofing and concrete repair for infrastructure projects. The company won both lots with ranks 3 and 1 respectively.

GETEK Gesellschaft für innovative T - k GmbH is a medium-sized German company based in Rosengarten, specialising in innovative track construction and maintenance solutions. The company won Lot 1 with rank 1.

Other winners include Krebs GmbH & Co. KG, Heinrich Schmid GmbH & Co. KG, DB Bahnbau Gruppe GmbH (Lot 1), Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH, and VE-Log GmbH (Lot 2).

Procurement Analysis

Procedure: An open procedure was used, following the German Sector Procurement Regulation (SektVO) implementing Directive 2014/25/EU. Six bids were received for Lot 1 and seven for Lot 2.

Competition: The multi-supplier framework structure with 6 winners for Lot 1 and 7 for Lot 2 reflects strong competition in the specialist railway maintenance sector.

Award Criteria: Price was the sole award criterion with 100% weighting. This reflects the nature of the work where technical requirements and approval processes are clearly defined by DB's internal guidelines and regulatory approvals.

Specialist Requirements: Bidders were required to hold or have applied for a valid user approval (Anwenderfreigabe) from DB InfraGO's track engineering department, in accordance with Ril 824.3620Z01. Materials used must be listed in the EBA's Eisenbahnspezifische Liste der Technischen Baubestimmungen (ELTB) and Eisenbahnspezifische Bauregelliste (EBRL).

Framework Structure: The agreement is structured as a framework agreement with reopening of competition for individual call-offs. The maximum number of participants is unlimited.

Renewal Options: The framework includes two 2-year renewal options, allowing for a maximum total duration of 8 years.

Sanctions Compliance: The tender includes a reference to EU Regulation 2022/576, ensuring that companies subject to sanctions (related to Russia) are excluded from the procurement process.

GPA Status: The procurement is covered by the World Trade Organization's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), meaning it was, in principle, open to qualifying international bidders.

Additional Procurement Facts

• The framework covers track construction works according to DB guideline Ril 824.3620.
• Bidders must have or have applied for a user approval from DB InfraGO's track engineering department.
• The framework includes two 2-year renewal options.
• Six bids for Lot 1 and seven for Lot 2 were received.
• All winners are German companies.
• No EU funding was used for this procurement.
• Disputes or review requests fall to the Vergabekammer des Bundes.

Market & Industry Perspective

The railway infrastructure maintenance market in Germany is specialised, with contractors requiring specific approvals from DB InfraGO to perform track maintenance work. The framework structure with multiple suppliers provides flexibility and competition for individual call-offs.

The 100% price weighting reflects the nature of the work where technical requirements and quality standards are defined by DB's internal guidelines and regulatory approvals. Contractors who have the necessary approvals can compete primarily on price.

The inclusion of sanctions compliance provisions reflects the EU's regulatory framework following Russia's actions in Ukraine, ensuring that public procurement is not used to benefit sanctioned entities.

Economic Significance

At up to €72.6 million over up to 8 years (including renewals), this framework agreement represents a significant investment in railway infrastructure maintenance. The contract ensures that concrete sleepers across Germany's railway network are treated and maintained to the highest safety standards.

For the winning contractors, the framework provides a stable, multi-year revenue stream and the opportunity to serve Germany's largest railway infrastructure operator.

Future Procurement Opportunities

This framework agreement covers crack treatment and reprofiling through approximately 2034 (with renewals). Related procurement opportunities may include:

• Other track maintenance and renewal works
• Switch and crossing maintenance
• Ballast and track bed works
• Specialist railway engineering services

Opportunities for Suppliers

Companies active in the railway maintenance sector should note the importance of obtaining user approvals (Anwenderfreigabe) from DB InfraGO to participate in track maintenance procurements. The approval process can take several months, and bidders should plan accordingly.

Key success factors include: obtaining and maintaining DB user approval, using materials listed in the EBA's ELTB and EBRL, competitive pricing, and the ability to deliver work nationwide across Germany.

What Businesses Should Watch

• The exercise of the 2-year renewal options on this framework.
• Similar track maintenance procurements from DB InfraGO.
• Changes to DB's internal guidelines and EBA requirements.
• Opportunities for subcontracting with the framework winners.

GermanyTender Procurement Intelligence

This contract is a useful case study in how Germany's railway infrastructure operator maintains its track network through specialised maintenance frameworks. DB InfraGO has secured a €72.6 million framework for concrete sleeper crack treatment and reprofiling, with multiple winners selected through a price-based open procedure.

The most notable feature of this tender is the specialist approval requirement. Bidders must hold or have applied for a user approval (Anwenderfreigabe) from DB InfraGO's track engineering department. The approval process can take several months, and contractors who do not already have approval should plan well in advance to participate. This creates a significant barrier to entry, ensuring that only qualified contractors can perform this safety-critical work.

The 100% price weighting reflects the nature of the work where technical requirements are specified in detail by DB's internal guidelines and EBA regulations. With the technical requirements clearly defined and approval processes ensuring quality, price becomes the primary differentiator among qualified bidders.

The multi-supplier framework structure provides DB InfraGO with flexibility to choose from a pool of qualified contractors for individual call-offs, while the price-based evaluation ensures cost efficiency.

For suppliers, the lesson is that obtaining the necessary technical approvals is essential for participating in DB InfraGO maintenance tenders. Companies should invest in the approval process and maintain strong relationships with DB's track engineering department to ensure they can participate in future opportunities.

Supplier Takeaways

• Obtain and maintain DB user approval (Anwenderfreigabe) – essential for participation.
• Materials must be listed in the EBA's ELTB and EBRL.
• Price is the sole award criterion (100%).
• Multi-supplier frameworks offer ongoing opportunities.
• Renewal options extend framework duration up to 8 years.
• Sanctions compliance (EU Regulation 2022/576) is required.

Key Takeaways

• DB InfraGO awarded a €72.6 million framework for concrete sleeper crack treatment and reprofiling.
• Two lots: Injection (€52.3 million) and Grouting (€20.2 million) with multiple winners each.
• Award criteria: Price (100%).
• Six bids for Lot 1 and seven for Lot 2 were received.
• Contract duration: 4 years + 2 x 2-year renewal options (max 8 years).
• Specialist approval from DB InfraGO is required for participation.

Conclusion

This is not a contract that will make national headlines, but it reflects something structurally important about how Germany maintains its railway infrastructure. By awarding a €72.6 million framework for concrete sleeper crack treatment and reprofiling, DB InfraGO ensures that its track network remains safe and reliable for passengers and freight operations. The contract demonstrates the importance of specialist approvals, price competitiveness, and multi-supplier frameworks in railway infrastructure maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is DB InfraGO AG?

It is a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG responsible for operating and maintaining Germany's railway infrastructure, including approximately 33,000 kilometres of track.

Q: What does this framework cover?

It covers crack treatment and reprofiling of concrete sleepers using injection and grouting methods, as specified in DB guideline Ril 824.3620.

Q: What is required to participate?

Contractors must hold or have applied for a user approval from DB InfraGO's track engineering department and use materials listed in the EBA's ELTB and EBRL.

Q: What is the value of this framework?

The maximum value is €72.6 million, with Lot 1 at €52.3 million and Lot 2 at €20.2 million.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

No. The notice confirms the project is not financed with EU funds, though it is governed by EU Directive 2014/25/EU.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 510868-2026, OJ S 140/2026, published 23 July 2026.