Staatl. Hochbauamt Stuttgart Secures €23.3 Million Contract for IT/FM Cable Network at Heuberg Military Training Area

A contract for the construction of an IT/FM cable network, electrical, information and telecommunications technology, and wastewater pressure pipelines worth €23.3 million has been awarded by Staatliches Hochbauamt Stuttgart. The contract, won by Friedrich Stingel GmbH, demonstrates how German federal construction authorities are investing in critical infrastructure upgrades at military training areas to support modern communication and operational requirements.

Introduction

Every military training area depends on robust infrastructure to support training operations, communication, and logistics. The Heuberg military training area in Baden-Württemberg requires a comprehensive upgrade of its IT, telecommunications, and utilities networks to meet modern operational requirements. Staatliches Hochbauamt Stuttgart has taken a significant step to deliver this upgrade by awarding a new construction contract for an extensive cable network and associated infrastructure.

While not a headline-grabbing consumer deal, this contract is fundamental to ensuring that the Heuberg training area has the modern infrastructure needed to support military operations. It reveals a great deal about how German federal construction authorities deliver complex infrastructure projects on military sites.

Why This Contract Matters

The Heuberg military training area is located in the Zollernalbkreis district of Baden-Württemberg, near Stetten am kalten Markt. The site is used by the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) for training and exercises, requiring reliable communications, power, and wastewater infrastructure.

This contract covers the construction of an extensive IT and telecommunications network, including approximately 250,000 metres of cable protection pipes, 30,000 metres of micro-cable conduits, 17,000 metres of fibre-optic cables, nine IT/telecommunications buildings, and 20,000 metres of wastewater pressure pipelines with leak detection. The project also includes maintenance services for the completed infrastructure.

Contract Timeline

• Contract award notice published: 4 August 2026 (OJ S 148/2026)
• Contract concluded: 3 August 2026
• Coverage start date: 13 July 2026
• Coverage end date: 1 November 2028

Contract Overview

Staatliches Hochbauamt Stuttgart conducted an open procedure for the construction of an IT/FM cable network, electrical, information and telecommunications technology, and wastewater pressure pipelines on the Heuberg military training area. The contract covers a comprehensive range of works including:

• 250,000 metres of cable protection pipes (PE-HD AD 75 to 180)
• 30,000 metres of micro-cable conduits (4 x AD 20)
• 17,000 metres of micro-cable conduits (1 x AD 10)
• 300 cable pull and multi-functional shafts
• 20,000 metres of wastewater pressure pipelines (DN/OD 90 to 110) with leak detection, pigging stations, and vent valves
• 9 IT/telecommunications buildings (prefabricated concrete structures, approx. 4.0 x 6.6 x 3.2 m)
• 9 technical building fit-outs including air conditioning, UPS systems, low-voltage switchgear, lightning protection, earthing, and telecommunications systems
• 10,000 metres of symmetrical outdoor cables (A-2YF(L)2Y 10x2x0.8)
• 17,000 metres of fibre-optic cables (single-mode, A-DQ(ZN)2Y 1x12E9/125)
• 32,000 metres of fibre-optic cables (single-mode, A-DQ(ZN)2Y 24x12E9/125)
• Maintenance services

The total contract value awarded is €23,313,110.32. The contract duration is approximately 27 months (July 2026 to November 2028). The procurement received six tenders, with Friedrich Stingel GmbH selected as the winner based on price (100% weighting).

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting Authority	Staatl. Hochbauamt Stuttgart
Winning Bidder	Friedrich Stingel GmbH
Contract Subject	Construction work (CPV 45000000)
Procedure Type	Open procedure
Legal Basis	Directive 2014/24/EU, VOB/A-EU
Estimated Value (ex-VAT)	€20,588,235.29
Value of Contract Awarded	€23,313,110.32
Contract Duration	13 July 2026 – 1 November 2028
Award Criteria	Price (100%)
Bids Received	6
EU Funding	None disclosed
Covered by GPA	No
Review Organisation	Vergabekammer des Bundes beim Bundeskartellamt

Project Scope

The contract covers the construction of an extensive IT, telecommunications, and utilities network at the Heuberg military training area. The scope includes:

• Cable Protection Pipes: 250,000 metres of PE-HD cable protection pipes (AD 75 to 180) for underground cable routing.
• Micro-Cable Conduits: 30,000 metres of 4 x AD 20 and 17,000 metres of 1 x AD 10 micro-cable conduits.
• Cable Shafts: 300 cable pull and multi-functional shafts.
• Wastewater Pressure Pipelines: 20,000 metres of DN/OD 90 to 110 pipes with leak detection, pigging stations, and vent valves.
• IT/Telecommunications Buildings: 9 prefabricated concrete buildings (approx. 4.0 x 6.6 x 3.2 m).
• Technical Building Equipment: Air conditioning, UPS systems, low-voltage switchgear, lightning protection, earthing, and telecommunications systems.
• Outdoor Cables: 10,000 metres of symmetrical outdoor cables (A-2YF(L)2Y 10x2x0.8).
• Fibre-Optic Cables: 17,000 metres (1x12E9/125) and 32,000 metres (24x12E9/125) of single-mode fibre-optic cables.
• Maintenance Services: Ongoing maintenance for the completed infrastructure.

About the Contracting Authority

Staatliches Hochbauamt Stuttgart is the State Building Authority of Stuttgart, a regional authority responsible for the planning, construction, and management of federal and state building projects in the Stuttgart region. The authority manages a wide range of projects, including military infrastructure, government buildings, and public facilities. The Heuberg project is one of several major infrastructure projects managed by the authority on behalf of the German federal government and the state of Baden-Württemberg.

About the Winning Company

Friedrich Stingel GmbH is a medium-sized German construction company based in Schwenningen (Sigmaringen district, Baden-Württemberg). The company specialises in civil engineering, cable construction, pipeline construction, and infrastructure projects. With extensive experience in complex construction projects for public sector clients, Friedrich Stingel GmbH is well-positioned to deliver the comprehensive cable network and infrastructure works required for the Heuberg military training area.

Procurement Analysis

Procedure: An open procedure was used, following the German VOB/A-EU (Construction Contract Procedures). Six tenders were received, all submitted electronically.

Competition: Six bids were received for this contract, reflecting a healthy level of competition in the German construction market. Four of the bidders were SMEs.

Award Criteria: Price was the sole award criterion with 100% weighting. This reflects the nature of construction works where technical specifications are clearly defined in the tender documents, making price the primary differentiator among qualified bidders.

Pre-qualification: The tender required bidders to be pre-qualified or to submit a European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) with their offer. Pre-qualified companies could demonstrate their suitability through their entry in the Pre-qualification Register.

Maintenance Component: The contract includes maintenance services as part of the scope, ensuring that the newly constructed infrastructure is maintained over its lifecycle.

GPA Status: The procurement is not covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), which explains why no international bidders participated.

Additional Procurement Facts

• Six tenders were received, all submitted electronically.
• Four of the six bidders were SMEs.
• The contract includes maintenance services.
• No subcontracting was used by the winning bidder.
• No EU funding was used for this procurement.
• Disputes or review requests fall to the Vergabekammer des Bundes beim Bundeskartellamt.

Market & Industry Perspective

The German construction market for civil engineering and cable infrastructure is competitive, with numerous contractors capable of delivering complex projects. The six bids received for this contract reflect a healthy level of competition.

The price-only award criterion reflects the nature of construction works where technical specifications are clearly defined in the tender documents. With the scope of work detailed, the contracting authority can compare bids primarily on cost while ensuring that all bidders meet the technical requirements.

The inclusion of maintenance services in the contract reflects the long-term operational needs of military infrastructure, ensuring that the completed network is maintained over its lifecycle.

Economic Significance

At €23.3 million, this contract represents a significant investment in military infrastructure at the Heuberg training area. The new IT, telecommunications, and utilities network will support modern military operations and enhance the capabilities of the training area.

For Friedrich Stingel GmbH, the contract provides a substantial revenue stream and the opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities on a major infrastructure project for the German federal government.

Future Procurement Opportunities

This contract covers the construction of the IT/FM cable network and associated infrastructure through November 2028. Related procurement opportunities may include:

• Building construction and renovation projects at the training area
• Road and access infrastructure
• Other military infrastructure projects
• Specialist electrical and telecommunications equipment

Opportunities for Suppliers

Construction companies active in the German market should note the importance of price competitiveness in this procurement. The price-only award criterion rewards suppliers who can offer competitive pricing while meeting technical specifications.

Key success factors include: competitive pricing, proven experience in cable construction and civil engineering, compliance with pre-qualification requirements, and the ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects on military sites.

What Businesses Should Watch

• Similar infrastructure projects at other German military training areas.
• The evolution of military infrastructure requirements.
• Opportunities for subcontracting with Friedrich Stingel GmbH.
• Maintenance and follow-on contracts for the completed infrastructure.

GermanyTender Procurement Intelligence

This contract is a useful case study in how German federal construction authorities deliver complex infrastructure projects on military sites. Staatliches Hochbauamt Stuttgart has secured a €23.3 million contract for the construction of an IT/FM cable network at the Heuberg military training area, with Friedrich Stingel GmbH selected through a competitive open procedure.

The most notable feature of this tender is the scale and comprehensiveness of the project, covering 250,000 metres of cable protection pipes, 9 IT/telecommunications buildings, 20,000 metres of wastewater pressure pipelines, and extensive fibre-optic and telecommunications cabling. This integrated approach ensures that the training area receives a complete infrastructure upgrade.

The six bids received reflect a healthy level of competition in the German construction market, with four of the six bidders being SMEs, demonstrating that the market is accessible to a range of contractors.

The inclusion of maintenance services in the contract reflects the long-term operational needs of military infrastructure, ensuring that the completed network is maintained over its lifecycle.

For suppliers, the lesson is that price competitiveness is essential for construction contracts, but technical capability and experience are also critical. Companies that can demonstrate both are best positioned for these contracts.

Supplier Takeaways

• Price is the sole award criterion (100%).
• Competitive pricing is essential for success.
• Proven experience in cable construction and civil engineering is critical.
• Pre-qualification or ESPD submission is required.
• Military infrastructure projects offer significant opportunities.
• Maintenance services are included in the scope.

Key Takeaways

• Staatl. Hochbauamt Stuttgart awarded a €23.3 million contract for IT/FM cable network construction at the Heuberg military training area to Friedrich Stingel GmbH.
• The contract covers cable protection pipes, micro-cable conduits, fibre-optic cables, wastewater pipelines, and 9 IT/telecommunications buildings.
• Award criteria: Price (100%).
• Six bids were received, with four from SMEs.
• Contract duration: 13 July 2026 – 1 November 2028.
• The project supports modern military communications and operations at the Heuberg training area.

Conclusion

This is not a contract that will make national headlines, but it reflects something structurally important about how Germany invests in military infrastructure to support modern operations. By awarding a €23.3 million contract for the construction of an IT/FM cable network to Friedrich Stingel GmbH, Staatliches Hochbauamt Stuttgart ensures that the Heuberg military training area has the modern communications, power, and utilities infrastructure needed for effective training and operations. The contract demonstrates the importance of price competition, the value of specialised construction expertise, and the critical role of infrastructure in supporting military readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Staatliches Hochbauamt Stuttgart?

It is the State Building Authority of Stuttgart, responsible for the planning, construction, and management of federal and state building projects in the Stuttgart region.

Q: What is the Heuberg military training area?

It is a military training area near Stetten am kalten Markt in Baden-Württemberg, used by the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) for training and exercises.

Q: What does this contract cover?

It covers the construction of an IT/FM cable network, including cable protection pipes, micro-cable conduits, fibre-optic cables, wastewater pressure pipelines, and 9 IT/telecommunications buildings.

Q: Who is the winning bidder?

Friedrich Stingel GmbH, a medium-sized German construction company based in Schwenningen.

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 2014/24/EU.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 538575-2026, OJ S 148/2026, published 4 Aug 2026.