Digital Performance Contracting Competence Center

The aim of the DigiPeC project is to establish a competence center for incentive-based contracts and risk-based management of complex procurement projects for public clients (Digital Performance Contracting Competence Center / DigiPeC). The competence center will manifest itself through digital elements (software tool and knowledge pool) and physically tangible elements (research laboratory).

The content-related goal is to examine project management, risk management, and strategic public procurement management from the perspective of engineering, economics, and law in an integrated manner. It is precisely this interdisciplinary approach that has been lacking until now and that makes DigiPeC particularly distinctive.

The main goal will be achieved with the establishment of the competence center in the ongoing DigiPeC project by the end of 2024. However, it should be noted that the procurement processes have also delayed and influenced the project due to inadequate bidder suitability in the initial tender. Nevertheless, all elements of the competence center are already in place (09/2023) and will continue to grow as the project progresses.

Softwaretool: The basic functionalities of the software have already been created. The detailed design will be completed by the end of 2024, including initial testing and validation.

Knowledgepool: Key knowledge modules have been developed in working papers, and a knowledge management system based on the two software tools Comala and Confluence has already been set up. The knowledge content will be expanded by the end of 2024.

Research laboratory: All planning work for the establishment of the laboratory has been completed. The facility is expected to be set up in 2023.

New research approach, interdisciplinarity: In terms of content, it has become apparent that incentives in the public sector require a multidimensional analysis. Sectoral control margins as well as technical and project-specific features must be taken into account (e.g., construction projects, operator models, German Armed Forces armament projects). The truly interdisciplinary approach of joint knowledge development is being implemented and is leading to new solutions. This is to be continued.