Managing public funds and resources. To further integrate efficiency, quality, and sustainability in procurement, the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK) on October 22, 2026, within the framework of the Sustainable Public Procurement Action Plan (naBe). The aim is to consider long-term economic efficiency and the responsible use of resources in procurement processes, in addition to immediate costs.
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Sustainable procurement: ÖIF focuses on the efficient use of public funds and resources
New partnership with the BMLUK / Focus on the economical use of public funds and long-term economic viability / Cooperation with the naBe platform
“Public funds should be used as sparingly and effectively as possible. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) aims to combine efficiency with sustainable procurement and the careful use of resources .”
Franz Wolf, Director of the Austrian Integration Fund
Combining efficiency and sustainability in procurement
The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) operates integration centers in all Austrian federal states and organizes German language courses, exams, counseling, and other integration measures throughout Austria. Efficient administration and the responsible use of public funds are essential principles. The new partnership provides a structured framework to further strengthen these objectives, particularly in procurement. The focus is on services and areas such as IT and digital infrastructure, office and printing supplies, events, site operations, and mobility. Implementation is supported by the naBe platform, which is located within the Federal Procurement Agency (BBG) and assists public contracting authorities with questions regarding sustainable procurement.
"With the Austrian Integration Fund, the naBe partner network gains a powerful partner with nationwide reach. Sustainable procurement means designing public services in a quality-oriented, socially responsible and resource-efficient manner. The Austrian Integration Fund can provide important impetus, especially in service procurement."
Christian Holzer, Head of Section at the BMLUK
Professional exchange and concrete measures planned
The collaboration aims to further develop existing procurement processes and identify opportunities for the economical and resource-efficient use of public funds. This will involve training courses, workshops, webinars, and consulting services, as well as regular professional exchange within the naBe partner network. Together, suitable procurement areas will be selected, initial pilot projects developed, and experiences documented for further implementation. A central contact person at the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) will handle ongoing coordination with the naBe platform.
"BBG supports public contracting authorities in implementing sustainable procurement in a practical way. With the ÖIF, the naBe network gains a partner that can integrate sustainability criteria into key service and organizational processes. Together, we can pool expertise, identify pilot areas, and achieve concrete results in procurement practice."
Gerhard Zotter, BBG Managing Director
About the naBe action plan
The Action Plan for Sustainable Public Procurement (naBe) comprises criteria for 16 procurement categories. Its aim is to use public funds economically in the long term while simultaneously reducing climate, environmental, and social impacts. In addition to acquisition costs, the plan also considers costs over the entire lifespan of products and services. Furthermore, it seeks to strengthen the exemplary role of public contracting authorities and promote regional value creation. The naBe platform supports public institutions in its implementation through information, consulting, training, and professional networking.