PPA and IAPP · harmonised since 2021
On public contracts you answer for your subcontractors too.
The revised procurement law requires bidders to comply with labour protection, working conditions, pay equality and environmental law – and to ensure that third parties they engage do the same.
Since the full revision, federal and inter-cantonal law are largely harmonised. Contracts are no longer awarded to the cheapest but to the most advantageous tender; quality, sustainability and reliability are permissible award criteria.
For the supply chain, the decisive duty is ensuring that subcontractors meet the same requirements. Breaches can lead to exclusion from the procedure, revocation of the award or sanctions – regardless of whether you knew.
Who is affected
- Companies bidding for federal, cantonal and municipal contracts.
- General contractors and planners passing work to third parties.
- Bidders performing abroad, where additional requirements apply.
- Subcontractors themselves, whose data feeds the main bidder’s tender.
What is required
- Working conditions
- Compliance with labour protection and working conditions at the place of performance.
- Pay equality
- Equal pay for women and men, evidenced on request.
- Subcontractors
- Ensure engaged third parties meet the same requirements.
- Abroad
- For performance abroad, international core conventions apply in addition.
- Evidence
- Produce confirmations and records at the awarding authority’s request.
How SCRM covers it
Subcontractors per project
Who took part in which contract – the question at every review.
Confirmations with validity
Self-declarations and evidence with expiry and recall dates.
Place of performance as a field
Where work happens decides which rules apply.
Tender documents
Data from the record rather than from memory, at every submission.
Frequently asked
Does this apply to small contracts?
The procedure depends on contract value, but the substantive requirements on working conditions and subcontractors apply regardless.
What if a subcontractor breaches them?
The consequences hit you as the bidder first – from possible exclusion to sanctions. Which is why the check belongs before the engagement.
How is pay equality evidenced?
Self-declaration and, on request, an analysis using a recognised instrument. The awarding authority may commission checks.
As of July 2026. The federal and cantonal procurement rules govern. Not legal advice.