Gesamtauftrags

Gesamtauftrag is a term used in procurement and project management to describe a single, comprehensive contract that covers the entire scope of a project and assigns responsibility for all phases to one contractor. The concept is commonly applied in construction, engineering, industrial plant projects, and large IT integrations, where a unified contract can streamline coordination, scheduling, and accountability.

In contrast to a Teilauftrag (partial order), a Gesamtauftrag consolidates design, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning, and handover under one contractual relationship. The client issues a single specification and award decision, while the main contractor may subcontract specific tasks, but retains overall responsibility and points of contact. The contract typically defines the overall scope, milestones, delivery schedule, payment terms, acceptance criteria, warranty and liability, change management, and risk allocation. Prices can be fixed, capped, or based on a target price with adjustments for changes in scope.

Legal and contractual practice varies by jurisdiction, but in German-speaking contexts the concept is used within civil and construction contract frameworks, such as BGB-based contracts or sector-specific rules like VOB/B. Important considerations include the balance between simplified coordination and reduced flexibility, risk transfer to the main contractor, and the complexity of change management.

Examples include design-build construction projects, turnkey industrial plants, and comprehensive IT system integrations where one contractor guarantees end-to-end delivery and performance. See also Teilauftrag, Rahmenvertrag, Bauvertrag.