Selection process with regional exceptions in Saxony – Focus on quality and resilience

The latest award decision by the South West Saxony Rescue Services Association (RettZV SWS) for nine rescue stations in the Vogtlandkreis and Zwickau districts (2026–2033) marks a milestone: for the first time in years, GWB tenders have been dispensed with in favour of a traditional tender process. In consultation with the health insurance funds, an administrative selection procedure was used. The basis for this is the amendment to the Saxon Rescue Service Act. This has made it possible to apply the area exemption for hazard prevention.

Instead of rigid price offers, the selection process focused on quality and resilience (49%) and economic efficiency (51%). Among other things, concepts for disaster control, mass casualties, school medical services, youth work and hygiene were evaluated. Cost-effectiveness was assessed on the basis of personnel security and special services such as mountain rescue and rescue dog teams – but without binding calculations.

This development confirms SKW Schwarz's position: Long-term price calculations in the rescue service are not sustainable in view of the shortage of skilled workers, wage increases, rising inflation and changing requirements. Instead, procurement procedures must focus on the performance, quality and resilience of civil protection. Negotiations between the responsible bodies and health insurance funds, supported by the service providers, ensure that no money is wasted.

The new procedure enables flexible, annual planning and permanent controlling instead of long-term risk premiums. There are incentives for quality and voluntary work in civil protection. Special termination rights and audits by the rescue services association provide additional security.

Our recommendation: Financing and procurement in the emergency medical services should be based on regional structures and actual performance – not on costs over many years. This is the only way to ensure that rescue services remain crisis-proof, quality-oriented, economical and future-proof.

How the upcoming reform of emergency care at the federal level will affect the refinancing of rescue services and civil protection remains a big question mark, especially for refinancing.

We will also be discussing this at the DVNWforum on 25 February 2026 in Berlin (more information).

SKW Schwarz – your partner for sustainable and resilient solutions in emergency medical services and civil protection.