Traffic-related ammonia concentrations at federal motorways 2026 Tender

Original: FE 02.0502/2026/IRB - Verkehrsbedingte Ammoniak-Konzentrationen an Bundesfernstraßen

Bundesanstalt für Straßen- und Verkehrswesen, Referat Z2

About this tender

The Bundesanstalt für Straßen- und Verkehrswesen (BASt), Referat Z2, is procuring a research service on traffic-related ammonia concentrations at federal motorways (Bundesfernstraßen), under project reference FE 02.0502/2026/IRB (the body text gives FE 02.502/2026/IRB). Agriculture is the main ammonia source, but ammonia can also be released by road traffic, particularly through exhaust aftertreatment. The EU Air Quality Directive 2024/2881 classifies ammonia as a pollutant of concern for the first time and adds it to monitoring obligations at supersites. Existing measurement data, especially near federal motorways, are considered insufficient. The study aims to systematically record and assess traffic-related ammonia concentrations at federal motorways to build a reliable data basis for classifying road traffic as an ammonia emission source. The contractor must first prepare the scientific state of knowledge on ammonia immissions in the roadside environment. Passive sampler measurements under VDI 3869 Part 4 are to run for one year at two sites: the BASt measurement cross-section A 555 near Wesseling and one additional high-traffic federal motorway (BAB) site. Samples are to be taken on both sides of the carriageway at two-week intervals, with duplicate determinations for quality assurance. Laboratory analysis must be performed by a DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. Data evaluation covers seasonal, meteorological and traffic-related influences, and interactions between ammonia, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter. A windward-leeward (Luv-Lee) analysis is to estimate the traffic contribution to total pollution. Based on the results, the contractor develops a concept for permanently integrating an ammonia measurement system into measurement cross-section A 555. The stated outcome is a data basis that allows modelled ammonia concentrations in road traffic to be validated. The service is classified under CPV 73000000-2 (research and development services and related consultancy). Place of performance is Bergisch Gladbach, Brüderstraße 53, 51427. Alternative tenders are not permitted.

Bidder eligibility

Mandatory and self-declared requirements: (1) Financial standing: a current bank statement not older than three months from its issue date; public-law bodies may use a self-declaration. (2) Liability insurance: current proof of professional or business liability insurance (personal, financial and property damage) valid for the full project term, or a self-declaration committing to take out such insurance if awarded; public-law bodies may self-declare legal status. (3) Technical and professional capability: (a) knowledge and experience in air quality near transport routes, especially ammonia immission measurement in the roadside environment using passive sampling, evidenced by at least 2 completed reference projects from the last 5 years, listed in Reference List 1; (b) a DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory for analysing passive sampler samples using ion chromatography, photometric or flow injection analysis consistent with VDI 3869 Part 4, evidenced by a self-declaration with the registration number; (c) availability (owned or rented) of the required equipment, including passive samplers with turbulence barrier and accessories, an ion chromatograph, a UV/VIS spectrophotometer or flow injection analyser with UV/VIS photometer or conductivity cell, evidenced by self-declaration; (d) qualified staff, with the project manager and main investigators named, evidenced by self-declaration. (4) Exclusion grounds: no exclusion under §123 or §124 GWB, evidenced by self-declaration. The Federal Competition Register extract will be obtained for orders of €30,000 or more. Universities and non-university research institutions must also submit the guarantee declaration on avoiding impermissible state aid and cross-subsidisation. Consortia must accept joint and several liability

How bids are scored

The price is not the only award criterion. All award criteria are listed only in the procurement documents, and no weightings or price/quality split are disclosed on the notice page.

Key requirements

• ✓Passive sampler measurements per VDI 3869 Blatt 4 at two motorway sites over 12 months
• ✓Bi-weekly sampling with duplicate analysis for quality assurance on both sides of carriageway
• ✓DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory for chemical analysis
• ✓Data analysis including seasonal, meteorological, traffic influences and windward-leeward assessment
• ✓Concept development for permanent ammonia monitoring integration at measurement cross-section A 555

Procurement contact

The notice names a procurement contact for clarification questions.

CPV codes

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Air quality funding covers monitoring networks, emission controls, clean transport zones and cleaner heating and cooking. Public authorities buy monitoring and abatement through tenders, while research and health programmes fund studies and pilots. Applicants are usually asked to set out baseline measurements and how improvements will be verified.