Source: https://www.gaeb.de/en/service/faq/
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 17:42:45+00:00

Document:
Who or what is GAEB?
GAEB is the abbreviation for Gemeinsamer Ausschuss Elektronik im Bauwesen (German Joint Committee for Electronics in Construction).
GAEB's task is to support the implementation of data processing in the building sector in concordance with the technical regulations of DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. and the VOB (German Construction Contract Prodcedures). GAEB is involved where the participants of a building project have to coordinate with each other.
The German Joint Committee for Electronics in Construction (GAEB) is integrated in the Deutschen Vergabe und Vertragsausschuss für Bauleistungen (DVA) since 1 January 2005 as a main committee. The foundations for the work of GAEB are implemented in the charter of DVA.
The meeting of members is the paramount institution of the DVA.
The board of directors decides on the propositions brought forward by HA GAEB.
The main committee GAEB in the DVA makes fundamental decisions concerning GAEB work and coordinates the main working groups.
It resides in the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR) and thus in the area of operation of the BMUB. It oversees the implementation of made decisions and coordinates the work of the main committee GAEB. It takes over the role of contact-, information- and coordination-center towards third parties.
Develops basic issues for the GAEB work.
They coordinate and plan the tasks of the trade specific work groups.
The work groups develop and revise the work categories of STLB-Bau - Dynamische BauDaten-.
Main work group 7 (AGZ) coordinates the establishment, updating and maintenance of the work categories of STLB-BauZ.
It develops standardized regulations for the representation for the internal and external data exchange of project information in the building industry.
It develops regulations for quantity calculation and accounting of construction works.
Which function do the partners have: GAEB - DIN - Beuth Verlag - S&P?
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. in Berlin is the publisher of the GAEB work results.
Distribution takes place via about 40 co-distributors, in most cases building software companies, that also realized the necessary interfaces for the usage of the STLB-Bau texts for their software. Beuth Verlag GmbH is contractor for the supply of the co-distributors. Beuth Verlag GmbH is also a co-distributor.
The results of the skilled work groups are realized electronically by Dr. Schiller & Partner GmbH - Dynamische BauDaten -.
Who can participate in GAEB?
Everyone who has a valid interest in the standardization of construction works.
How can I participate in GAEB?
The simplest way is via direct contact with the GAEB branch office. Here you will be advised in detail and participation in the most suitable expert area can be jointly discussed.
Which advantages do participants of GAEB have?
You actively participate in the establishment of the texts and are the first to know about upcoming changes in standards, revisions of laws and directives of the public procurement law.
You brighten your professional horizon by getting to know other experts and their field of work and participate in workshops concerning bidding related topics.
How are the GAEB committees organized?
They consist for example of representatives of public and private clients, the leading organizations of architects, engineers and the building trade, DIN and building software companies, who honorary participate in GAEB.
How many experts partake in the GAEB committees?
At present, about 600 experts in about 100 expert-boards are involved in GAEB's work.
Which distributions types of STLB-Bau exist?
Is STLB-Bau also available in print (as a book)?
No. STLB-Bau is based on a data base structure that allows for a infinite number of combinations. The printed book is not suitable for the display of this descriptions and contents.
STLB-Bau Dynamische BauDaten® is the most extensive data base concerning tendering texts for construction services on the European market. The information is being compiled by about 600 experts of all areas of the construction industry in more than 90 work groups and is updated twice a year. Furthermore, the direct connection to DIN as the publisher of STLB-Bau guarantees the continuing reconciliation with the current status of standardization, the legal dispositions as well as the current technical standard.
When was STLB-Bau first introduced?
STLB-Bau was introduces with version 04-1996 and thus replaced the previous StLB (yellow books).
Who establishes the standard texts in STLB-Bau and on which basis?
The texts are established by experts of the equally staffed skilled work groups of GAEB which stem from all parties involved in construction.
The honorary members of this skilled work groups provide their expert knowledge for general usage for free. Thus they guarantee the neutrality and acceptance of their work results.
Foundation of the data base oriented text storage is the current state of the art technique in consideration of VOB and the respective standards.
Which works are described in the text storage STLB-Bau and in which form?
-Totality,unambiguousnessand product neutrality of the description.
Why are the texts of STLB-Bau product neutral?
Standard texts of GAEB are geared toward the VOB.
Identifications of particular product or procedures (e.g. trade marks) may only be used exceptionally according to § 7 of VOB/A. Thus, competition restraints are excluded.
How do I recognize a text that has been fabricated from STLB-Bau in the print image?
The text source is displayed in the first line of the detailed bill of quantities in the print lists.
This line signals a text as a STLB-Bau text.
How are further developments and updated norms accommodated in STLB-Bau?
The regular updating of the work categories ensures that new procedures and techniques can be tendered timely and norms adapted accordingly.
Are works for remodeling, refurbishment and renovation part of STLB-Bau?
Yes. These works were compiled in a separate sales package from all concerned work categories.
Why does STLB-Bau not contain any prices?
STLB-Bau is a text storage of GAEB without price information. STLB-Bau texts can be automatically linked to prices only in connection with the respective modules of the free market.
STLB-Bau can be installed as an individual position or in a network. Notes concerning the installation are part of every CD and are available on the GAEB-homepage under "download > STLB-Bau".
Is the application of STLB-Bau more time consuming than free texts?
The expense of a freely texted specification of work that adheres in its description quality and its legal certainty to today's process standard according to VOB is higher than a specification with STLB-Bau texts. In the case of free texts, the editor has to carry out a time consuming comparison with the current norm standard and the contents of the technical specifications which occurs in STLB-Bau via the professional committees with their experts.
Is it possible to minimize supplements with the application of STLB-Bau?
High conformity to VOB is ensured by the close collaboration with the DVA and the high correctness of the norms with the contribution of DIN.
Thus supplements can at least be significantly minimized if STLB-Bau is applied accurately.
How do I find the right AVA software for me?
The AVA software should have implemented the current interface to STLB-Bau for its application. The present interface for the data exchange is GAEB DA XML 3.1.
An expert consultation from your software house is advisable.
The correct implementation of the GAEB-interface also guarantees a certification carried out by the BVBS. For the list of all certified software products please visit: http://www.bvbs.de/zertifizierungen.html (only in German).
Do I always need to purchase every update of STLB-Bau?
With every update, the work categories are updated technically and with regard to contents and are adjusted to the current state of the norms. For frequent usage of STLB-Bau, regular updates (service level contract) are reasonable.
Am I able to call for bids for all construction works with STLB-Bau?
„Converted on the entire construction business it has to be assumed that - based on more than 30 years of experience with the traditional Masterspecifications for Construction (StLB) and the Master Specifications for to Construction - Dynamic Construction Data (STLB-Bau) - a percentage of 75 to 80 percent of all construction works can be described with STLB-Bau.
This high utilization level of STLB-Bau will not be achieved by all users. It presupposes for the editor of the specification of work to have a profound knowledge of the public procurement and is able to exhaust all application possibilities of the Masterspecifications for Construction". (Excerpt from a study commissioned by the BBR of Prof. Reichel. S. GAEB-homepage under "Publications").
Clients often specify to produce the commissioned BoQ with STLB-Bau. Here, users and also STLB-Bau reach their limits, because all that goes beyond the "typical standard" can often not be found in STLB-Bau.
GAEB recommends users of texts that go beyond the "typical standard" to formulate freely and pay attention to remaining in the syntax of STLB-Bau.
How do the boards obtain information about new building products and techniques respectively?
The experts of the committees watch the market and discuss which construction products and techniques respectively should be standardized.
In general, texts in STLB-Bau do not use the terms "delivery" and "assembly"! Why not?
If the VOB is agreed upon in the construction contract, it keeps its service contract character. It arises from the VOB that specifications of work only describe the success of a construction work (§ 1 VOB/A: "Bauleistungen sind Arbeiten jeder Art, durch die eine bauliche Anlage hergestellt, instand gehalten, geändert oder beseitigt wird"). In addition to VOB/B, VOB/C is also part of the contract due to §1 No.1 sentence 2 VOB/B. Thus the ancillary services mentioned here have to be executed without particular mention.
STLB-Bau is generally oriented on the General Contract Conditions for Building Services in VOB/C. Thus the ready for use service is principally described in STLB-Bau. This means that the complete work is regularly expected. Thus delivery of material according to VOB/C ATV DIN 18.299 and all other functions such as producing, assembly, connecting etc. that belong to a total fulfilment of the work are included, even if they are not particularly mentioned. Something else only applies if works are explicitly mentioned as to be executed separately.
Why does waste disposal have to be tendered separately?
The disposal and landfilling of contaminated and not contaminated waste – STLB-Bau LB 087 – requires verification (Kreiswirtschafts- and Abfallgesetz).
The material remains property of the client (OWN), who is responsible for the disposal of contaminated material, until their appropriate disposal. He has to describe the disposal service in a separate contract and can only assign it to companies with corresponding knowledge. Here, the burden of proof lies with the client.
Special service according to ATV DIN 18 299 is: disposal of waste exceeding the services according to sections 4.1.11 and 4.1.12 (4.11.11 = disposal of waste from contractor’s scope, 4.1.12 = bagatelle regulation for the disposal of waste of the client’s scope).
Which text (detailed or outline) is relevant concerning contracts in the bill of quantities?
Only the detailed version is relevant.
What purpose does the outline bill of quantities have?
The outline bill of quantities solely serves the brief discussion of work items, so that e.g. in accounting, positions can be differentiated from each other.
Can I change a given outline?
The skilled work groups of GAEB provide description characteristics from which standardized outlines are compiled. The user can select and deselect the provided features via the button marked „KT“ after the outlines.
Is it possible to tender products/manufacturers in STLB-Bau?
Yes, VOB allows for this in special cases.
If such a specification becomes necessary, the addition “or equivalent” has to be used.
Is it possible to use already assembled STLB-Bau texts for similar specifications?
STLB-Bau enables the supplementation and change of already assembled STLB-Bau texts without problems at which the technical context of the entire text is always checked.
How is the format of the shortened diction “as pos. …but…” provided in STLB-Bau?
The work texts can be displayed outlined with the functions “reference“ and “repeat description” in the item list of the program and can be converted back into the detailed text form if necessary.
Are fragmentary texts marked in the AVA program?
Information about a text being not complete is submitted to AVA by STLB-Bau. It is in the hands of the software company whether the application program performs an assessment or a marking.
What does “not specified” mean in the list of characteristics?
STLB-Bau offers the possibility to not give any specification if technical statements are not necessary for technical coherence.
Why is not the entire text encryption displayed in the print image?
STLB – Bau submits the identified key – which is necessary for further assessments – to the processing program (AVA) only as an internal key.
A display on paper would be unclear because of the key size. Thus it is sufficient to submit them in the data exchange.
What do the abbreviations “TSA” and “TSB” mean?
Here, the client has to supplement the text.
Here, the bidder has to supplement the text, e.g. with product details.
Standard specifications are project related additional information/contract related regulations that may occur in every place of the bill of quantities but within a work item. Neither reference numbers (Ref. No.) nor prices are attributed to them in the work specifications.
Standard specifications that are valid for various work types are collected in LB 099. Trade specific standard specifications are contained in the trade-LBs.
What is a favorite list?
The favorite list enables the user to safe compiled texts as a whole in order to retrieve them as a whole at a later point in time. So this new favorite list can make already made texts usable again with the entire content and all functions of STLB-Bau.
Every compiled text can be copied into the favorite list via a function. At the same time, every GAEB-DA XML file can be imported into the list and the included STLB-Bau positions can be updated or processed as favorites if applicable.
The organization/structure of the texts can be by choice either after work types or after DIN 276-1, issue 2006-10.
In the production of a work specification, one or more favorites can be copied into the current favorite list with/without an own key term out of the position list. The stored work texts are managed on the personal computer and can be exported as GAEB-DA XML file.
The favorite list is workplace related. Every workplace – also in the network – can thus use its own favorite list. The joint usage of one favorite list from several workplaces in the network occurs via the distribution of GAEB-DA XML files which then can be read in every workplace.
Personal favorite lists are kept in the case of an update of STLB-Bau or a change of version. A function checks for up-to-dateness with the currently installed STLB-Bau.
Why is it not possible to import a GAEB-file into my favourites?
Here you chose the slide “saftey“ and click on „level adjust.“ Here you look for the entry „Open files on their content and not file enhancement” and set the dot before the field “activate”. After you restarted the internet explorer, GAEB-files can now be imported into the favorite list.
If your computer is part of a network it is possible, that your system administrator has deactivated or erased certain settings so that the slide for ‘safety’ may not be available for you. In this case, please contact your system administrator.
What does execution according to the detailed specification “detailed specification number – client” mean?
With the aid of „detailed specification number – client“ you can draw up relations between a work item and an attachment of the same bill of quantities. Here, the demanded work can be explained in more detail or in a graphic display like e.g. „Appendix 12“ or „System sketch No. 15”.
Is it possible to update older bills of quantities that were developed with STLB-Bau?
Yes, by importing them into the favorite list. Up-to-dateness is checked via an application of the presently installed version of STLB-Bau.
Which significance do description elements have that are displayed in light grey?
STLB-Bau supports you with the establishment of expert descriptions of work items which means that only those characteristics are offered to you in blue color under “selection” which are not contradictory to statements that were already made.
How do I provide suggestions to GAEB?
Suggestions concerning the position text can be submitted automatically via email to the hotline through the counter Suggestions or Questions to the position text in STLB-Bau. This can be notes to the text offers or concerning missing data which will be passed on and processed in the skilled work groups of GAEB. Here, STLB-Bau opens a form in which the selected position text automatically appears twice in the text field. One so you can make changes directly within the text, the other for comparison as an original. The client will get information about the result of his suggestions after their processing in the skilled work groups.
Key words are supposed to make the introduction to STLB-Bau easier in certain situation. STLB-Bau has a very extensive key word index. If you put a random key word with at least three letters into the key word search, the program will indicate the service types which contain this key term.
Which additional tools are offered with STLB-Bau?
What is a model bidding offer?
The model bidding offer is a free tool for the development of simple specifications. However, it is not a replacement for AVA programs because of its minor functionality. In order to work with this Excel-model you need to activate macros. A guide on how to do so and additional information is provided in Excel-Help.
With STLB-Bau-Check, GAEB provides a tool which can be used to check a random specification in GAEB format for compliance to the current norms and regulations in STLB-Bau texts.
Is it possible to install more than one version of STLB-Bau-Check on my computer?
A specification from 10-2007 most likely provides various notes such as “not current” or “editorial changes in long text” if it is checked with STLB-Bau-Check version 10-2008. Thus, the positions that need adjustment are illustrated to the user. On the other hand, in order to check if the specification was current at the point of its first draft, STLB-Bau-Check version 10-2007 should be used. The current version needs to be installed to get the correct test result.
Are there any handbooks concerning the additional tools?
Yes, brief instructions are available concerning the model bidding offer as well as STLB-Bau-Check on the homepage of GAEB in the section „Download“. These handbooks are also directly installed during the installation of STLB-Bau in the respective applications and can be accessed via the starting menu of your computer.
What is term contractor work?
In term contractor work, the framework agreement is a building contract that commits the contractor to carry out predefined works on call for a fixed time period (normally one year). These works are commissioned in the form of single appointments according to the agreed terms of the framework contract.
How are framework agreements concluded?
What is the bidding procedure according to §6 No.1 VOB/A?
In the bidding procedure, the client has to provide type and scope of the work. The contractor puts the prices he demands for his services into the work specification or provides them differently in the offer.
What is the bidding up and bidding down procedure according to §6 No.2 VOB/A?
In the bidding up and bidding down procedure (VOB/A § 6 No. 2), the prices that the client specified for the type and scope of work are submitted to bidders so that they can either bid up or bid down. This procedure should be adopted only in exceptional cases and only for regularly scheduled maintenance work whose scope must be kept to a minimum.
What is the function of STLB-BauZ?
The function of the Standardleistungsbuch für das Bauwesen – Zeitvertragsarbeiten – (STLB-BauZ) is the support of recurring building maintenance work through standardized tendering texts that are specially customized for this scope. It supports the procedure according to §6 No. 2 VOB/A.
Which works do standard work specifications according to STLB-BauZ contain?
The standard work specifications of STLB-BauZ contain information about building type, building part, construction material and dimensions that are necessary for the production of the complete work. In general, no ancillary works according to VOB/C are described, with the exception of it having been settled differently in the standard specifications.
The job title "delivery and installation" is not mentioned separately in the work item specifications. Since the VOB is generally to be agreed on in fixed-term contracts, this job title is always agreed on according to VOB/C DIN 18299.
The respective attachment material as for example glue, screws and anchors are part of the work scope, if the work item specification demands as an exception the job title "install only" or "lay only".
How does STLB-BauZ manage waste disposal?
These regulations are described in the standard work specification 000.01 and are valid for all 28 work categories.
Load and transport of the waste to be disposed of from the expansion site to the storage place on the building site or the property named by the client (OWN) as well as the storage and sorting according to statements of the OWN.
Further transport of the waste as well as its disposal is not part of the unit prices. Costs are to be agreed on and to be paid separately.
Disposal of contaminated waste is generally not part of the unit prices.
What do the unit prices of STLB-Bau include?
The special feature of STLB-BauZ is the specification of unit prices (UP) as the basis of the bidding up and bidding down procedure according to § 6 No. 2 VOB/A.
Cost factors have been taken into account in the calculation of unit prices including additional charges and discounts: labor costs, material costs, equipment costs, additional costs.
Unit prices are developed in cooperation with the professional associations representing GAEB-AG 7. They are mandated exclusively to the bidding up and bidding down procedure and may not – not even for comparison – be used for different purposes, e.g as reference prices. Prices do not contain sales taxes.
STLB-BauZ is available as a book and on data carrier.
Which programs are needed to process STLB-BauZ?
It is required that these programs have a XML interface that is able to communicate with STLB-BauZ XML. Processing programs for STLB-BauZ are available at building software companies. The program should support the prerequisites of the procurement manual (VHB).

References: § 7
 §1
 §6
 §6
 § 6
 §6
 § 6