Norgesmodellen

Norgesmodellen (literally "The Norway Model") is a national framework of mandatory integrity and labour requirements in Norwegian public procurement. Not to be confused with the broader "Norwegian Model" of tripartite cooperation, Norgesmodellen is a specific government initiative introduced in 2024 that aims to combat work-related crime and social dumping by requiring contracting authorities to include specific contract clauses that suppliers and subcontractors must comply with.

How does Norgesmodellen work?

In Norway, contracting authorities must include binding contract clauses on labour standards and business integrity when procuring services in high-risk sectors. The requirements are embedded in the Public Procurement Regulation (FOA §§ 8-13 and 19-3) and the Regulation on Wages and Working Conditions in Public Contracts.

The model goes beyond simply setting requirements — contracting authorities are also obligated to actively monitor and enforce compliance throughout the contract period. This shifts responsibility from relying solely on labour inspectorates to a shared model where the public buyer takes direct oversight.

Key requirements

The core requirements of Norgesmodellen include:

• Payment via bank — wages and compensation must be paid through a bank or authorised payment institution
• Supply chain limits — a maximum of two subcontractor levels below the main contractor for construction work
• Lawful employment forms — workers must be employed through legal arrangements
• Mandatory occupational pension and HSE cards — contract clauses ensuring basic worker protections
• Language and information requirements — in construction, to safeguard health, safety, and the environment

The model is being rolled out in phases. The first phase covers construction and cleaning services, while subsequent phases focus on enhanced guidance, digital compliance tools, and expansion to additional sectors. DFO has developed guidance materials in cooperation with the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.

Tools like Cobrief can help suppliers keep track of integrity requirements across different tender procedures and ensure their documentation is in order.

Norgesmodellen reflects a broader European trend toward socially responsible procurement, where public purchasing power is used to promote decent working conditions and fair competition — principles also embedded in EU Directive 2014/24/EU's social clause (Article 18(2)).