Major reforms await the public procurement system

The Ministry of Finance is preparing a new bill aimed at reforming the public procurement system. One of the key areas of focus is strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms and eliminating conflicts of interest. The initiative proposes introducing the principle of zero tolerance for corruption, restricting companies with a criminal past from participating in tenders, and eliminating the possibility of subjective assessment of deviations in participants' bids.

It also provides for a review of approaches to determining affiliation: subordinate organizations and teachers are proposed to be excluded from the relevant criteria. In addition, if a supplier does not confirm notification of its selection as the winner, it will be automatically included in the register of unscrupulous suppliers.

The draft proposes changes to the organizational structure of procurement procedures. In particular, customers will be able to transfer the functions of the purchaser to a separate employee. The rules for the participation of consortia and the procedure for calculating collateral for lots are clarified.

A number of innovations concern deadlines and financial obligations: the time for responding to a dumping price is reduced, and funds for security deposits will be sent directly to the purchasing organization.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the proposed measures should increase the transparency of procurement and reduce corruption risks.