Economics Ministry Sees No Grounds to Cancel Planned Procurements
After a review, the Ministry of Economics has concluded that the large procurements planned or started by it and its subordinate bodies are justified. It therefore sees no reason to drop any of them.
The Ministry of Economics (EM) has found no grounds to abandon its planned or already launched procurements following a review, according to an informative report prepared by the ministry.
The government's instruction
A Cabinet of Ministers decision of 25 August, titled "On the review of public procurements", instructed all ministries and their subordinate bodies to assess the usefulness of each planned or started procurement. This covers supply and service contracts with an estimated value of at least 140,000 euros, and construction contracts estimated at one million euros or more. Authorities must also assess whether the requirements set for suppliers are proportionate, particularly in information and communication technologies.
The report stresses that procurements must ensure the widest possible competition and economical use of funds, while preventing the risk that goods, services or construction work become more expensive.
Institutions reviewed
The ministry gathered data on procurements by itself and its subordinate institutions: the Central Statistical Bureau (CSP), the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the State Construction Control Bureau (BVKB), the state agency Latvian National Accreditation Bureau, and the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC).
The PTAC and the accreditation bureau were found to have neither planned nor started any procurement with an estimated value of 140,000 euros or more.
Outcome of the review
The remaining procurements were assessed against the uniform criteria set out in the form of the Procurement Monitoring Bureau. These include necessity and usefulness, cost justification, proportionality of requirements, and competition.
The review concluded that these procurements are justified and needed so that the ministry and its subordinate bodies – BVKB, CSP and LIAA – can carry out their assigned tasks and functions.
