STATE DUMA HAS ADOPTED “OPTIMIZATION” PACKAGE OF AMENDMENTS TO CONTRACT SYSTEM LAW

The draft law is aimed at simplifying and enhancing the efficiency of procurement procedures, preventing bid-rigging and promoting fair competition

The document has been developed by the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, the Federal Treasury, the FAS Russia and the State Duma's working group.

Important innovations in the optimization package of amendments from the point of view of the control activities carried out by the FAS Russia in procurement are the provisions aimed at combating "professional complainants". Thus, it is intended to introduce a universal prequalification, which is to impose additional requirements to the participants of the procurement, namely, those having the experience in executing a contract in the amount of at least 20% of the initial (maximum) purchase price. Organizations that fail a universal prequalification will not be able to file complaints and intentionally interfere with the procurement process.

The amendments significantly enhance the role of the Unified Information System in procurement.  The correspondences between the customer and the contractor and the data on the complaints filed with the control body are entered into the system.

These measures aim to ensure transparency of interaction between the customer and the supplier, protect the rights of entrepreneurs, and enhance the capacities for monitoring by the authorities.

The draft law will soon be discussed in the Federation Council.