site.btaThree Public Procurement Bills Pass on First Reading

Three bills to amend the Public Procurement Act passed on first reading on Friday. Two of them were moved by the government, and the third one is sponsored by MP Bozhidar Bozhanov of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria and other members of the legislature.

One of the bills tabled by the Council of Ministers is aimed to completely align the definition of the term "public procurement" with the relevant EU directive, the Legal Affairs Committee says in a report. It argues that the amendments will limit the noncompetitive award of contracts, which has been done through negotiation without prior publication of a contract notice. They will define the term "extraordinary circumstances" more clearly. The revisions will also set up a standing expert advisory board under the minister of finance to act as a consultative body on matters relating to the implementation of the law. Public contracting authorities will be required to set environmental requirements if the supplies or services defined in a contract surpass established limits. The bill proposes measures to ensure greater transparency of public procurement and in spending related public resources.