Citizen Participation and FINJUS highlight the importance of updating the legal framework for public procurement and contracting

In the panel held at INTEC, they addressed the challenges and opportunities of Law 340-06 on Public Procurement and Contracting, highlighting the need for its update to adapt to current demands for transparency and efficiency.

SANTO DOMINGO- In a joint effort to strengthen transparency and accountability in the country, Citizen participation and Institutionality and Justice Foundation (FINJUS) held a panel entitled “Public Procurement and Contracting: Key aspects for updating the legal framework”, in the Social Security Auditorium of the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC).

The panel discussed the challenges and opportunities of Law 340-06 on Public Procurement and Contracting, highlighting the need to update it to adapt to current demands for transparency and efficiency.

A necessary dialogue on the current legal framework

Among the topics highlighted during the panel was the economic impact of public procurement, highlighting the relevance in the national economy and how efficient management can boost the country's economic development; transparency and the fight against corruption, highlighting role of public procurement in building a more just and equitable society.

Likewise, they shared about the benefit for MSMEs, since the New legislation seeks to include mechanisms that promote the participation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in bidding processes.

Also, Lessons learned in emergencies, in this case focused on solutions to improve efficiency and transparency in contracts made during crisis situations.

Moderated by the prominent communicator Carolina Santana, the event included the participation of Servio Tulio Castaños, executive vice president of the Institutionalism and Justice Foundation, Inc. (FINJUS); Alfredo Bueno, a lawyer specialized in Administrative Law with a decade of experience in public procurement, from different state institutions, especially, the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP).

Also on the panel were Gregorio Dominguez, deputy for the 2020-2024 and 2024-2028 periods for District 1 of the Santiago de los Caballeros province; Joseph Abreu, member of the National Council for Citizen Participation and general coordinator of the institution for the 2022-2023 period; and Luis Peña, lawyer and consultant expert in public law, with a practice focused on public procurement, political/electoral and constitutional law.

The event was attended by representatives of the Chamber of Deputies, the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP), the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the United States Department of Commerce, and representatives of civil society organizations.

Towards a comprehensive reform

The panelists agreed that public procurement represents a key tool to combat corruption and optimize state resources. They also highlighted the advances included in the bill currently under discussion in Congress, such as the incorporation of framework agreements and the reduction of operating costs.

Citizen Participation reiterated its commitment to advocate for a more robust regulatory framework that guarantees the efficient use of public resources and promotes greater citizen participation in the supervision of procurement and contracting processes.