ALBASAT

State fee for public procurement challenges

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Tenders submitted by economic operators to the National Agency for the Settlement of Disputes will be subject to a state fee starting June 16. The measure applies to all public, sectoral and concession procurement procedures, IPN reports.

According to ANSC, the fee will constitute 0.5% of the estimated value of the contested procedure, but will not exceed the maximum amount of 50 thousand lei. For example, for a purchase estimated at 2 300 000 lei, the fee will be 11 500 lei, and in the case of a procedure of 10 million lei, the ceiling fee of 50 thousand lei will be applied.

The payment must be made within three working days of the lodging of the appeal, and in the absence of proof of payment, the file will not be examined. In the event of a favorable decision for the contestant, the fee will be refunded in full.

ANSC data shows that in 2024, out of 1 245 appeals filed, about 70% were rejected or withdrawn. The introduction of the fee is aimed at reducing the number of unfounded complaints and increasing efficiency in the appeals process, as well as in the use of public funds.