Responsible Public Procurement

Description

Programme outcome the project contributes to: “Increased application of the Value for Money principle in public procurement”.

The pre-defined project will contribute to a more effective system of public procurement, mainly through strengthening of the application of the value for money principle including the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) criteria in international cooperation with the OECD as well as possibly with other institutions from the donor states.  The project includes following activities: 

• Functional review of the Public Procurement Office and the existing public procurement legislation and methodology, 
• Appraisal of risk areas in the procurement processes and practice of the PPO
• The existing methodology, guidance and practical tools to achieve value for money (VfM) in the procurement process; 
• An analysis of the current working practices of Public Procurement Office (PPO) vis-à-vis the Contracting Authorities,
• Elaboration of specific methodology, in cooperation among the PPO, the OECD, and the professional chambers
• Pre-tender market consultations 
• MEAT criteria 
• Green procurement, social aspects in public procurement and the procurement of innovations in connection with MEAT criteria 
• Workshops, training and promotion of application of the above mentioned,
• Transfer of best practices in two specific sectors, transport and health, in cooperation between the Public Procurement Office (PPO) and the OECD,
• A list of possible measures based on world-wide best practices from which a strategy could be developed,
• Workshops with relevant experts directed to specific groups of people to share best practices in selected areas in line with the main topics,
• New web portal with relevant information from public procurement area,
• A number of professional workshops will be organized by the PPO for Slovak contracting authorities per year.

Summary of project results

The project addressed critical challenges in the Slovak public procurement system, aiming to enhance its efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. A significant issue was that MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) criteria were not used enough in public procurement. This practice hindered the potential for value-oriented procurement, leading to suboptimal outcomes in public services and infrastructure. Additionally, there was a lack of standardized methodologies, practical training, and strategic tools to support public authorities and procurement professionals in adopting more responsible and effective procurement practices​​.

The project implemented a comprehensive set of activities to address these challenges:

1. Development of Strategic Tools and Standards: Six standardized methodologies and templates for applying MEAT criteria were created, ensuring a clear framework for integrating quality and value considerations into public procurement.
2. Educational Programs: The project conducted seven seminars targeting major public procurers, focusing on the practical application of MEAT criteria. These seminars enhanced the knowledge and skills of procurement professionals across Slovakia.
3. Analysis and Strategy Development: Extensive analyses were conducted to identify gaps and opportunities in the Slovak procurement system. The resulting strategy emphasized a value-for-money approach in public procurement.
4. Public Awareness Campaign: The project developed various promotional materials, including eight publications summarizing project results, 20 media outputs, and regular updates on the project’s dedicated website.
5. Collaborations with Key Stakeholders: Close cooperation with organizations such as Smart Cities Club, the Association of Towns and Municipalities of Slovakia (ZMOS), and the Slovak Chamber of Architects ensured the methodologies were practical and widely accepted​​.

The project achieved significant results, benefitting various stakeholders:

1. For Public Procurers and Institutions:
   • Creation methodologies integrated into procurement processes, enabling better quality outcomes in public projects.
   • Training programs equipped public procurement officials with advanced skills, fostering a shift towards value-oriented procurement practices.
   • Collaboration with professional chambers and institutions enriched the methodologies and ensured alignment with best practices.
2. For Citizens:
   • Improved public procurement processes led to higher-quality public services and infrastructure projects.
   • Enhanced transparency and accountability in procurement decisions increased public trust in government operations.
3. For the Broader Ecosystem:
   • The creation of 57 updates and reports on the project’s progress and results contributed to raising awareness and fostering a culture of responsible public procurement.
   • The website https://zodpovednevo.uvo.gov.sk/ served as a hub for information, sharing resources, and promoting the project’s goals and achievements​​.