A number of 137 MPs from the ruling coalition (PSD, PNL and UDMR) have submitted a bill that amends the current legislation for public procurement and significantly raises the thresholds for procurements that do not require public tenders, G4media.ro reported.

They argue that more flexible arrangements are needed "to attract Resilience funds more quickly."

Under the proposed form of the regulations, the direct purchase of goods and services can be made if the estimated value of the purchase, excluding VAT, is RON 500,000 (EUR 100,000) or less, compared to RON 135,060 currently.

The direct purchase of works can be done if the estimated value of the purchase, without VAT, is RON 5 mln (EUR 1 mln) or less, compared to RON 0.45 mln currently.

The draft also stipulates that the contracting authorities are obliged to "consult" at least three operators for direct purchases of over RON 130,000 for goods and RON 500,000 for works.

If, after consultation, the respective authority (town hall, ministry) receives only a valid offer, the purchase can be made.

Another provision with significant impact is the elimination of the Court of Auditors from the process of checking for contraventions and the application of sanctions. The Court of Auditors will be replaced by the National Government Procurement Agency, a Government-run authority.

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andrei@romania-insider.com