CMS publishes new Public Procurement e-guide

Vienna, 7th July 2014. CMS, the top 10 international law firm, today publishes its new Expert Guide to the legal framework covering public procurement across Europe.

Public procurement is big business: direct purchasing by governments and state-owned enterprises averages 12% of GDP across the OECD, with spending by state-owned utilities doubling the figure in some countries. The legal framework for public procurement plays a key role in ensuring quality and fairness in competitive tendering and in delivering value for money for governments and taxpayers.

New EU Public Procurement Directives came into force in April 2014 and some countries have already implemented new national procurement regimes, well ahead of the April 2016 deadline of implementation. While procurement rules are harmonizing across Europe, significant national differences remain.

The new CMS Expert Guide answers key questions on the EU Procurement Directives and national procurement regimes in 22 countries: How can enterprises learn about and take part in procurement competitions? What thresholds apply? Which type of procedures are used and when? What are the rules on appeals against contract awards?

Bernt Elsner, head of the CMS Procurement group and editor of the guide, commented: “Public procurement has a major impact on economic activity and public services across Europe, within the EU and beyond. In this new CMS guide we set out the key rules, thresholds and procedures for contracting authorities and suppliers. Our experienced public procurement specialists set out the landscape for public procurement competitions, highlighting the key similarities and important differences between national regimes. We hope the guide will further understanding and contribute to the smooth working of this important activity which affects so many businesses and consumers.”

The CMS Public Procurement Guide is available here.