Enhancements in Public Procurement Regulations
In a significant move aimed at increasing flexibility in public procurement management, the Moroccan government has officially expanded the scope of contracts exempted from the complex procedures associated with public tenders. This expansion introduces two new categories of work that can be executed through agreements or contracts governed by regular law. This change is documented in an official decree published in the latest edition of the official gazette (number 7532) under the auspices of the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of the budget, Mr. Fouzi Lekjaâ.
According to this amendment, operations related to "guidance for national defense needs" and the "transformation of networks contracted with their respective administrators" will now be managed outside the traditional procedural framework. This decision, signed by Minister Lekjaâ, directly references Article 4 of the Public Procurement Decree (number 2.22.431), supplementing Annex 1 attached to the aforementioned decree to formally include the newly specified works in the list of contracts subject to ordinary law. The decree was issued on the 19th of Safar 1448 AH, corresponding to August 3rd, 2023.
Streamlining Processes for Greater Efficiency
This regulatory adjustment is expected to provide greater administrative and operational flexibility for public bodies in executing these specific types of contracts, thereby allowing them to sidestep the conventional bureaucratic complexities associated with public procurement regulations. The primary objective of this initiative is to hasten the pace of network transformation projects while effectively and efficiently addressing national defense needs.
Annex 1 of the Public Procurement Decree, as indicated in the original regulations, encompasses various works and services exempt from the tendering process due to their urgent nature, monopolistic characteristics, or association with pre-established regulated tariffs. Noteworthy examples of these works include the provision of drinking water and electricity, subscription services for wired and wireless communication networks (such as telephone and internet), as well as leasing and purchasing real estate contracts. Additionally, legal professional fees (for lawyers and notaries), subscriptions to official publications, newspapers, and magazines, as well as postal services and distribution costs, are included within this framework.
Furthermore, medical treatments and healthcare services, along with the acquisition of artistic artifacts and museum purchases, are also part of the expanded exemptions. The recent additions concerning national defense needs and network transformations further enhance the efficiency of administrative management in handling expenditures related to these sectors. This proactive approach reflects Morocco's commitment to modernizing its public procurement processes and ensuring that essential services are delivered in a timely and effective manner.
As reported by hespress.com.
