In 2006, Panama took a significant step towards assuring that public tenders be managed in the most transparent and fair manner, by means of the enactment of the Public Purchasing Act, which skyrocketed a whole new profitable segment for companies and individuals to offer goods and services to the Panamanian Government.
The rules are simple; all purchases undergo an administrative procedure which is aided by the electronic means, resulting in swift and fair adjudications. The government and its institutions cannot arrange for a tender without provisioning the funds and personnel required to see it through. Public acts are notified, and carried out through a dedicated internet portal (i.e. www.panamacompra.gob.pa).
Each government office is entitled to submit requests for tenders, and an administrative entity named the National Public Purchasing Directorate, oversees compliance with the Law. In addition, a guarantee in the form of an independent Administrative Tribunal also exists.
Notices are posted online and service of process is also carried out in such manner.
Our firm advises and assists several clients who actively partake in public biddings of all types, providing successful results to their bids. We also file claims and other legal measures to protect their rights throughout the process, when needed.