On a sunny, pleasant afternoon in Panama City, a forward-thinking businessman was sitting in front of an old mahogany desk. In front of him are many papers and documents referring to his extraordinary project: a green technology company that will transform the country’s energy industry. Next to that first pile of papers is another one containing the laws and regulations he must comply with to carry out his idea successfully. The entrepreneur knows it: only a specialist in administrative law in Panama can make sense of the legal framework to ensure that his project thrives.
This situation, often encountered by entrepreneurs and business owners, highlights the importance of a thorough knowledge of Panamanian legal regulation.
Public Procurement in Panama: A Comprehensive Analysis
As we have seen in previous articles, Panama is known for its canal and crucial participation in world trade. The country’s legislation is at the forefront in many sectors that require the supervision of public entities.
In particular, public procurement has regulations which describe administrative rules that dictate how government entities acquire goods, works, and services from private companies. The aim is to promote transparency, encourage fair competition, and ensure the best value for public funds.
Starting point: Call for bids and participation
The process begins with the public call for bidding, in which state entities announce their procurement needs. Entrepreneurs should pay close attention to these calls to ensure they take advantage of all critical opportunities. They are published on the PanamaCompra website.
Preparing the offer is the next crucial step that requires a thorough knowledge of administrative law, both locally and nationally. Each proposal must be carefully adjusted to the established requirements. In the State bidding specifications, you can see the following:
- General Conditions: Prepared by the General Directorate of Public Procurement.
- Special Conditions: Documents to be submitted with the proposal, validity period of the proposals, form of award, evaluation method where appropriate, the weighting criteria, deadline for formalizing the award and signing the contract, among others.
- Technical Specifications: Defined by the bidding state entity. They constitute the set of instructions, provisions, and requirements regarding what is sought to be contracted.
With careful planning and professional guidance, companies can submit proposals that meet the requirements, make a good impression, and position the company as a contender in the bidding process.
Public procurement in Panama is a complex process, but it presents numerous opportunities for people willing to work with allies and specialists in the field. The potential benefits are substantial for entrepreneurs and business owners willing to take on this challenge. In addition, they can access new markets and positively impact the growth and well-being of Panamanian society.
We are your trusted legal partner
At Mónica Castillo Arjona – Law Firm, we recognize that public procurement can be a challenge for many entrepreneurs and business owners. Our team of professionals specializes in administrative law and is dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of this field. We will ensure that your company complies with all regulations and is well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities in the public sector.
We have extensive experience in all aspects of the bidding and contracting process and can protect your interests in the event of disputes. With Mónica Castillo Arjona-Law Firm, you can transform uncertainty into security, ensuring that your business visions materialize within the legal framework of Panama.
