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Public Procurement in Bolivia

Public procurement in Bolivia is a fundamental mechanism through which the state delivers public services, executes infrastructure projects, and supports economic and social development. Government purchasing represents a significant interface between the public sector and the domestic market, while also offering structured entry points for international suppliers and development partners.

The procurement system is governed by a centralized legal and institutional framework designed to ensure transparency, competition, and compliance with public finance rules. Although Bolivia’s procurement environment is primarily oriented toward domestic participation, government tenders in Bolivia are also relevant for foreign firms involved in specialized goods, works, consulting services, and donor-financed projects.

For contractors, consultants, and tender seekers, understanding public procurement in Bolivia requires familiarity with its legal foundations, the national procurement information system, and the procedural requirements applicable to different procurement methods.

Country & Economic Overview

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Public procurement in Bolivia is regulated through a combination of laws and supreme decrees that define procurement methods, principles, and procedural safeguards.

• Primary legal instruments: Law 0181 and related Supreme Decrees
• Core principles: Transparency, competition, and administrative accountability
• Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT): Articles 24 and 32 of Supreme Decree 27328
• Bid securities: Article 20 of Law 0181
• Domestic preference: Article 29 of Law 0181

Specific clauses addressing value for money, sustainability, life-cycle costing, and SME set-asides are not publicly available.

Procurement Procedures & Thresholds

Bolivia’s procurement framework provides multiple procurement methods depending on contract value, complexity, and urgency, with competitive processes as the default approach.

E-Procurement System Overview

Bolivia operates a national procurement information system that serves as the official channel for public procurement transparency.

Procurement Market Characteristics

Bolivia’s public procurement market covers goods, works, and services across national, regional, and municipal levels of government.

• Annual number of tenders: Not publicly available
• Annual contract values: Not publicly available
• Framework agreements: 0 reported
• Evaluation methods: Combination of MEAT and price-based approaches, depending on procurement modality

Transparency, Complaints & Oversight

Transparency in public procurement in Bolivia is primarily supported through mandatory publication of procurement information on SICOES.

• Public bid openings required under Supreme Decree 27328
• Complaint statistics: Not publicly available
• Procurement performance indicators: Not publicly available

Sustainability & Green Public Procurement

No publicly available information confirms the existence of a national green public procurement strategy, mandatory environmental procurement requirements, or defined sustainability targets within Bolivia’s public procurement framework.

Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations

Publicly available procurement regulations do not specify mandatory requirements for awards to women-owned businesses or businesses owned by disadvantaged groups.

Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders

Suppliers and contractors considering participation in government tenders in Bolivia should take into account the following practical considerations:

• Limited availability of consolidated procurement statistics
• SICOES functions primarily as an information portal rather than a transactional system
• Domestic preference provisions may affect foreign bidders
• Procurement documentation is predominantly in Spanish

Practical bidding tips

1. Regularly monitor SICOES for procurement plans and tender notices
2. Ensure full compliance with Law 0181 and applicable Supreme Decrees
3. Prepare bid securities strictly in line with legal requirements
4. Engage local legal or technical expertise where appropriate

Overall, public procurement in Bolivia offers structured opportunities within a rules-based framework, particularly for firms prepared to navigate procedural requirements and language considerations while aligning with national procurement regulations.