State corporations were allowed to buy a number of goods and services without competition

The Russian government has issued directives for state corporations allowing them to purchase goods and services from technology companies without conducting competitive procedures. Kommersant reports this with reference to the Ministry of Economic Development.

General rules imply that the contractor in the case of public procurement is determined based on the results of the tender. The winner is the one who, subject to meeting all established criteria, offers the most favorable contract terms.

However, now state corporations can bypass this condition and negotiate with suppliers directly, regardless of prices. To do this, the technology for the production of products purchased without tenders had to be developed and financed with the support of the federal budget in the interests or on the initiative of the state-owned company itself or its “subsidiary”.

First Deputy Head of the Department Maxim Kolesnikov explained that the directives will simplify the process of purchasing technological products modified to meet customer requirements, even if they are not able to win the competition, and “will contribute to the further formation of internal technological chains.”

Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Russia Denis Frantsuzov believes that the scheme will be in demand when purchasing software, computer equipment, automation and information security.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Business Russia committee on IT and computer technology, Alexey Kalinin, warns that recipients of such preferences may begin to enter into agreements with affiliated companies, providing them with advantages.