<p>SKOPJE, March 10, 2011 - Center for Civil Communications announced the  eighth regular quarterly report on the results of the monitoring of  public procurement for the period from October to December 2010.  Simultaneously, the Centre announced the so-called Index of rationality  in spending public money as a completely new tool that should help state  institutions to achieve lower prices in public procurement and to spend  public funds in a mora rational manner.</p>
<p>The following are the key findings from the <a href="../images/stories/8_kvartalen_izvestaj_ang._web.pdf" title="monitoring of public procurement (.pdf)"> monitoring of public procurement (.pdf)</a> in the last quarter of 2010:</p>
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<li>The criteria for qualification of firms to participate in tenders limit competition and favor certain bidders.</li>
<li>Continued trend on poor competition in a significant part of the procedures monitored.</li>
<li>Inappropriate elements are used to evaluate bids.</li>
<li>In some cases, tender specifications can favor certain bidders.</li>
<li>The value of direct agreements continues to grow.</li>
<li>Transparency of institutions is raised.</li>
<li>Most institutions complied with the low-stipulated deadline on taking the decision on the selection of the most favorable offer.</li>
<li>Institutions continue the practice of not submitting detailed notifications on selection decision to companies.</li>
<li>Trend on reduced requirements for tender documentation fees.</li>
<li>Growing number of appeals approved by the State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals.</li>
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<p>В<a href="../images/stories/indeks_na_racionalnost_1_-_eng.pdf" title="The index of rationality (.pdf)">The index of rationality (.pdf)</a> provides   comparisons of prices under which different institutions have procured  same products, services or works (winter maintenance of streets and  roads, industrial salt, heating oil, New Year's decorations and copy  paper). The significant differences in prices and the conditions under  which state institutions buy same types of products and services,  indicate the need for a thorough market research prior to tender  announcement and harmonized approach on the part of contracting  authorities when procuring same type of products. State institutions  should, when possible, pursue attainment of lowest prices and spend  public funds in a more rational manner.</p>