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Public Procurement in Argentina
Public procurement in Argentina is a cornerstone of public financial management and a major driver of economic activity, accounting for a significant share of national expenditure. Through government tenders, the Argentine state delivers essential public services, executes large-scale infrastructure programs, and supports strategic economic, social, and industrial policy objectives.
The procurement system operates within a well-established legal and institutional framework that combines centralized regulation with decentralized execution across ministries, agencies, and public entities. Transparency, competition, and economic convenience are core principles, while procurement is also used as a policy tool to promote domestic industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, and sustainable development.
For domestic suppliers and international companies, government tenders in Argentina represent one of the largest and most diversified public procurement markets in Latin America. The availability of national eProcurement platforms, defined legal remedies, and published procurement statistics enhances market accessibility for experienced bidders.
Country & Economic Overview
| Indicator | Official Information |
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Population | 45.7 million (2024) |
| Income level | Upper-middle income |
| Currency | Argentine Peso (ARS) |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | USD 633.3 billion |
| Gross National Income (GNI) | 625.2 billion (2024) |
| GNI per capita | USD 13,530 (2024) |
Public procurement expenditure represents approximately 14.22% of GDP, underscoring the strategic role of government purchasing in Argentina’s overall economic structure.
Public Procurement Governance Framework
Argentina’s public procurement system is centrally regulated and operationally decentralized, allowing uniform rules to be applied across a wide range of contracting authorities.
- Public Procurement Agency (PPA): Oficina Nacional de Contrataciones (ONC)
- Institutional role: Regulatory oversight, policy guidance, and administration of national procurement systems
- Central Purchasing Body (regulatory): ONC
- Supervising authority: Headquarters of the Cabinet of Ministers (Jefatura de Gabinete de Ministros)
While procurement execution is carried out by individual public entities, the ONC ensures consistency, compliance, and standardization across the national system.
Legal & Regulatory Framework
The public procurement law in Argentina is primarily governed by Delegated Decree No. 1023/2001 and its implementing regulation, Decree No. 1030/2016. These instruments are complemented by sector-specific legislation and resolutions applicable to public contracting.
The regulatory framework is built on the following principles:
- Transparency and publicity of procurement procedures
- Equal treatment and open competition
- Economic convenience and Value for Money
- Accountability and access to remedies
Contracts are awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), as defined in Articles 1 and 15 of Delegated Decree No. 1023/2001. The framework also incorporates domestic preference rules, SME promotion measures, and sustainability-related provisions.
Procurement Procedures & Thresholds
| Procedure or Rule | Legal Basis |
| Open tendering | Primary competitive procedure |
| Direct contracting (goods & services) | Up to ARS 8 million |
| Tender threshold (goods & services) | ARS 40 million |
| Standstill periods | Decree No. 1030/2016 and sectoral regulations |
| Complaint mechanisms | Administrative review under procurement regulations |
Advertisement periods, bid validity rules, and contract award disclosure obligations are formally regulated, providing procedural certainty for bidders.
E-Procurement System Overview
Argentina operates two national electronic procurement platforms that form the backbone of federal-level public contracting:
- Compr.ar: Procurement of goods and services
- Contrat.ar: Public works procurement
| Feature | Details |
| Launch year | 2016 |
| Core functionalities | ePublishing, eTendering, eEvaluation, eAwarding, eCatalogues |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Supported currencies | Argentine Peso, US Dollar |
Both platforms allow downloading of tender documents and publication of procurement data aligned with open contracting practices.
Procurement Market Characteristics
Argentina’s procurement market is broad and sector-diverse, covering agriculture, education, energy, health, transport, ICT, public administration, social protection, and water and sanitation.
- Procurement covers goods, works, and services
- Domestic and international suppliers may participate
- SME participation is supported through specific legal provisions
- Evaluation methods include MEAT and price-based criteria
The scale of the market results in high competition, particularly in nationally advertised tenders.
Transparency, Complaints & Oversight
Argentina’s procurement framework incorporates multiple transparency and oversight mechanisms designed to safeguard public interest and bidder confidence.
- Mandatory publication of tender notices and contract awards
- Access to procurement statistics through national portals
- Formal administrative complaint and appeal procedures
These mechanisms reinforce accountability across the procurement lifecycle.
Sustainability & Green Public Procurement
Argentina has developed a structured policy framework for sustainable public procurement, integrating environmental considerations into public purchasing decisions.
- National strategies and guidelines for sustainable procurement are in place
- Environmental criteria may be incorporated into technical specifications and evaluation scoring
- Monitoring tools support the implementation of sustainability objectives
Green procurement is applied selectively by sector, in line with national environmental and sustainability legislation.
Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations
Public procurement in Argentina is also used to advance social and ethical objectives.
- Legal provisions support participation by SMEs, women-owned businesses, and disadvantaged groups
- Domestic industry preference is established under national legislation
- Ethical sourcing principles apply through general procurement rules
These measures align public procurement with broader social inclusion and economic development goals.
Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders
Key challenges
- Complex regulatory environment and documentation requirements
- High competition in large-value tenders
- Macroeconomic conditions affecting contract execution
Practical bidding insights
- Ensure timely registration and compliance on Compr.ar and Contrat.ar.
- Carefully assess applicable thresholds and procurement procedures.
- Demonstrate economic advantage clearly where MEAT applies.
- Account for domestic preference and SME-related provisions in the bid strategy.
Public procurement in Argentina offers one of the most extensive and sophisticated government tender markets in the region. For suppliers, contractors, and consultants, success depends on regulatory familiarity, strong compliance management, and a strategic approach to competition within a large and policy-driven public procurement system.
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