EC launches new procurement system

(ANSA) - Brussels, April 19 - New European Commission directives to standardize public procurement procedures across the EU-28 went into effect yesterday and a new self-declaration form for contractors went online on Tuesday.
    The European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) will significantly cut back on the administrative burden for companies - especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to have a fair chance at winning a public contract, according to the Commission.
    The ESPD replaces the current system - which can differ drastically between member States - and will allow all businesses to electronically self-declare that they meet the necessary criteria.
    To facilitate its use, a free, Web-based system is being developed for member States and businesses.
    As of October 18, 2018, all firms wanting to bid on a public contract in any of the 28 EU member States will have to submit their ESPD electronically.
    Public authorities that have already converted to an electronic public procurement system have cut costs by 5-20% - in an overall market worth 1.9 trillion euros a year, this could mean 100 billion euros in savings, the Commission said.