Events

The research among companies related to their experience from participation in public procurement procedures was conducted in the period November - December 2016. It targeted a total of 230 companies from all bigger towns across the country. This research represents the seventh regular survey of companies in relation to public procurement conducted by the Center for Civil Communications as part of their monitoring of public procurement from 2009 onwards. This analysis presents survey results, as well as comparison against results obtained on previous surveys, for the purpose of presenting the actual current state-of-affairs, but also trends in public procurement.

The research among companies related to their experience from participation in public procurement procedures was conducted in the period November - December 2016. It targeted a total of 230 companies from all bigger towns across the country. This research represents the seventh regular survey of companies in relation to public procurement conducted by the Center for Civil Communications as part of their monitoring of public procurement from 2009 onwards. This analysis presents survey results, as well as comparison against results obtained on previous surveys, for the purpose of presenting the actual current state-of-affairs, but also trends in public procurement.

The research among companies related to their experience from participation in public procurement procedures was conducted in the period November - December 2016. It targeted a total of 230 companies from all bigger towns across the country. This research represents the seventh regular survey of companies in relation to public procurement conducted by the Center for Civil Communications as part of their monitoring of public procurement from 2009 onwards. This analysis presents survey results, as well as comparison against results obtained on previous surveys, for the purpose of presenting the actual current state-of-affairs, but also trends in public procurement.

The research among companies related to their experience from participation in public procurement procedures was conducted in the period November - December 2016. It targeted a total of 230 companies from all bigger towns across the country. This research represents the seventh regular survey of companies in relation to public procurement conducted by the Center for Civil Communications as part of their monitoring of public procurement from 2009 onwards. This analysis presents survey results, as well as comparison against results obtained on previous surveys, for the purpose of presenting the actual current state-of-affairs, but also trends in public procurement.

The research among companies related to their experience from participation in public procurement procedures was conducted in the period November - December 2016. It targeted a total of 230 companies from all bigger towns across the country. This research represents the seventh regular survey of companies in relation to public procurement conducted by the Center for Civil Communications as part of their monitoring of public procurement from 2009 onwards. This analysis presents survey results, as well as comparison against results obtained on previous surveys, for the purpose of presenting the actual current state-of-affairs, but also trends in public procurement.

The research among companies related to their experience from participation in public procurement procedures was conducted in the period November - December 2016. It targeted a total of 230 companies from all bigger towns across the country. This research represents the seventh regular survey of companies in relation to public procurement conducted by the Center for Civil Communications as part of their monitoring of public procurement from 2009 onwards. This analysis presents survey results, as well as comparison against results obtained on previous surveys, for the purpose of presenting the actual current state-of-affairs, but also trends in public procurement.

The research among companies related to their experience from participation in public procurement procedures was conducted in the period November - December 2016. It targeted a total of 230 companies from all bigger towns across the country. This research represents the seventh regular survey of companies in relation to public procurement conducted by the Center for Civil Communications as part of their monitoring of public procurement from 2009 onwards. This analysis presents survey results, as well as comparison against results obtained on previous surveys, for the purpose of presenting the actual current state-of-affairs, but also trends in public procurement.

The aim of this handbook is to contribute to a more comprehensive and better planning and management of public funds to meet actual needs and interests of the citizens in the Western Balkans region. To ensure greater participation of citizens in this important area of public finance management, this handbook summarizes key steps in public procurement and draws attention to the established principles of purposefulness to each of them. The handbook aims to the efforts of the Balkan Tender Watch coalition to expand the front of the NGOs which, through their activities, try to hold governments accountable for their work and to foster necessary reforms. The handbook is available only in Macedonian.

Skopje, September 21, 2016 - The Center for Civil Communications announced today the results of research of active transparency of institutions. The ranking covers all 81 municipalities and the City of Skopje, 15 ministries and the Government. The percentage of fulfillment of the obligations for disclosure of public information of all 97 institutions is 45% (of 100%). The legal basis for active transparency of the institutions are located primarily in the Law on Free Access to Public Information, and in many other laws such as the Law on Local Self-Government, the Budget Law, the Law on Public Debt, the Law on Financing of Units local self-government, etc. Apart from regulation, active transparency derives from practice, i.e. when an institution makes available to all citizens answers to questions often received in the form of requests for access to public information. According to the scale of active transparency, most institutions (33%) are in the group with an 'average' active transparency, and least (4%) are in the best group, the one with 'good' active transparency. Generally, municipalities stand much better than the ministries and government. The municipalities are ranked on the first 18 places and the best ministry is only on 19th place. All four institutions in the top group, with 'very good' active transparency are municipalities. In terms of specific areas of active transparency - the institutions publish most information on access to information, and least in the area of ​​budgetary and financial transparency. The ranking of the institutions and the research are available only in Macedonian....

Skopje, September 21, 2016 - The Center for Civil Communications announced today the results of research of active transparency of institutions. The ranking covers all 81 municipalities and the City of Skopje, 15 ministries and the Government. The percentage of fulfillment of the obligations for disclosure of public information of all 97 institutions is 45% (of 100%). The legal basis for active transparency of the institutions are located primarily in the Law on Free Access to Public Information, and in many other laws such as the Law on Local Self-Government, the Budget Law, the Law on Public Debt, the Law on Financing of Units local self-government, etc. Apart from regulation, active transparency derives from practice, i.e. when an institution makes available to all citizens answers to questions often received in the form of requests for access to public information. According to the scale of active transparency, most institutions (33%) are in the group with an 'average' active transparency, and least (4%) are in the best group, the one with 'good' active transparency. Generally, municipalities stand much better than the ministries and government. The municipalities are ranked on the first 18 places and the best ministry is only on 19th place. All four institutions in the top group, with 'very good' active transparency are municipalities. In terms of specific areas of active transparency - the institutions publish most information on access to information, and least in the area of ​​budgetary and financial transparency. The ranking of the institutions and the research are available only in Macedonian....

Skopje, September 21, 2016 - The Center for Civil Communications announced today the results of research of active transparency of institutions. The ranking covers all 81 municipalities and the City of Skopje, 15 ministries and the Government. The percentage of fulfillment of the obligations for disclosure of public information of all 97 institutions is 45% (of 100%). The legal basis for active transparency of the institutions are located primarily in the Law on Free Access to Public Information, and in many other laws such as the Law on Local Self-Government, the Budget Law, the Law on Public Debt, the Law on Financing of Units local self-government, etc. Apart from regulation, active transparency derives from practice, i.e. when an institution makes available to all citizens answers to questions often received in the form of requests for access to public information. According to the scale of active transparency, most institutions (33%) are in the group with an 'average' active transparency, and least (4%) are in the best group, the one with 'good' active transparency. Generally, municipalities stand much better than the ministries and government. The municipalities are ranked on the first 18 places and the best ministry is only on 19th place. All four institutions in the top group, with 'very good' active transparency are municipalities. In terms of specific areas of active transparency - the institutions publish most information on access to information, and least in the area of ​​budgetary and financial transparency. The ranking of the institutions and the research are available only in Macedonian....

Skopje, September 21, 2016 - The Center for Civil Communications announced today the results of research of active transparency of institutions. The ranking covers all 81 municipalities and the City of Skopje, 15 ministries and the Government. The percentage of fulfillment of the obligations for disclosure of public information of all 97 institutions is 45% (of 100%). The legal basis for active transparency of the institutions are located primarily in the Law on Free Access to Public Information, and in many other laws such as the Law on Local Self-Government, the Budget Law, the Law on Public Debt, the Law on Financing of Units local self-government, etc. Apart from regulation, active transparency derives from practice, i.e. when an institution makes available to all citizens answers to questions often received in the form of requests for access to public information. According to the scale of active transparency, most institutions (33%) are in the group with an 'average' active transparency, and least (4%) are in the best group, the one with 'good' active transparency. Generally, municipalities stand much better than the ministries and government. The municipalities are ranked on the first 18 places and the best ministry is only on 19th place. All four institutions in the top group, with 'very good' active transparency are municipalities. In terms of specific areas of active transparency - the institutions publish most information on access to information, and least in the area of ​​budgetary and financial transparency. The ranking of the institutions and the research are available only in Macedonian....

Skopje, September 21, 2016 - The Center for Civil Communications announced today the results of research of active transparency of institutions. The ranking covers all 81 municipalities and the City of Skopje, 15 ministries and the Government. The percentage of fulfillment of the obligations for disclosure of public information of all 97 institutions is 45% (of 100%). The legal basis for active transparency of the institutions are located primarily in the Law on Free Access to Public Information, and in many other laws such as the Law on Local Self-Government, the Budget Law, the Law on Public Debt, the Law on Financing of Units local self-government, etc. Apart from regulation, active transparency derives from practice, i.e. when an institution makes available to all citizens answers to questions often received in the form of requests for access to public information. According to the scale of active transparency, most institutions (33%) are in the group with an 'average' active transparency, and least (4%) are in the best group, the one with 'good' active transparency. Generally, municipalities stand much better than the ministries and government. The municipalities are ranked on the first 18 places and the best ministry is only on 19th place. All four institutions in the top group, with 'very good' active transparency are municipalities. In terms of specific areas of active transparency - the institutions publish most information on access to information, and least in the area of ​​budgetary and financial transparency. The ranking of the institutions and the research are available only in Macedonian....

Skopje, September 21, 2016 - The Center for Civil Communications announced today the results of research of active transparency of institutions. The ranking covers all 81 municipalities and the City of Skopje, 15 ministries and the Government. The percentage of fulfillment of the obligations for disclosure of public information of all 97 institutions is 45% (of 100%). The legal basis for active transparency of the institutions are located primarily in the Law on Free Access to Public Information, and in many other laws such as the Law on Local Self-Government, the Budget Law, the Law on Public Debt, the Law on Financing of Units local self-government, etc. Apart from regulation, active transparency derives from practice, i.e. when an institution makes available to all citizens answers to questions often received in the form of requests for access to public information. According to the scale of active transparency, most institutions (33%) are in the group with an 'average' active transparency, and least (4%) are in the best group, the one with 'good' active transparency. Generally, municipalities stand much better than the ministries and government. The municipalities are ranked on the first 18 places and the best ministry is only on 19th place. All four institutions in the top group, with 'very good' active transparency are municipalities. In terms of specific areas of active transparency - the institutions publish most information on access to information, and least in the area of ​​budgetary and financial transparency. The ranking of the institutions and the research are available only in Macedonian....

Skopje, September 21, 2016 - The Center for Civil Communications announced today the results of research of active transparency of institutions. The ranking covers all 81 municipalities and the City of Skopje, 15 ministries and the Government. The percentage of fulfillment of the obligations for disclosure of public information of all 97 institutions is 45% (of 100%). The legal basis for active transparency of the institutions are located primarily in the Law on Free Access to Public Information, and in many other laws such as the Law on Local Self-Government, the Budget Law, the Law on Public Debt, the Law on Financing of Units local self-government, etc. Apart from regulation, active transparency derives from practice, i.e. when an institution makes available to all citizens answers to questions often received in the form of requests for access to public information. According to the scale of active transparency, most institutions (33%) are in the group with an 'average' active transparency, and least (4%) are in the best group, the one with 'good' active transparency. Generally, municipalities stand much better than the ministries and government. The municipalities are ranked on the first 18 places and the best ministry is only on 19th place. All four institutions in the top group, with 'very good' active transparency are municipalities. In terms of specific areas of active transparency - the institutions publish most information on access to information, and least in the area of ​​budgetary and financial transparency. The ranking of the institutions and the research are available only in Macedonian....

Skopje, September 21, 2016 - The Center for Civil Communications announced today the results of research of active transparency of institutions. The ranking covers all 81 municipalities and the City of Skopje, 15 ministries and the Government. The percentage of fulfillment of the obligations for disclosure of public information of all 97 institutions is 45% (of 100%). The legal basis for active transparency of the institutions are located primarily in the Law on Free Access to Public Information, and in many other laws such as the Law on Local Self-Government, the Budget Law, the Law on Public Debt, the Law on Financing of Units local self-government, etc. Apart from regulation, active transparency derives from practice, i.e. when an institution makes available to all citizens answers to questions often received in the form of requests for access to public information. According to the scale of active transparency, most institutions (33%) are in the group with an 'average' active transparency, and least (4%) are in the best group, the one with 'good' active transparency. Generally, municipalities stand much better than the ministries and government. The municipalities are ranked on the first 18 places and the best ministry is only on 19th place. All four institutions in the top group, with 'very good' active transparency are municipalities. In terms of specific areas of active transparency - the institutions publish most information on access to information, and least in the area of ​​budgetary and financial transparency. The ranking of the institutions and the research are available only in Macedonian....

SKOPJE, 6 May 2016 – Today, the Center for Civil Communications published its monitoring report on public procurement covering the period July – December 2015, which also includes results and findings from the survey conducted among 254 companies and analysis of their appeal procedures. Survey among companies related to their experience in public procurement where they participated shows that: two most frequent problems faced by companies in public procurement concern lowest prices as the single criterion for awarding public procurement contracts and delayed payment for contract performance; average period of waiting for collection of receivables for contract performance amounts to 8 months; 79% of surveyed companies believe that corruption is present in public procurement, as follows: 37% of them indicated that corruption is often present, 10% indicated it is always present, while 32% of surveyed companies indicated that corruption is rarely present in public procurement. Only 21% of companies indicated that corruption is never present in public procurement. Key findings from monitoring of public procurement include: costs for engagement of experts by the Council of Public Procurement in cases of issuing approval for tender procedures amounted to total of 2.2 million EUR, paid by contracting authorities; every fourth tender procedure from the monitoring sample is characterized by only one bidding companies; in 2015, contracts signed by means of negotiation procedures without previously announced call for bids accounted for more than 29 million EUR; total of 19.9% of all public procurement procedures organized in 2015 were annulled. Analysis of appeal procedures led in front of the...

Skopje, 6 April, 2016 – The Center for Civil Communications in partnership with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and NGO Info-centre has started three-year implementation of the EU funded project “Investigative reporting to boost reforms”. The Project will create a core of well skilled investigative journalists, as well as a network of grass-root CSOs from all over the country which should contribute towards improved investigative journalism both through their work and through the cooperation with journalists. Project activities will be determined to change the current situation where the media in the country fail to play a pivotal watching role, i.e. expose and analyse issues of public interests and hold public officials to accountability. In such circumstances of deteriorating situation in the media combined with understaffed news teams and limited resources there is an apparent lack of investigative journalism, one of the most powerful tools for holding government accountable. Project aims to increased quality and credibility of investigative journalism, and creation of CSOs’ open databases serving as resource for investigative journalism and their own activities. Project activities envisage intensive training program on investigative journalism on government’s accountability, mentorship and coaching of investigative journalists, award competition for investigative stories, study visits, public debates, sub-granting, training and mentoring of local CSOs in preparation of open data bases for important social issues, and a creation of informal network of CSOs and journalists. Total budget of the project is 294,812 EUR, while the EU contribution is 265,331 EUR.

Skopje, 6 April, 2016 – The Center for Civil Communications in partnership with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and NGO Info-centre has started three-year implementation of the EU funded project “Investigative reporting to boost reforms”. The Project will create a core of well skilled investigative journalists, as well as a network of grass-root CSOs from all over the country which should contribute towards improved investigative journalism both through their work and through the cooperation with journalists. Project activities will be determined to change the current situation where the media in the country fail to play a pivotal watching role, i.e. expose and analyse issues of public interests and hold public officials to accountability. In such circumstances of deteriorating situation in the media combined with understaffed news teams and limited resources there is an apparent lack of investigative journalism, one of the most powerful tools for holding government accountable. Project aims to increased quality and credibility of investigative journalism, and creation of CSOs’ open databases serving as resource for investigative journalism and their own activities. Project activities envisage intensive training program on investigative journalism on government’s accountability, mentorship and coaching of investigative journalists, award competition for investigative stories, study visits, public debates, sub-granting, training and mentoring of local CSOs in preparation of open data bases for important social issues, and a creation of informal network of CSOs and journalists. Total budget of the project is 294,812 EUR, while the EU contribution is 265,331 EUR.

Skopje, 6 April, 2016 – The Center for Civil Communications in partnership with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and NGO Info-centre has started three-year implementation of the EU funded project “Investigative reporting to boost reforms”. The Project will create a core of well skilled investigative journalists, as well as a network of grass-root CSOs from all over the country which should contribute towards improved investigative journalism both through their work and through the cooperation with journalists. Project activities will be determined to change the current situation where the media in the country fail to play a pivotal watching role, i.e. expose and analyse issues of public interests and hold public officials to accountability. In such circumstances of deteriorating situation in the media combined with understaffed news teams and limited resources there is an apparent lack of investigative journalism, one of the most powerful tools for holding government accountable. Project aims to increased quality and credibility of investigative journalism, and creation of CSOs’ open databases serving as resource for investigative journalism and their own activities. Project activities envisage intensive training program on investigative journalism on government’s accountability, mentorship and coaching of investigative journalists, award competition for investigative stories, study visits, public debates, sub-granting, training and mentoring of local CSOs in preparation of open data bases for important social issues, and a creation of informal network of CSOs and journalists. Total budget of the project is 294,812 EUR, while the EU contribution is 265,331 EUR.

Skopje, 6 April, 2016 – The Center for Civil Communications in partnership with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and NGO Info-centre has started three-year implementation of the EU funded project “Investigative reporting to boost reforms”. The Project will create a core of well skilled investigative journalists, as well as a network of grass-root CSOs from all over the country which should contribute towards improved investigative journalism both through their work and through the cooperation with journalists. Project activities will be determined to change the current situation where the media in the country fail to play a pivotal watching role, i.e. expose and analyse issues of public interests and hold public officials to accountability. In such circumstances of deteriorating situation in the media combined with understaffed news teams and limited resources there is an apparent lack of investigative journalism, one of the most powerful tools for holding government accountable. Project aims to increased quality and credibility of investigative journalism, and creation of CSOs’ open databases serving as resource for investigative journalism and their own activities. Project activities envisage intensive training program on investigative journalism on government’s accountability, mentorship and coaching of investigative journalists, award competition for investigative stories, study visits, public debates, sub-granting, training and mentoring of local CSOs in preparation of open data bases for important social issues, and a creation of informal network of CSOs and journalists. Total budget of the project is 294,812 EUR, while the EU contribution is 265,331 EUR.

Skopje, 6 April, 2016 – The Center for Civil Communications in partnership with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and NGO Info-centre has started three-year implementation of the EU funded project “Investigative reporting to boost reforms”. The Project will create a core of well skilled investigative journalists, as well as a network of grass-root CSOs from all over the country which should contribute towards improved investigative journalism both through their work and through the cooperation with journalists. Project activities will be determined to change the current situation where the media in the country fail to play a pivotal watching role, i.e. expose and analyse issues of public interests and hold public officials to accountability. In such circumstances of deteriorating situation in the media combined with understaffed news teams and limited resources there is an apparent lack of investigative journalism, one of the most powerful tools for holding government accountable. Project aims to increased quality and credibility of investigative journalism, and creation of CSOs’ open databases serving as resource for investigative journalism and their own activities. Project activities envisage intensive training program on investigative journalism on government’s accountability, mentorship and coaching of investigative journalists, award competition for investigative stories, study visits, public debates, sub-granting, training and mentoring of local CSOs in preparation of open data bases for important social issues, and a creation of informal network of CSOs and journalists. Total budget of the project is 294,812 EUR, while the EU contribution is 265,331 EUR.

Skopje, 6 April, 2016 – The Center for Civil Communications in partnership with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and NGO Info-centre has started three-year implementation of the EU funded project “Investigative reporting to boost reforms”. The Project will create a core of well skilled investigative journalists, as well as a network of grass-root CSOs from all over the country which should contribute towards improved investigative journalism both through their work and through the cooperation with journalists. Project activities will be determined to change the current situation where the media in the country fail to play a pivotal watching role, i.e. expose and analyse issues of public interests and hold public officials to accountability. In such circumstances of deteriorating situation in the media combined with understaffed news teams and limited resources there is an apparent lack of investigative journalism, one of the most powerful tools for holding government accountable. Project aims to increased quality and credibility of investigative journalism, and creation of CSOs’ open databases serving as resource for investigative journalism and their own activities. Project activities envisage intensive training program on investigative journalism on government’s accountability, mentorship and coaching of investigative journalists, award competition for investigative stories, study visits, public debates, sub-granting, training and mentoring of local CSOs in preparation of open data bases for important social issues, and a creation of informal network of CSOs and journalists. Total budget of the project is 294,812 EUR, while the EU contribution is 265,331 EUR.

Skopje, 6 April, 2016 – The Center for Civil Communications in partnership with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and NGO Info-centre has started three-year implementation of the EU funded project “Investigative reporting to boost reforms”. The Project will create a core of well skilled investigative journalists, as well as a network of grass-root CSOs from all over the country which should contribute towards improved investigative journalism both through their work and through the cooperation with journalists. Project activities will be determined to change the current situation where the media in the country fail to play a pivotal watching role, i.e. expose and analyse issues of public interests and hold public officials to accountability. In such circumstances of deteriorating situation in the media combined with understaffed news teams and limited resources there is an apparent lack of investigative journalism, one of the most powerful tools for holding government accountable. Project aims to increased quality and credibility of investigative journalism, and creation of CSOs’ open databases serving as resource for investigative journalism and their own activities. Project activities envisage intensive training program on investigative journalism on government’s accountability, mentorship and coaching of investigative journalists, award competition for investigative stories, study visits, public debates, sub-granting, training and mentoring of local CSOs in preparation of open data bases for important social issues, and a creation of informal network of CSOs and journalists. Total budget of the project is 294,812 EUR, while the EU contribution is 265,331 EUR.

SKOPJE, 10 December 2015 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period January-June 2015. Key findings related to monitoring of public procurements include: Low competition, which brings under question the effectiveness of public spending, continues to be the key hallmark of tender procedures in the first half of 2015. Although established for the purpose of increasing competition, the Council of Public Procurements has failed to yield any results. In the first six months of this year, the Council of Public Procurements was presented with 10,362 applications for approval, costing the institutions as much as 74.3 million MKD, i.e. 1.2 million EUR. Introduced controls have disciplined the institutions and forced them to reduce their use of non-transparent negotiation procedures without prior announcement of call for bids. In the first half of 2015, public funds spent by means of this type of contracts amounted to around 11.5 million EUR and are by 61.4% lower compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2015, 18.5% of all tender procedures announced were annulled. This marked a modest decrease in the number of tender annulments compared to the previous monitoring periods. In the first half of this year, companies submitted the lowest number of appeals recorded in the last several years. The State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals was presented with 252 appeals in total, which is by 23.6% lower compared to the same period last year. More than half of appeals lodged have...

SKOPJE, 10 December 2015 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period January-June 2015. Key findings related to monitoring of public procurements include: Low competition, which brings under question the effectiveness of public spending, continues to be the key hallmark of tender procedures in the first half of 2015. Although established for the purpose of increasing competition, the Council of Public Procurements has failed to yield any results. In the first six months of this year, the Council of Public Procurements was presented with 10,362 applications for approval, costing the institutions as much as 74.3 million MKD, i.e. 1.2 million EUR. Introduced controls have disciplined the institutions and forced them to reduce their use of non-transparent negotiation procedures without prior announcement of call for bids. In the first half of 2015, public funds spent by means of this type of contracts amounted to around 11.5 million EUR and are by 61.4% lower compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2015, 18.5% of all tender procedures announced were annulled. This marked a modest decrease in the number of tender annulments compared to the previous monitoring periods. In the first half of this year, companies submitted the lowest number of appeals recorded in the last several years. The State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals was presented with 252 appeals in total, which is by 23.6% lower compared to the same period last year. More than half of appeals lodged have...

SKOPJE, 10 December 2015 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period January-June 2015. Key findings related to monitoring of public procurements include: Low competition, which brings under question the effectiveness of public spending, continues to be the key hallmark of tender procedures in the first half of 2015. Although established for the purpose of increasing competition, the Council of Public Procurements has failed to yield any results. In the first six months of this year, the Council of Public Procurements was presented with 10,362 applications for approval, costing the institutions as much as 74.3 million MKD, i.e. 1.2 million EUR. Introduced controls have disciplined the institutions and forced them to reduce their use of non-transparent negotiation procedures without prior announcement of call for bids. In the first half of 2015, public funds spent by means of this type of contracts amounted to around 11.5 million EUR and are by 61.4% lower compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2015, 18.5% of all tender procedures announced were annulled. This marked a modest decrease in the number of tender annulments compared to the previous monitoring periods. In the first half of this year, companies submitted the lowest number of appeals recorded in the last several years. The State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals was presented with 252 appeals in total, which is by 23.6% lower compared to the same period last year. More than half of appeals lodged have...

SKOPJE, 10 December 2015 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period January-June 2015. Key findings related to monitoring of public procurements include: Low competition, which brings under question the effectiveness of public spending, continues to be the key hallmark of tender procedures in the first half of 2015. Although established for the purpose of increasing competition, the Council of Public Procurements has failed to yield any results. In the first six months of this year, the Council of Public Procurements was presented with 10,362 applications for approval, costing the institutions as much as 74.3 million MKD, i.e. 1.2 million EUR. Introduced controls have disciplined the institutions and forced them to reduce their use of non-transparent negotiation procedures without prior announcement of call for bids. In the first half of 2015, public funds spent by means of this type of contracts amounted to around 11.5 million EUR and are by 61.4% lower compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2015, 18.5% of all tender procedures announced were annulled. This marked a modest decrease in the number of tender annulments compared to the previous monitoring periods. In the first half of this year, companies submitted the lowest number of appeals recorded in the last several years. The State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals was presented with 252 appeals in total, which is by 23.6% lower compared to the same period last year. More than half of appeals lodged have...

SKOPJE, 10 December 2015 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period January-June 2015. Key findings related to monitoring of public procurements include: Low competition, which brings under question the effectiveness of public spending, continues to be the key hallmark of tender procedures in the first half of 2015. Although established for the purpose of increasing competition, the Council of Public Procurements has failed to yield any results. In the first six months of this year, the Council of Public Procurements was presented with 10,362 applications for approval, costing the institutions as much as 74.3 million MKD, i.e. 1.2 million EUR. Introduced controls have disciplined the institutions and forced them to reduce their use of non-transparent negotiation procedures without prior announcement of call for bids. In the first half of 2015, public funds spent by means of this type of contracts amounted to around 11.5 million EUR and are by 61.4% lower compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2015, 18.5% of all tender procedures announced were annulled. This marked a modest decrease in the number of tender annulments compared to the previous monitoring periods. In the first half of this year, companies submitted the lowest number of appeals recorded in the last several years. The State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals was presented with 252 appeals in total, which is by 23.6% lower compared to the same period last year. More than half of appeals lodged have...

SKOPJE, 10 December 2015 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period January-June 2015. Key findings related to monitoring of public procurements include: Low competition, which brings under question the effectiveness of public spending, continues to be the key hallmark of tender procedures in the first half of 2015. Although established for the purpose of increasing competition, the Council of Public Procurements has failed to yield any results. In the first six months of this year, the Council of Public Procurements was presented with 10,362 applications for approval, costing the institutions as much as 74.3 million MKD, i.e. 1.2 million EUR. Introduced controls have disciplined the institutions and forced them to reduce their use of non-transparent negotiation procedures without prior announcement of call for bids. In the first half of 2015, public funds spent by means of this type of contracts amounted to around 11.5 million EUR and are by 61.4% lower compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2015, 18.5% of all tender procedures announced were annulled. This marked a modest decrease in the number of tender annulments compared to the previous monitoring periods. In the first half of this year, companies submitted the lowest number of appeals recorded in the last several years. The State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals was presented with 252 appeals in total, which is by 23.6% lower compared to the same period last year. More than half of appeals lodged have...

SKOPJE, 10 December 2015 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period January-June 2015. Key findings related to monitoring of public procurements include: Low competition, which brings under question the effectiveness of public spending, continues to be the key hallmark of tender procedures in the first half of 2015. Although established for the purpose of increasing competition, the Council of Public Procurements has failed to yield any results. In the first six months of this year, the Council of Public Procurements was presented with 10,362 applications for approval, costing the institutions as much as 74.3 million MKD, i.e. 1.2 million EUR. Introduced controls have disciplined the institutions and forced them to reduce their use of non-transparent negotiation procedures without prior announcement of call for bids. In the first half of 2015, public funds spent by means of this type of contracts amounted to around 11.5 million EUR and are by 61.4% lower compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2015, 18.5% of all tender procedures announced were annulled. This marked a modest decrease in the number of tender annulments compared to the previous monitoring periods. In the first half of this year, companies submitted the lowest number of appeals recorded in the last several years. The State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals was presented with 252 appeals in total, which is by 23.6% lower compared to the same period last year. More than half of appeals lodged have...

SKOPJE, 25 August, 2015 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the Index of Rationality No. 13 developed for a new group of goods (electronic time and attendance log system, waste containers and chicken steak) and services (aerial mosquito disinfections and collection, transport and disposal of medical waste). The biggest difference in price was observed in procurement of electronic time and attendance log system, while the smallest difference was noted in procurement of waste containers. In summary, the Index of Rationality provides the following conclusions: aerial mosquito disinfections was priced in the range from 176 MKD to 606 MKD per hectare, where the highest price is by 244% higher than the lowest price; electronic time and attendance log systems were purchased at prices ranging from 43,200 MKD to 160,000 MKD per system, where the highest price is by 270% higher than the lowest price; waste containers (metal 1.1 m3) were purchased at prices ranging from 12,383 MKD to 18,502 MKD, which means that the highest price is by 49% higher than the lowest price; collection, transport and disposal of medical waste was priced in the range from 41 MKD to 95 MKD per kilogram, with the highest price being by 132% higher than the lowest price; and chicken steak was purchased at prices ranging from 172 MKD to 315 MKD per kilogram, which means that the highest price is by 83% higher than the lowest price. This Report is available here. For more information, please contact the Centre for Civil Communications on tel. (02)...

SKOPJE, 26 June, 2015 – Today, the Centер for Civil Communications published the Index of Rationality No. 12 developed for a new group of goods (traffic signs, fiscal cash registers and video surveillance cameras) and services (street marking and financial audit). The biggest difference in price was observed in procurement of financial audit services, while the smallest difference was noted in procurement of fiscal cash registers. In summary, the Index of Rationality provides the following conclusions: traffic signs (vertical traffic signals) were purchases at prices ranging from 745 MKD to 3,882 MKD per 1 “STOP” sign, where the highest price is by 421% higher than the lowest price; street marking (horizontal traffic signalization) was priced from 142 MKD to 354 MKD per m2, with the highest price being by 149% higher than the lowest price; mobile fiscal cash registers were purchased by institutions at prices from 10,894 MKD to 16,772 MKD, which means that the highest price is by 54% higher than the lowest price; video surveillance cameras were purchased at prices ranging from 1,682 MKD to 6,490 MKD, where the highest price for this procurement is almost three times as higher (286%) compared to the lowest price; and financial audit services were charged as share ranging from 0.026% to 0.717% of the financial turnover subject of audit, where the highest service fee is 27 times higher than the lowest service fee. This Report is available here. For more information, please contact the Centre for Civil Communications on tel. (02) 3213-513 or by e-mail: center@ccc.org.mk....

The Center for Civil Communications has published the second, updated issue of the “Recommendations for Easier Access of Microenterprises to Public Procurements”. Recommendations put forward in this document are not aimed to change the legislation; on the contrary, they aim to promote existing rules that govern public procurements which, if adequately implemented in the practice, will contribute to attainment of the overall goal: easier access of small- and microenterprises to the public procurement market and revival of local economies throughout the country. The recommendations were first published two years ago, in February 2013.First and foremost, recommendations are drafted on the basis of insights obtained as part of regular monitoring of public procurements in the Republic of Macedonia, analysis of relevant national legislation on public procurements in Macedonia, Code of Best Practices in Opening Public Procurements for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises published by the European Commission, as well as comprehensive research of practices applied by contracting authorities and experiences of microenterprises in relation to public procurements organized in the country. All these demonstrated insufficient participation in public procurements, especially in terms of the value of tender procedures awarded to small- and microenterprises. Presence of microenterprises on the public procurement market is low and disproportional to the total number of such enterprises, their importance and their role in the local communities, but also in the overall economy. Research studies showed that these enterprises are facing lack of information about public procurements, ignorance of relevant legislation and manner in which public procurements are implemented, insufficient trust in pubic...

SKOPJE, 29 April 2015 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period July-December 2014. Key findings related to monitoring of public procurements include: In the first months of its operation, the Council of Public Procurements increased the administrative burden in implementation of tender procedures, but not the competition therein. The number of bidding companies per tender procedure in the second half of 2014 is reduced, even when compared to the first half of the year. In the second half of 2014, the Council of Public Procurements was addressed with as many as 5,725 applications for approval concerning implementation of tender procedures. State institutions incurred a cost of around 600,000 EUR for requesting such approvals. All tender procedures from the monitoring sample applied the selection criterion defined as “lowest prices”. Low prices, which during some e-auctions result in absurdly low levels, bring under question the quality of public procurements. Mandatory approval from the Council of Public Procurements for organization of negotiation procedures without prior announcement of call for bids has reduced the number of these non-transparent procurement procedures. Annual amount of procurement contracts awarded in this manner reached 56 million EUR. Contracting authorities joined the appeal process in the field of public procurements. 109 from the total of 612 appeals lodged to the State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals in the course of 2014 were motioned by institutions implementing tender procedures and contest decisions taken by the Council of Public Procurements. With only 503...

SKOPJE, 4 September, 2014 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the periodApril-June 2014. Key findings include: Multiannual trend of decreasing number of appeals lodged by companies in front of the State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals (SCPPA) is discontinued. In the first semester of 2014, SCPPA was presented with a total of 330 appeals, accounting for an increase by 13.4% compared to the same period last year. Also, for the first time in several years, high share of decisions taken by SCPPA imply approval of appeals. Significant share of bids submitted in tender procedures do not reach the bid-evaluation stage. In that, reasons indicated for rejection of bids include administrative shortcomings of bids submitted and failure to fulfil requirements defined in relevant tender documents (eligibility criteria and terms and conditions defined in tender specifications). Recently adopted law amendments in effect from January 2014 have yield expected results in reducing the share of contracts signed by means of negotiation procedure without previously announced call for bids, but are still ineffective in terms of reduced number of tender annulments. In the second quarter of 2014, the total values of direct contracts accounts for 10.5 million EUR, and 22.4% of all announced tenders were annulled. Competition is still on unsatisfactory level. Only 47% of tender procedures from the monitoring sample were completed with e-auction. This Report is available here. For more information, please contact the Centre for Civil Communications on tel. (02) 3213-513 or by e-mail: center@ccc.org.mk. NOTE TO THE EDITORS: USAID...

In Kumanovo today, the USAID Project for Microenterprise Access to Public Procurement celebrated the expansion of its Veles center services to cover the Northeast region.  Project staff presented the range of services which will now be available to microenterprises in the region, talked about the impact the project has had on microenterprises in the Vardar and Eastern regions, and encouraged those in attendance to enroll in the program. “Microenterprises are recognized worldwide as important elements of national economies, contributing significantly to employment expansion and poverty alleviation,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.  “Though public procurement bids are estimated at roughly $1.2 billion annually, microenterprises traditionally do not participate in them.  We want to change that.” As the USAID project expands services to the Northeast as well as Southeast regions, it will offer training, everyday technical assistance, and information to 300 microenterprises from 35 municipalities.  In addition, for over 300 local contracting authorities, it will offer concrete measures to reduce the current administrative burdens and other barriers faced disproportionately by microenterprises. NOTES TO THE EDITORS The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit USAID Macedonia Website and USAID Macedonia Facebook page. The...

In Kumanovo today, the USAID Project for Microenterprise Access to Public Procurement celebrated the expansion of its Veles center services to cover the Northeast region.  Project staff presented the range of services which will now be available to microenterprises in the region, talked about the impact the project has had on microenterprises in the Vardar and Eastern regions, and encouraged those in attendance to enroll in the program. “Microenterprises are recognized worldwide as important elements of national economies, contributing significantly to employment expansion and poverty alleviation,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.  “Though public procurement bids are estimated at roughly $1.2 billion annually, microenterprises traditionally do not participate in them.  We want to change that.” As the USAID project expands services to the Northeast as well as Southeast regions, it will offer training, everyday technical assistance, and information to 300 microenterprises from 35 municipalities.  In addition, for over 300 local contracting authorities, it will offer concrete measures to reduce the current administrative burdens and other barriers faced disproportionately by microenterprises. NOTES TO THE EDITORS The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit USAID Macedonia Website and USAID Macedonia Facebook page. The...

In Kumanovo today, the USAID Project for Microenterprise Access to Public Procurement celebrated the expansion of its Veles center services to cover the Northeast region.  Project staff presented the range of services which will now be available to microenterprises in the region, talked about the impact the project has had on microenterprises in the Vardar and Eastern regions, and encouraged those in attendance to enroll in the program. “Microenterprises are recognized worldwide as important elements of national economies, contributing significantly to employment expansion and poverty alleviation,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.  “Though public procurement bids are estimated at roughly $1.2 billion annually, microenterprises traditionally do not participate in them.  We want to change that.” As the USAID project expands services to the Northeast as well as Southeast regions, it will offer training, everyday technical assistance, and information to 300 microenterprises from 35 municipalities.  In addition, for over 300 local contracting authorities, it will offer concrete measures to reduce the current administrative burdens and other barriers faced disproportionately by microenterprises. NOTES TO THE EDITORS The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit USAID Macedonia Website and USAID Macedonia Facebook page. The...

In Kumanovo today, the USAID Project for Microenterprise Access to Public Procurement celebrated the expansion of its Veles center services to cover the Northeast region.  Project staff presented the range of services which will now be available to microenterprises in the region, talked about the impact the project has had on microenterprises in the Vardar and Eastern regions, and encouraged those in attendance to enroll in the program. “Microenterprises are recognized worldwide as important elements of national economies, contributing significantly to employment expansion and poverty alleviation,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.  “Though public procurement bids are estimated at roughly $1.2 billion annually, microenterprises traditionally do not participate in them.  We want to change that.” As the USAID project expands services to the Northeast as well as Southeast regions, it will offer training, everyday technical assistance, and information to 300 microenterprises from 35 municipalities.  In addition, for over 300 local contracting authorities, it will offer concrete measures to reduce the current administrative burdens and other barriers faced disproportionately by microenterprises. NOTES TO THE EDITORS The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit USAID Macedonia Website and USAID Macedonia Facebook page. The...

In Kumanovo today, the USAID Project for Microenterprise Access to Public Procurement celebrated the expansion of its Veles center services to cover the Northeast region.  Project staff presented the range of services which will now be available to microenterprises in the region, talked about the impact the project has had on microenterprises in the Vardar and Eastern regions, and encouraged those in attendance to enroll in the program. “Microenterprises are recognized worldwide as important elements of national economies, contributing significantly to employment expansion and poverty alleviation,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.  “Though public procurement bids are estimated at roughly $1.2 billion annually, microenterprises traditionally do not participate in them.  We want to change that.” As the USAID project expands services to the Northeast as well as Southeast regions, it will offer training, everyday technical assistance, and information to 300 microenterprises from 35 municipalities.  In addition, for over 300 local contracting authorities, it will offer concrete measures to reduce the current administrative burdens and other barriers faced disproportionately by microenterprises. NOTES TO THE EDITORS The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit USAID Macedonia Website and USAID Macedonia Facebook page. The...

In Kumanovo today, the USAID Project for Microenterprise Access to Public Procurement celebrated the expansion of its Veles center services to cover the Northeast region.  Project staff presented the range of services which will now be available to microenterprises in the region, talked about the impact the project has had on microenterprises in the Vardar and Eastern regions, and encouraged those in attendance to enroll in the program. “Microenterprises are recognized worldwide as important elements of national economies, contributing significantly to employment expansion and poverty alleviation,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.  “Though public procurement bids are estimated at roughly $1.2 billion annually, microenterprises traditionally do not participate in them.  We want to change that.” As the USAID project expands services to the Northeast as well as Southeast regions, it will offer training, everyday technical assistance, and information to 300 microenterprises from 35 municipalities.  In addition, for over 300 local contracting authorities, it will offer concrete measures to reduce the current administrative burdens and other barriers faced disproportionately by microenterprises. NOTES TO THE EDITORS The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit USAID Macedonia Website and USAID Macedonia Facebook page. The...

SKOPJE, 20 May 2014 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the Monitoring results for public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period October – December 2013, and the Index of Rationality no. 10. Key findings related to monitoring of public procurements include: In 2013, competition in public procurements remained low. Average number of bids submitted in 2013 tender procedures monitored (total of 160) is 2.6 and more than one third of tender procedures received only one bid. Six years have passed from the entry into effect of the Law on Public Procurements (LPP), but some institutions continue to act contrary to the legal provisions contained therein and companies are still unaware of their rights related to legal remedies. In the course of 2013, a total of 1,368 procurement contracts were signed by means of negotiation procedures without previously announced calls for bids and they account for around 81 million EUR. In 2013, 22.7% of all tender procedures were annulled. Moreover, most frequently annulled are tender procedures in the value up to 20,000 EUR. Multiannual trend of decreasing the number of appeals lodged by the companies in front of the State Commission on Public Procurement Appeals continues. SCPPA approved every third motion for appeal and most of its decisions taken in the appeal procedure concern complete annulment of tender procedures.  

24 Vesti, 19.12.2014, Корупцијата главен проблем за јавните набавки кај земјите од регионот Kapital, 17.12.2014, Наместени тендери и слаба контрола на трошењето народни пари - цел балкан во исти проблеми Biznis Plus, 15.12.2014, Наместени тендери и слаба контрола на трошењето народни пари - цел Балкан во исти проблеми Sitel, 27.11.2014, Јавните набавки во регионот пет милијарди евра, слабостите идентични Faktor, 27.11.2014, Јавните набавки во регионот: законите различни, проблемите исти A1On, 27.11.2014,  Јавни набавки во регионот: законите различни, проблемите исти Kanal 5, 27.11.2014, Јавните набавки во регионот пет милијарди евра, слабостите идентични Denar, 27.11.2014, Јавните набавки во регионот пет милијарди евра, слабостите идентични Republika, 27.11.2014, Земјите од регионот имаат речиси идентични слабости во јавните набавки Lider, 27.11.2014, Јавните набаки во регионот пет милијарди евра, слабостите идентични Faktor, 18.11.2014, ИСТРАЖУВАЊЕ НА ЦГК: Фирмите чекаат половина година да ги наплатат побарувањата од тендерите 24 Vesti, 17.11.2014, Извештај за Јавни набавки: Нереално ниските цени и транспарентноста проблем во јавните набавки A1ON, 17.11.2014, ЦГК: Цените на тендерите - растечки проблем во јавните набавки Е Магазин, 17.11.2014, Фирмите што склучиле договори за јавни набавки просечно чекаат по шест месеци за наплата Faktor, 17.11.2014, Анкета: Фирмите незадоволни од системот на јавни набавки, ама не се осмелуваат да се жалат Lokalno, 17.11.2014, Резултати од мониторингот за постапките за јавни набавки на институциите на локално ниво Tera, 09.10.2014, Микробизнисот на патот до јавните набавки Ohridpress, 09.10.2014, Во Охрид семинар за подобар пристап на микропретпријатијата до јавните набавки Duma, 30.09.2014, Се зголемува интересот на микропретпријатијата за учество на тендерите за јавни набавки Strumica denes, 30.09.2014,...

SKOPJE, August 30, 2013 – Today, the Centre for Civil Communications published the monitoring results for public procurements implemented in Macedonia in the period January-March 2013. Key findings include: Macedonia is among a handful of countries in the world whose Law on Public Procurement does not stipulate sanctions for violations made to legal provisions in effect, despite numerous cases of violations identified in the practice. This conclusion is based on the comparison of Macedonian legislation with relevant laws adopted and implemented in 8 European countries. From the monitored sample, every fourth public procurement contract was signed in a tender procedure with only one bidding company. With the lack of competition among companies, there are no guarantees that public funds are spent for quality goods and services, and are offered at favorable competitive prices. Companies are denied the right to demonstrate past performance acquired through joint ventures. According to the State Commission for Public Procurement Appeals’ Assessment, companies may enter into joint ventures in order to demonstrate relevant capacity for contract performance, but not for the purpose of demonstrating past performance. This implies another risk of high concentration of public procurement performance among a small group of big companies. Tender annulments are exceptionally high in number and account for 26.6%. In the first quarter of 2013, funds in the amount of 11 million Euros were contracted through negotiation without a prior announcement of call for bids. This monitoring report is available here. For further information, please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or...

Center for Civil Communications, together with BIRN Macedonia and the Centre for Investigative journalism, SCOOP Macedonia launched a call for investigative stories on May 17. The call is part of the ‘Project for Investigative Journalism and Cooperation Between Media and Civil Society’, part of a USAID programme for strengthening independent media in Macedonia. In the first call that closes on June 7, at least five journalists will be awarded a grant to cover their expenses while doing the investigation and writing the story. More calls for investigative grants will follow, for a total of 40 stories until June 2015. Journalists will have about three months to dig deeper and research their ideas, but also will have the opportunity to work with experienced editors as their mentors to guide them through the process of writing to BIRN standards. Topics for investigations include: health; cultural policy; education and youth; human rights; EU integration; good governance; inter-ethnic relations; environment issues; marginalised groups; quality of life. The call only applies to journalists from Macedonia. Click here for more detailed information.

Center for Civil Communications, together with BIRN Macedonia and the Centre for Investigative journalism, SCOOP Macedonia launched a call for investigative stories on May 17. The call is part of the ‘Project for Investigative Journalism and Cooperation Between Media and Civil Society’, part of a USAID programme for strengthening independent media in Macedonia. In the first call that closes on June 7, at least five journalists will be awarded a grant to cover their expenses while doing the investigation and writing the story. More calls for investigative grants will follow, for a total of 40 stories until June 2015. Journalists will have about three months to dig deeper and research their ideas, but also will have the opportunity to work with experienced editors as their mentors to guide them through the process of writing to BIRN standards. Topics for investigations include: health; cultural policy; education and youth; human rights; EU integration; good governance; inter-ethnic relations; environment issues; marginalised groups; quality of life. The call only applies to journalists from Macedonia. Click here for more detailed information.

Center for Civil Communications, together with BIRN Macedonia and the Centre for Investigative journalism, SCOOP Macedonia launched a call for investigative stories on May 17. The call is part of the ‘Project for Investigative Journalism and Cooperation Between Media and Civil Society’, part of a USAID programme for strengthening independent media in Macedonia. In the first call that closes on June 7, at least five journalists will be awarded a grant to cover their expenses while doing the investigation and writing the story. More calls for investigative grants will follow, for a total of 40 stories until June 2015. Journalists will have about three months to dig deeper and research their ideas, but also will have the opportunity to work with experienced editors as their mentors to guide them through the process of writing to BIRN standards. Topics for investigations include: health; cultural policy; education and youth; human rights; EU integration; good governance; inter-ethnic relations; environment issues; marginalised groups; quality of life. The call only applies to journalists from Macedonia. Click here for more detailed information.

Center for Civil Communications, together with BIRN Macedonia and the Centre for Investigative journalism, SCOOP Macedonia launched a call for investigative stories on May 17. The call is part of the ‘Project for Investigative Journalism and Cooperation Between Media and Civil Society’, part of a USAID programme for strengthening independent media in Macedonia. In the first call that closes on June 7, at least five journalists will be awarded a grant to cover their expenses while doing the investigation and writing the story. More calls for investigative grants will follow, for a total of 40 stories until June 2015. Journalists will have about three months to dig deeper and research their ideas, but also will have the opportunity to work with experienced editors as their mentors to guide them through the process of writing to BIRN standards. Topics for investigations include: health; cultural policy; education and youth; human rights; EU integration; good governance; inter-ethnic relations; environment issues; marginalised groups; quality of life. The call only applies to journalists from Macedonia. Click here for more detailed information.

Center for Civil Communications, together with BIRN Macedonia and the Centre for Investigative journalism, SCOOP Macedonia launched a call for investigative stories on May 17. The call is part of the ‘Project for Investigative Journalism and Cooperation Between Media and Civil Society’, part of a USAID programme for strengthening independent media in Macedonia. In the first call that closes on June 7, at least five journalists will be awarded a grant to cover their expenses while doing the investigation and writing the story. More calls for investigative grants will follow, for a total of 40 stories until June 2015. Journalists will have about three months to dig deeper and research their ideas, but also will have the opportunity to work with experienced editors as their mentors to guide them through the process of writing to BIRN standards. Topics for investigations include: health; cultural policy; education and youth; human rights; EU integration; good governance; inter-ethnic relations; environment issues; marginalised groups; quality of life. The call only applies to journalists from Macedonia. Click here for more detailed information.

Center for Civil Communications, together with BIRN Macedonia and the Centre for Investigative journalism, SCOOP Macedonia launched a call for investigative stories on May 17. The call is part of the ‘Project for Investigative Journalism and Cooperation Between Media and Civil Society’, part of a USAID programme for strengthening independent media in Macedonia. In the first call that closes on June 7, at least five journalists will be awarded a grant to cover their expenses while doing the investigation and writing the story. More calls for investigative grants will follow, for a total of 40 stories until June 2015. Journalists will have about three months to dig deeper and research their ideas, but also will have the opportunity to work with experienced editors as their mentors to guide them through the process of writing to BIRN standards. Topics for investigations include: health; cultural policy; education and youth; human rights; EU integration; good governance; inter-ethnic relations; environment issues; marginalised groups; quality of life. The call only applies to journalists from Macedonia. Click here for more detailed information.

SKOPJE, 14 May 2013 – Today the Center for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures in Macedonia for the period from October to December 2012.  Some of the key findings are: Legally prescribed e-auctions were not conducted in 40% of the monitored sample. In addition, in one out of every four e-auctions that were conducted, the opening bid was not reduced from the starting price. Thus, the effect of budget savings was not realized in most of the procurements. This is a direct consequence of limiting tender competition by setting unreasonably burdensome bidding criteria for companies. The share of annulled tenders in the last three months of 2012 was very high: 23.4% at the national level. Over the past four years, the percentage of annulments was highest in 2012 at 24.2%, mainly due to the low number of bids received on tenders. In the fourth quarter of 2012, a total of 408 contracts were made in negotiated procedures without prior publication of a contract notice, with an approximate value of 22 million Euros. Annually, around 65 million Euros have been spent through this procedure. The main reason for the increasing number of such contracts, which has reached the highest level of the last four years, is the inability to schedule an e-auction due to insufficient competition. At the top of the ten largest public procurement contracts in 2012 is that of “ELEM,” the State company for production of electricity, in the amount of 53.3 million Euros for excavating coal and...

SKOPJE, March 14, 2013 - A group of Macedonian journalists were acquainted with the practices and experiences of their Bulgarian colleagues and experts on how to inform better the public through the application of the Law on Free Access to Public Information, during a three-day study visit to Bulgaria. Attorney-at-law in the Access to Information Program in Sofia, Alexander Kashumov, who helps journalists in the exercise of this right, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use more all the opportunities that are available through the Law to gain information from state institutions. Kashumov stressed that Bulgarian institutions nowadays publish lot of information that earlier journalists have been obtaining by submitting requests for access to public information. Aleksenija Dimitrova, editor in one of the biggest newspapers "24 Hours", who released exclusive and confidential information on domestic and foreign policy of Bulgaria in the last 15 years through the mechanisms for access to public information, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use this right not only for everyday reporting, but also for in-depth research and reporting.

SKOPJE, March 14, 2013 - A group of Macedonian journalists were acquainted with the practices and experiences of their Bulgarian colleagues and experts on how to inform better the public through the application of the Law on Free Access to Public Information, during a three-day study visit to Bulgaria. Attorney-at-law in the Access to Information Program in Sofia, Alexander Kashumov, who helps journalists in the exercise of this right, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use more all the opportunities that are available through the Law to gain information from state institutions. Kashumov stressed that Bulgarian institutions nowadays publish lot of information that earlier journalists have been obtaining by submitting requests for access to public information. Aleksenija Dimitrova, editor in one of the biggest newspapers "24 Hours", who released exclusive and confidential information on domestic and foreign policy of Bulgaria in the last 15 years through the mechanisms for access to public information, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use this right not only for everyday reporting, but also for in-depth research and reporting.

SKOPJE, March 14, 2013 - A group of Macedonian journalists were acquainted with the practices and experiences of their Bulgarian colleagues and experts on how to inform better the public through the application of the Law on Free Access to Public Information, during a three-day study visit to Bulgaria. Attorney-at-law in the Access to Information Program in Sofia, Alexander Kashumov, who helps journalists in the exercise of this right, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use more all the opportunities that are available through the Law to gain information from state institutions. Kashumov stressed that Bulgarian institutions nowadays publish lot of information that earlier journalists have been obtaining by submitting requests for access to public information. Aleksenija Dimitrova, editor in one of the biggest newspapers "24 Hours", who released exclusive and confidential information on domestic and foreign policy of Bulgaria in the last 15 years through the mechanisms for access to public information, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use this right not only for everyday reporting, but also for in-depth research and reporting.

SKOPJE, March 14, 2013 - A group of Macedonian journalists were acquainted with the practices and experiences of their Bulgarian colleagues and experts on how to inform better the public through the application of the Law on Free Access to Public Information, during a three-day study visit to Bulgaria. Attorney-at-law in the Access to Information Program in Sofia, Alexander Kashumov, who helps journalists in the exercise of this right, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use more all the opportunities that are available through the Law to gain information from state institutions. Kashumov stressed that Bulgarian institutions nowadays publish lot of information that earlier journalists have been obtaining by submitting requests for access to public information. Aleksenija Dimitrova, editor in one of the biggest newspapers "24 Hours", who released exclusive and confidential information on domestic and foreign policy of Bulgaria in the last 15 years through the mechanisms for access to public information, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use this right not only for everyday reporting, but also for in-depth research and reporting.

SKOPJE, March 14, 2013 - A group of Macedonian journalists were acquainted with the practices and experiences of their Bulgarian colleagues and experts on how to inform better the public through the application of the Law on Free Access to Public Information, during a three-day study visit to Bulgaria. Attorney-at-law in the Access to Information Program in Sofia, Alexander Kashumov, who helps journalists in the exercise of this right, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use more all the opportunities that are available through the Law to gain information from state institutions. Kashumov stressed that Bulgarian institutions nowadays publish lot of information that earlier journalists have been obtaining by submitting requests for access to public information. Aleksenija Dimitrova, editor in one of the biggest newspapers "24 Hours", who released exclusive and confidential information on domestic and foreign policy of Bulgaria in the last 15 years through the mechanisms for access to public information, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use this right not only for everyday reporting, but also for in-depth research and reporting.

SKOPJE, March 14, 2013 - A group of Macedonian journalists were acquainted with the practices and experiences of their Bulgarian colleagues and experts on how to inform better the public through the application of the Law on Free Access to Public Information, during a three-day study visit to Bulgaria. Attorney-at-law in the Access to Information Program in Sofia, Alexander Kashumov, who helps journalists in the exercise of this right, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use more all the opportunities that are available through the Law to gain information from state institutions. Kashumov stressed that Bulgarian institutions nowadays publish lot of information that earlier journalists have been obtaining by submitting requests for access to public information. Aleksenija Dimitrova, editor in one of the biggest newspapers "24 Hours", who released exclusive and confidential information on domestic and foreign policy of Bulgaria in the last 15 years through the mechanisms for access to public information, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use this right not only for everyday reporting, but also for in-depth research and reporting.

SKOPJE, March 14, 2013 - A group of Macedonian journalists were acquainted with the practices and experiences of their Bulgarian colleagues and experts on how to inform better the public through the application of the Law on Free Access to Public Information, during a three-day study visit to Bulgaria. Attorney-at-law in the Access to Information Program in Sofia, Alexander Kashumov, who helps journalists in the exercise of this right, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use more all the opportunities that are available through the Law to gain information from state institutions. Kashumov stressed that Bulgarian institutions nowadays publish lot of information that earlier journalists have been obtaining by submitting requests for access to public information. Aleksenija Dimitrova, editor in one of the biggest newspapers "24 Hours", who released exclusive and confidential information on domestic and foreign policy of Bulgaria in the last 15 years through the mechanisms for access to public information, encouraged Macedonian journalists to use this right not only for everyday reporting, but also for in-depth research and reporting.

SKOPJE, 14 February 2013 – Today the Center for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures that were implemented by local government institutions between April and September 2012. A problem present in almost one third of the monitored local tenders is the use of eligibility criteria that were inappropriate to the subject of the procurement, the estimated value of the tender, or the market conditions. The legal obligation to organize an e-auction for all public procurements, regardless of their value, has become more difficult to adhere to in local tenders. Hence, e-auctions took place in only 46% of the monitored procedures. Local institutions frequently do not exhibit transparency and accountability in public procurements, not only when these principles should be a reflection of good governance, but also when such conduct is stipulated by law. Tender annulment is also an issue for local level public procurements, with 15% annulled during the monitored period.  However, this is considerably lower than the percentage of central level tenders that were annulled (25%) during that period. Companies that participate in tenders organized by local government institutions point to the following problems as the most frequent: the large amount of required documentation for bids, technical specifications, eligibility criteria and the evaluation process, short deadlines, and the obligatory e-auction. The report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. You can find the report here

SKOPJE, 14 February 2013 – Today the Center for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures that were implemented by local government institutions between April and September 2012. A problem present in almost one third of the monitored local tenders is the use of eligibility criteria that were inappropriate to the subject of the procurement, the estimated value of the tender, or the market conditions. The legal obligation to organize an e-auction for all public procurements, regardless of their value, has become more difficult to adhere to in local tenders. Hence, e-auctions took place in only 46% of the monitored procedures. Local institutions frequently do not exhibit transparency and accountability in public procurements, not only when these principles should be a reflection of good governance, but also when such conduct is stipulated by law. Tender annulment is also an issue for local level public procurements, with 15% annulled during the monitored period.  However, this is considerably lower than the percentage of central level tenders that were annulled (25%) during that period. Companies that participate in tenders organized by local government institutions point to the following problems as the most frequent: the large amount of required documentation for bids, technical specifications, eligibility criteria and the evaluation process, short deadlines, and the obligatory e-auction. The report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. You can find the report here

SKOPJE, 14 February 2013 – Today the Center for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures that were implemented by local government institutions between April and September 2012. A problem present in almost one third of the monitored local tenders is the use of eligibility criteria that were inappropriate to the subject of the procurement, the estimated value of the tender, or the market conditions. The legal obligation to organize an e-auction for all public procurements, regardless of their value, has become more difficult to adhere to in local tenders. Hence, e-auctions took place in only 46% of the monitored procedures. Local institutions frequently do not exhibit transparency and accountability in public procurements, not only when these principles should be a reflection of good governance, but also when such conduct is stipulated by law. Tender annulment is also an issue for local level public procurements, with 15% annulled during the monitored period.  However, this is considerably lower than the percentage of central level tenders that were annulled (25%) during that period. Companies that participate in tenders organized by local government institutions point to the following problems as the most frequent: the large amount of required documentation for bids, technical specifications, eligibility criteria and the evaluation process, short deadlines, and the obligatory e-auction. The report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. You can find the report here

SKOPJE, 14 February 2013 – Today the Center for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures that were implemented by local government institutions between April and September 2012. A problem present in almost one third of the monitored local tenders is the use of eligibility criteria that were inappropriate to the subject of the procurement, the estimated value of the tender, or the market conditions. The legal obligation to organize an e-auction for all public procurements, regardless of their value, has become more difficult to adhere to in local tenders. Hence, e-auctions took place in only 46% of the monitored procedures. Local institutions frequently do not exhibit transparency and accountability in public procurements, not only when these principles should be a reflection of good governance, but also when such conduct is stipulated by law. Tender annulment is also an issue for local level public procurements, with 15% annulled during the monitored period.  However, this is considerably lower than the percentage of central level tenders that were annulled (25%) during that period. Companies that participate in tenders organized by local government institutions point to the following problems as the most frequent: the large amount of required documentation for bids, technical specifications, eligibility criteria and the evaluation process, short deadlines, and the obligatory e-auction. The report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. You can find the report here

SKOPJE, 14 February 2013 – Today the Center for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures that were implemented by local government institutions between April and September 2012. A problem present in almost one third of the monitored local tenders is the use of eligibility criteria that were inappropriate to the subject of the procurement, the estimated value of the tender, or the market conditions. The legal obligation to organize an e-auction for all public procurements, regardless of their value, has become more difficult to adhere to in local tenders. Hence, e-auctions took place in only 46% of the monitored procedures. Local institutions frequently do not exhibit transparency and accountability in public procurements, not only when these principles should be a reflection of good governance, but also when such conduct is stipulated by law. Tender annulment is also an issue for local level public procurements, with 15% annulled during the monitored period.  However, this is considerably lower than the percentage of central level tenders that were annulled (25%) during that period. Companies that participate in tenders organized by local government institutions point to the following problems as the most frequent: the large amount of required documentation for bids, technical specifications, eligibility criteria and the evaluation process, short deadlines, and the obligatory e-auction. The report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. You can find the report here

SKOPJE, 14 February 2013 – Today the Center for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures that were implemented by local government institutions between April and September 2012. A problem present in almost one third of the monitored local tenders is the use of eligibility criteria that were inappropriate to the subject of the procurement, the estimated value of the tender, or the market conditions. The legal obligation to organize an e-auction for all public procurements, regardless of their value, has become more difficult to adhere to in local tenders. Hence, e-auctions took place in only 46% of the monitored procedures. Local institutions frequently do not exhibit transparency and accountability in public procurements, not only when these principles should be a reflection of good governance, but also when such conduct is stipulated by law. Tender annulment is also an issue for local level public procurements, with 15% annulled during the monitored period.  However, this is considerably lower than the percentage of central level tenders that were annulled (25%) during that period. Companies that participate in tenders organized by local government institutions point to the following problems as the most frequent: the large amount of required documentation for bids, technical specifications, eligibility criteria and the evaluation process, short deadlines, and the obligatory e-auction. The report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. You can find the report here

SKOPJE, 14 February 2013 – Today the Center for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures that were implemented by local government institutions between April and September 2012. A problem present in almost one third of the monitored local tenders is the use of eligibility criteria that were inappropriate to the subject of the procurement, the estimated value of the tender, or the market conditions. The legal obligation to organize an e-auction for all public procurements, regardless of their value, has become more difficult to adhere to in local tenders. Hence, e-auctions took place in only 46% of the monitored procedures. Local institutions frequently do not exhibit transparency and accountability in public procurements, not only when these principles should be a reflection of good governance, but also when such conduct is stipulated by law. Tender annulment is also an issue for local level public procurements, with 15% annulled during the monitored period.  However, this is considerably lower than the percentage of central level tenders that were annulled (25%) during that period. Companies that participate in tenders organized by local government institutions point to the following problems as the most frequent: the large amount of required documentation for bids, technical specifications, eligibility criteria and the evaluation process, short deadlines, and the obligatory e-auction. The report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. You can find the report here

SKOPJE, December 28, 2012 – Today the Centre for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures in Macedonia covering the period from July to September 2012.  Some of the key findings are: There is a continually increasing problem of annulment of larger tenders -  those for procurement of goods and services costing more than 20,000 euros or for implementation of works costing more than 50,000 euros.  There is an increasing trend of adopting decisions to annul such tenders mainly because the estimated value of the procurement is lower than the bids offered by the companies. Some institutions continue to disobey the rule for accurate definition of the evaluation criteria. Instead of the quality of a bid, some tenders mainly appraise the experience of the bidding companies. In the third quarter of 2012, 210 contracts amounting to 14 million euros were concluded through non-transparent negotiating procedures without publishing a call for bids. Overall, in the first nine months of 2012, the value of such contracts amounted to approximately 32 million euros. A comparative analysis of the Macedonian legislation and seven European countries indicates that no other country creates so-called ”black lists” of bidders that are banned from participating in tender processes for a given time period (1 to 5 years) for activating  bank guarantees. The monitoring report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. NOTE TO EDITORS:   The USAID Civil Society Project is a two and a half-year project financed...

SKOPJE, December 28, 2012 – Today the Centre for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures in Macedonia covering the period from July to September 2012.  Some of the key findings are: There is a continually increasing problem of annulment of larger tenders -  those for procurement of goods and services costing more than 20,000 euros or for implementation of works costing more than 50,000 euros.  There is an increasing trend of adopting decisions to annul such tenders mainly because the estimated value of the procurement is lower than the bids offered by the companies. Some institutions continue to disobey the rule for accurate definition of the evaluation criteria. Instead of the quality of a bid, some tenders mainly appraise the experience of the bidding companies. In the third quarter of 2012, 210 contracts amounting to 14 million euros were concluded through non-transparent negotiating procedures without publishing a call for bids. Overall, in the first nine months of 2012, the value of such contracts amounted to approximately 32 million euros. A comparative analysis of the Macedonian legislation and seven European countries indicates that no other country creates so-called ”black lists” of bidders that are banned from participating in tender processes for a given time period (1 to 5 years) for activating  bank guarantees. The monitoring report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. NOTE TO EDITORS:   The USAID Civil Society Project is a two and a half-year project financed...

SKOPJE, December 28, 2012 – Today the Centre for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures in Macedonia covering the period from July to September 2012.  Some of the key findings are: There is a continually increasing problem of annulment of larger tenders -  those for procurement of goods and services costing more than 20,000 euros or for implementation of works costing more than 50,000 euros.  There is an increasing trend of adopting decisions to annul such tenders mainly because the estimated value of the procurement is lower than the bids offered by the companies. Some institutions continue to disobey the rule for accurate definition of the evaluation criteria. Instead of the quality of a bid, some tenders mainly appraise the experience of the bidding companies. In the third quarter of 2012, 210 contracts amounting to 14 million euros were concluded through non-transparent negotiating procedures without publishing a call for bids. Overall, in the first nine months of 2012, the value of such contracts amounted to approximately 32 million euros. A comparative analysis of the Macedonian legislation and seven European countries indicates that no other country creates so-called ”black lists” of bidders that are banned from participating in tender processes for a given time period (1 to 5 years) for activating  bank guarantees. The monitoring report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. NOTE TO EDITORS:   The USAID Civil Society Project is a two and a half-year project financed...

SKOPJE, December 28, 2012 – Today the Centre for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures in Macedonia covering the period from July to September 2012.  Some of the key findings are: There is a continually increasing problem of annulment of larger tenders -  those for procurement of goods and services costing more than 20,000 euros or for implementation of works costing more than 50,000 euros.  There is an increasing trend of adopting decisions to annul such tenders mainly because the estimated value of the procurement is lower than the bids offered by the companies. Some institutions continue to disobey the rule for accurate definition of the evaluation criteria. Instead of the quality of a bid, some tenders mainly appraise the experience of the bidding companies. In the third quarter of 2012, 210 contracts amounting to 14 million euros were concluded through non-transparent negotiating procedures without publishing a call for bids. Overall, in the first nine months of 2012, the value of such contracts amounted to approximately 32 million euros. A comparative analysis of the Macedonian legislation and seven European countries indicates that no other country creates so-called ”black lists” of bidders that are banned from participating in tender processes for a given time period (1 to 5 years) for activating  bank guarantees. The monitoring report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. NOTE TO EDITORS:   The USAID Civil Society Project is a two and a half-year project financed...

SKOPJE, December 28, 2012 – Today the Centre for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures in Macedonia covering the period from July to September 2012.  Some of the key findings are: There is a continually increasing problem of annulment of larger tenders -  those for procurement of goods and services costing more than 20,000 euros or for implementation of works costing more than 50,000 euros.  There is an increasing trend of adopting decisions to annul such tenders mainly because the estimated value of the procurement is lower than the bids offered by the companies. Some institutions continue to disobey the rule for accurate definition of the evaluation criteria. Instead of the quality of a bid, some tenders mainly appraise the experience of the bidding companies. In the third quarter of 2012, 210 contracts amounting to 14 million euros were concluded through non-transparent negotiating procedures without publishing a call for bids. Overall, in the first nine months of 2012, the value of such contracts amounted to approximately 32 million euros. A comparative analysis of the Macedonian legislation and seven European countries indicates that no other country creates so-called ”black lists” of bidders that are banned from participating in tender processes for a given time period (1 to 5 years) for activating  bank guarantees. The monitoring report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. NOTE TO EDITORS:   The USAID Civil Society Project is a two and a half-year project financed...

SKOPJE, December 28, 2012 – Today the Centre for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures in Macedonia covering the period from July to September 2012.  Some of the key findings are: There is a continually increasing problem of annulment of larger tenders -  those for procurement of goods and services costing more than 20,000 euros or for implementation of works costing more than 50,000 euros.  There is an increasing trend of adopting decisions to annul such tenders mainly because the estimated value of the procurement is lower than the bids offered by the companies. Some institutions continue to disobey the rule for accurate definition of the evaluation criteria. Instead of the quality of a bid, some tenders mainly appraise the experience of the bidding companies. In the third quarter of 2012, 210 contracts amounting to 14 million euros were concluded through non-transparent negotiating procedures without publishing a call for bids. Overall, in the first nine months of 2012, the value of such contracts amounted to approximately 32 million euros. A comparative analysis of the Macedonian legislation and seven European countries indicates that no other country creates so-called ”black lists” of bidders that are banned from participating in tender processes for a given time period (1 to 5 years) for activating  bank guarantees. The monitoring report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. NOTE TO EDITORS:   The USAID Civil Society Project is a two and a half-year project financed...

SKOPJE, December 28, 2012 – Today the Centre for Civil Communications published findings from their monitoring of public procurement procedures in Macedonia covering the period from July to September 2012.  Some of the key findings are: There is a continually increasing problem of annulment of larger tenders -  those for procurement of goods and services costing more than 20,000 euros or for implementation of works costing more than 50,000 euros.  There is an increasing trend of adopting decisions to annul such tenders mainly because the estimated value of the procurement is lower than the bids offered by the companies. Some institutions continue to disobey the rule for accurate definition of the evaluation criteria. Instead of the quality of a bid, some tenders mainly appraise the experience of the bidding companies. In the third quarter of 2012, 210 contracts amounting to 14 million euros were concluded through non-transparent negotiating procedures without publishing a call for bids. Overall, in the first nine months of 2012, the value of such contracts amounted to approximately 32 million euros. A comparative analysis of the Macedonian legislation and seven European countries indicates that no other country creates so-called ”black lists” of bidders that are banned from participating in tender processes for a given time period (1 to 5 years) for activating  bank guarantees. The monitoring report is available on-line at www.ccc.org.mk.  For further information please contact the Centre for Civil Communications at (02) 3213-513 or at center@ccc.org.mk. NOTE TO EDITORS:   The USAID Civil Society Project is a two and a half-year project financed...

SKOPJE, September 18, 2012 – The Center for Civil Communications has announced today the results of the regular monitoring of public procurements in the country, for the period of April – June 2012. Among others, the following key findings have been noted: Main problems that companies face in public procurements, according to the survey, are: collection of the receivables; unclear and favorable tender documentation; and unrealistic and hardly feasible eligibility criteria. A series of weaknesses have been recorded in the state institutions’ selection of the criteria for evaluating the bids. The focus is often on the bidder rather than on the bids, undermining in that way tenders’ main goal – to obtain best value for money. Annulment of the procedures is on the rise again. 30% of the monitored procedures were annulled. Although scheduled, legally binding, e-auction was not realized in 45% of the monitored procedures. The monitoring report which includes key findings and recommendations for overcoming the detected weaknesses, as well as a survey on 220 companies on their experience with public procurements and an analysis of public procurements appeals. Download report here.

SKOPJE, September 18, 2012 – The Center for Civil Communications has announced today the results of the regular monitoring of public procurements in the country, for the period of April – June 2012. Among others, the following key findings have been noted: Main problems that companies face in public procurements, according to the survey, are: collection of the receivables; unclear and favorable tender documentation; and unrealistic and hardly feasible eligibility criteria. A series of weaknesses have been recorded in the state institutions’ selection of the criteria for evaluating the bids. The focus is often on the bidder rather than on the bids, undermining in that way tenders’ main goal – to obtain best value for money. Annulment of the procedures is on the rise again. 30% of the monitored procedures were annulled. Although scheduled, legally binding, e-auction was not realized in 45% of the monitored procedures. The monitoring report which includes key findings and recommendations for overcoming the detected weaknesses, as well as a survey on 220 companies on their experience with public procurements and an analysis of public procurements appeals. Download report here.

SKOPJE, September 18, 2012 – The Center for Civil Communications has announced today the results of the regular monitoring of public procurements in the country, for the period of April – June 2012. Among others, the following key findings have been noted: Main problems that companies face in public procurements, according to the survey, are: collection of the receivables; unclear and favorable tender documentation; and unrealistic and hardly feasible eligibility criteria. A series of weaknesses have been recorded in the state institutions’ selection of the criteria for evaluating the bids. The focus is often on the bidder rather than on the bids, undermining in that way tenders’ main goal – to obtain best value for money. Annulment of the procedures is on the rise again. 30% of the monitored procedures were annulled. Although scheduled, legally binding, e-auction was not realized in 45% of the monitored procedures. The monitoring report which includes key findings and recommendations for overcoming the detected weaknesses, as well as a survey on 220 companies on their experience with public procurements and an analysis of public procurements appeals. Download report here.

SKOPJE, September 18, 2012 – The Center for Civil Communications has announced today the results of the regular monitoring of public procurements in the country, for the period of April – June 2012. Among others, the following key findings have been noted: Main problems that companies face in public procurements, according to the survey, are: collection of the receivables; unclear and favorable tender documentation; and unrealistic and hardly feasible eligibility criteria. A series of weaknesses have been recorded in the state institutions’ selection of the criteria for evaluating the bids. The focus is often on the bidder rather than on the bids, undermining in that way tenders’ main goal – to obtain best value for money. Annulment of the procedures is on the rise again. 30% of the monitored procedures were annulled. Although scheduled, legally binding, e-auction was not realized in 45% of the monitored procedures. The monitoring report which includes key findings and recommendations for overcoming the detected weaknesses, as well as a survey on 220 companies on their experience with public procurements and an analysis of public procurements appeals. Download report here.

SKOPJE, September 18, 2012 – The Center for Civil Communications has announced today the results of the regular monitoring of public procurements in the country, for the period of April – June 2012. Among others, the following key findings have been noted: Main problems that companies face in public procurements, according to the survey, are: collection of the receivables; unclear and favorable tender documentation; and unrealistic and hardly feasible eligibility criteria. A series of weaknesses have been recorded in the state institutions’ selection of the criteria for evaluating the bids. The focus is often on the bidder rather than on the bids, undermining in that way tenders’ main goal – to obtain best value for money. Annulment of the procedures is on the rise again. 30% of the monitored procedures were annulled. Although scheduled, legally binding, e-auction was not realized in 45% of the monitored procedures. The monitoring report which includes key findings and recommendations for overcoming the detected weaknesses, as well as a survey on 220 companies on their experience with public procurements and an analysis of public procurements appeals. Download report here.

SKOPJE, September 18, 2012 – The Center for Civil Communications has announced today the results of the regular monitoring of public procurements in the country, for the period of April – June 2012. Among others, the following key findings have been noted: Main problems that companies face in public procurements, according to the survey, are: collection of the receivables; unclear and favorable tender documentation; and unrealistic and hardly feasible eligibility criteria. A series of weaknesses have been recorded in the state institutions’ selection of the criteria for evaluating the bids. The focus is often on the bidder rather than on the bids, undermining in that way tenders’ main goal – to obtain best value for money. Annulment of the procedures is on the rise again. 30% of the monitored procedures were annulled. Although scheduled, legally binding, e-auction was not realized in 45% of the monitored procedures. The monitoring report which includes key findings and recommendations for overcoming the detected weaknesses, as well as a survey on 220 companies on their experience with public procurements and an analysis of public procurements appeals. Download report here.

SKOPJE, September 18, 2012 – The Center for Civil Communications has announced today the results of the regular monitoring of public procurements in the country, for the period of April – June 2012. Among others, the following key findings have been noted: Main problems that companies face in public procurements, according to the survey, are: collection of the receivables; unclear and favorable tender documentation; and unrealistic and hardly feasible eligibility criteria. A series of weaknesses have been recorded in the state institutions’ selection of the criteria for evaluating the bids. The focus is often on the bidder rather than on the bids, undermining in that way tenders’ main goal – to obtain best value for money. Annulment of the procedures is on the rise again. 30% of the monitored procedures were annulled. Although scheduled, legally binding, e-auction was not realized in 45% of the monitored procedures. The monitoring report which includes key findings and recommendations for overcoming the detected weaknesses, as well as a survey on 220 companies on their experience with public procurements and an analysis of public procurements appeals. Download report here.

SKOPJE, September 18, 2012 – The Center for Civil Communications has announced today the results of the regular monitoring of public procurements in the country, for the period of April – June 2012. Among others, the following key findings have been noted: Main problems that companies face in public procurements, according to the survey, are: collection of the receivables; unclear and favorable tender documentation; and unrealistic and hardly feasible eligibility criteria. A series of weaknesses have been recorded in the state institutions’ selection of the criteria for evaluating the bids. The focus is often on the bidder rather than on the bids, undermining in that way tenders’ main goal – to obtain best value for money. Annulment of the procedures is on the rise again. 30% of the monitored procedures were annulled. Although scheduled, legally binding, e-auction was not realized in 45% of the monitored procedures. The monitoring report which includes key findings and recommendations for overcoming the detected weaknesses, as well as a survey on 220 companies on their experience with public procurements and an analysis of public procurements appeals. Download report here.