Hankintaviranomaiset

Hankintaviranomaiset are public bodies or organizations that conduct procurement of goods, services, or works using public funds or in the performance of tasks of public interest, and are therefore governed by public procurement laws in Finland. They act to obtain necessary resources for public functions while adhering to the principles of transparency, competition, non-discrimination, and proportionality.

The concept covers a broad range of entities. Typical examples include central government ministries and agencies, municipalities and other local authorities, and entities governed by public law such as joint municipal authorities (kuntayhtymät). It can also include public utilities and other organizations that perform public tasks or are established to carry out public services. In practice, hankintaviranomaiset are responsible for planning, selecting suppliers, awarding contracts, and managing contracts for supplies, services, and works.

Legal framework and procedures are shaped by national and EU law. The Finnish Act on Public Procurement and related regulations implement EU procurement directives, setting rules for procurement procedures, usage of competitive tendering, and thresholds that determine whether open, restricted, or negotiated procedures apply. Procedures are supported by mandatory notices in the national public procurement notice system, HILMA, and by documentation that ensures traceability and auditability of decisions.

Accountability and remedies are integral parts of the system. Hankintaviranomaiset must ensure equal treatment of bidders, maintain records, and provide channels for appeal or remedies in line with Finnish procurement legislation. The concept is central to Finland’s public procurement culture, aligning national practices with EU standards and promoting efficient, fair, and transparent use of public resources.