Riigihankeseadus

The Riigihankeseadus, often translated as the Public Procurement Act, is the primary legislation governing public procurement in Estonia. It establishes the rules and procedures for contracting authorities when they acquire goods, services, or works from economic operators. The main objectives of the Act are to ensure transparency, efficiency, fair competition, and the responsible use of public funds.

The Act defines who is considered a contracting authority, including state and local government bodies, as well as other entities performing public functions or receiving public funding. It also outlines the types of procurement procedures available, such as open procedures, restricted procedures, competitive dialogue, and negotiated procedures, each with specific conditions for their use. The Act emphasizes the principle of equal treatment and non-discrimination for all potential bidders.

Key elements of the Riigihankeseadus include requirements for public advertising of procurement opportunities, the establishment of objective award criteria, and the right for bidders to challenge procurement decisions. The Act aims to prevent corruption and favoritously treatment by requiring clear documentation and justification for all stages of the procurement process. It also sets thresholds for the value of contracts that trigger different notification and procedural requirements, often aligning with European Union directives on public procurement. The legislation is periodically updated to reflect changes in EU law and to improve domestic procurement practices.