The Variety of Procurement Practice: Evidence from Public Procurement

Abstract

Procurement procedures are made of many distinct parts, on which the buyer can intervene to adapt the process to the product, service or work that he wants to procure. This paper analyses differences and similarities among public procurement practices adopted worldwide. Results are based on data provided by a survey conducted in 2004, among a group of European and American Public Procurement Entities. Through detailed questionnaires we enquired about the most relevant aspects that public procurers should bear in mind when designing a competitive tendering. From the survey emerges that procurements vary quite sensibly across different public institutions.

Keywords: procurement, international practices

JEL Classification: H57, D44, K40