BESTEK - The Public Procurement Podcast

In this episode, Marta and Willem explore the latest developments in EU Public Procurement, focusing on the new exclusion grounds introduced by sectoral legislation following the European Green Deal. They begin by outlining the framework of mandatory and voluntary exclusion grounds established under European Directive 2014/24/EU before delving into specific examples of new sectoral legislation that has expanded these grounds. Throughout the conversation, they address key questions such as: How do these new exclusion grounds align with the traditional goal of ensuring contractor reliability, and to what extent do they represent a shift towards a more punitive approach? What roles do contracting authorities and enforcement agencies play in ensuring compliance with these new measures? And do the penalties incentivize contractors to engage in self-cleaning? In the final segment, the hosts share their current personal reading recommendations and reflections.

In this episode, Marta and Willem explore the resurgence and presence of buy local policies in the public procurement context. They discuss it broadly on a global scale, and then zoom in on specific buy local implementation issues when it comes to the procurement of food by public authorities. What to do with criteria and condition related to zero miles, EU geographical indicators, time of delivery or short supply chains? For dessert, they share how they overcome the initial hesitation of professionals and students when it comes to public procurement law as a field of study and expertise.

In this episode, Willem and Marta discuss visual contracting in the context of public procurement. Can it improve the contracting process? If so, how? They explore the potential of visual contracts and the possibilities to apply it in the public sector based on Marta's forthcoming publication in PPLR. For dessert, they look at their best and worst presentations to share their learnings from them.

In this episode, Vitezslav Titl and Willem Janssen discuss single bidding in the EU, based on a current debate about the lack of interest in public procurement from the side of the market. Sparked by the report by the Court of Auditors, and due to developments in many of the Member States, they discuss Vita’s research on this topic and how the legal changes implemented in Czechia could inspire other Member States to increase the number of bids. For dessert, they consider what he would change in public procurement if he had a magic wand.