Registration in the State Suppliers Registry as a Requirement for Submitting Bids in State Tenders

By Martín Carlevaro and Larissa Recalde, BKM | Berkemeyer

Prior to the enactment of Law No. 7021/22, registration in the State Suppliers Registry was mandatory only for the awarded bidder in a tender. The new law modifies this requirement, making registration compulsory for all companies wishing to submit bids in state tenders. This obligation applies to individuals, legal entities, established consortia, and national and foreign companies interested in bidding.

The registration process consists of two steps: 1) Pre-registration: This is completed online through the DNCP website (www.contrataciones.gov.py) and involves submitting documents related to the company’s legal structure, entering relevant data, and appointing an administrative user with their corresponding documents. 2) Registration: This entails submitting the signed pre-registration form at the DNCP offices, along with the necessary documents according to current regulations for the type of business seeking registration. Registration can also be completed online if company representatives and the designated administrative user have a qualified electronic signature, in accordance with Law No. 6822/21, "On Trust Services for Electronic Transactions, Electronic Documents, and Transmissible Electronic Documents."

Foreign companies must not only submit documents relevant to their business type but also comply with additional requirements established by the DNCP. These include establishing a legal address in Paraguay or appointing a legal representative residing in the country. Additionally, documents written in a language other than Spanish must be translated by a registered public translator in Paraguay.

The Suppliers Registry also provides document management functionality. Suppliers can upload relevant documents, such as bylaws, powers of attorney, tax identification certificates, and experience records. The system generates a certificate detailing the uploaded documents and their status, which can replace the physical submission of these documents in bids, thereby reducing bid preparation costs.

With the new provisions issued by the DNCP, registration in the State Suppliers Registry is now a crucial part of the bid preparation process. Companies must conduct a thorough review of their documents and obligations based on their legal structure. It is advisable for both national and foreign companies interested in public procurement to complete the registration process well in advance, considering the deadlines for bid submission and opening for each tender. BKM | Berkemeyer offers comprehensive advisory and management services from pre-registration to final approval by the DNCP.