Amendments to the Public Procurement Law Regulations

Through Executive Decree 333 of July 12, 2024, published in the Third Supplement of the Official Registry 600 on July 15, 2024, the Public Procurement Law Regulations (the “Regulations“) were amended.

The key amendments are summarized below:

1. The contracting of Ecuador’s tourism promotion is included as a special regime. Under this regime, the following may be contracted: (i) supply and demand studies; (ii) advertising; (iii) organization, logistics, and assistance for events and fairs; (iv) creation of tourism promotion campaigns; and (v) promotion and positioning of the country brand (Marca País).
2. A legal entity with its main office in the canton, province, or region where the contract will be executed is considered a local supplier.
3. If the contractor is an obligated subject before the Financial and Economic Analysis Unit (UAFE), it must hold a Certificate of Compliance from the UAFE during the contractual execution phase.
4. The study of technological disaggregation in works applies only when the reference budget is equal to or exceeds the amount resulting from multiplying the coefficient 0.00003 by the State’s initial budget for the corresponding fiscal year. For 2024, such amount is US$998,904.59.
5. Public entities may acquire domestic and international airline tickets under any of the following mechanisms:
6. Direct purchase from airlines.
7. Direct purchase from airlines using business or corporate plans.
8. Direct purchase through online ticket platforms.

Through travel agencies, if deemed appropriate for technical and operational reasons.