Carlos Pimentel: New Contracting Law imposes sanctions of up to 10 years and transforms public procurement system

The director of the General Directorate of Public Procurement, Carlos Pimentel, assured that the new Law on Purchases and Contracts marks a turning point in the fight against corruption and state inefficiency, by introducing sanctions of up to 10 years in prison and a more agile, transparent and competitive system.

During a socialization day in Santiago, the official stated that the Government is advancing rapidly in the implementation of the regulations, with concrete actions that include training for institutions, suppliers, and entrepreneurs, as well as the implementation of new regulations that transform the public procurement model.

Pimentel highlighted that the law’s implementing regulations, the new supplier registration system, and the administrative sanctioning regime have already been approved.

In addition, he reported that the regulations of the electronic contracting system, considered key to guarantee traceability and real-time control, were submitted to public consultation.

“Change is not discursive, it is structural. We are dismantling a weak system to replace it with one with clear rules, real consequences, and greater oversight,” he emphasized.

The head of Public Contracting emphasized that the new legislation corrects the historical flaws of the previous model, by establishing a regime of consequences non-existent until now, strengthening the disqualifications, expanding state supervision and strengthening the competencies of the governing body.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the reform seeks to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, accelerate processes, and democratize access to contracting, opening up greater opportunities for SMEs, women, and local producers.

Pimentel assured that the institution is working on the restructuring of the purchasing units and on the elaboration of operational manuals to consolidate the transformation of the system.

“Today we not only have a new law; we have a new public management model that is committed to transparency, efficiency, and economic development,” he concluded.

Pimentel made the statements before giving a talk on the Transformation of the Public Market, The New Public Procurement Law and its impact on MSMEs and national development in Santiago