Open Local Government Procurement and Red Flag Index

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This project is opening data for each procedure of public procurement of the 61 municipalities for their two first years, i.e. 2015 – 2017. The OpenLGP Program created a database with data pertaining to public procurement and public contracts of the municipalities (from July 2015 onwards). The database became applicable through a web platform with an open data format and search and selection filters that enable a listing and reuse of information by municipality, date, type of procurement, value of offers, and selected contractor. This platform became accessible for the public in February 2016, and since then, it has served as a reference point for qualitative and quantitative use by citizens, journalists, stakeholders involved in transparency and engaged in evaluating the performance of the municipalities. The ongoing project will also create some options for an indexing of the municipalities based on the level of exposure of their procurement process to phenomena like abuse, lack of competitiveness, lack of competition, interventions in the competition, or indications of clientelism. The problematic tenders will be marked by a red flag [1]. The database is being updated on daily basis, giving thus opportunities for monitoring, watch dog activity, evaluation and citizens’ reaction in real time.

The aim of the project and its activities is openness, publication, provision of access to, and friendly and analytical use of all data related with public procurement and public contracts of Local Government. Eventually, this is all about creating and applying some instruments for purposes of information, transparency, and watch dog processes.

Open Procurement contains information about the announcements for tenders, technical criteria, fund limits, deadlines for application, types of contracts, types of procedures, offers, complaints, cancellations, number of participants in a tender, and winners. Procurement is finalized when a contract is signed. This is where the structuring of the data begins, which corresponds with Open Contracting.

Open Contracting contains information about the date when contracts are signed, contracting parties, contract value, technical criteria, and object of contracts, contract terms, and payments emerging from the contract.

[1] A Red Flag is a fact, event, or set of circumstances, or other information that may indicate a potential legal compliance concern for illegal or unethical business conduct, particularly with regard to corrupt practices and non-compliance with anti-corruption laws.

Open Procurement in the Media

Public Health Sector Procurement 2016, an anticorruption and Transparency Program

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AIS, a promoter of Open Data Albania, presented to the media representatives today (26 October) a database containing information regarding procurement and contracts from the Public Health Sector. The data covers the period starting from 1 January 2016, and are updated on a daily basis. They are well-structured and presented in an Open Contracting Data (OCDS) format and standard. Such portal and publication format serve to provide information, ensure transparency, and enable the citizens to monitor the public contracts signed in this sector. It functions as an anti-corruption instrument, and as the basis for fact-based journalism.

The project aims to increase the quality and efficiency of the public procurement process through, amongst others, citizens’ reaction/pressure.

A passport of information is created for each tender. The database contains well-structured data not only about the state institutions responsible for providing health services, but also about public procurements of the Mandatory Health Care Insurance Fund as a mandatory public scheme.

  • The procedure and contract system shows that 4881 public procurement procedures were announced during the first nine months of the year (2016).

  • During this period, 4119 tender procedures were finalized with a winner. The rest of the procedures were either cancelled, or still ongoing. The total fund limit, i.e. the amount of money available for tender procedures, already finalized by contracts being signed was 6.72 milliard Albanian Leks or 55.1 million USD.

  • 4119 contracts of value of USD 55.1 million were achieved by 430 economic operators / contractors. The value of the winning offers, i.e. the value of signed contracts (VAT excluded) is 6.31 billion Albanian Leks or USD 51.77 million .

  • The difference between the fund limit and the winning offer is 6.1% of the planned fund. Such difference shows the quality of competition and the budget efficiency in procurement.

  • Accordingly, the difference corresponds with the money saved thanks to the competition and best economic offers.

  • In the case of procurement in the health sector, such efficiency is too low. Local government units are characterized by a much higher efficiency rate, about 10% higher than the health one. Direct Negotiation, a no-competition procedure, was used to sign contracts of a value of 1.55 milliard Albanian Leks, which is 24.5% of the total procured value (contract value).Procurement procedures with one single competitor were used in 1 260 cases, consisting of an offer value of 1.04 milliard Leks, which corresponds with 16% of the total value of offers. 4.9% of the contracted value is dedicated to Public Works (investments), 25.4% of the total value to Services, 69.6% to Public Supplies and the rest is used for Renting and Consultancy Services. The ten leading companies in terms of the contracted value represent 46.9 % of the total value of contracts.

The company, which marks the highest value contracted in the health sector for the nine first months of 2016, is Megapharma, with 352 contracts and a value of 452 million Leks. In addition, MegaPharma LLC has also signed other contracts of cooperation with other operators. This company is followed by Rejsi Farma LLC with contracts of value of 335 million Albanian Leks and Devis shpk (in third place) with contracts of value of 313 million Albanian Leks.The procuring authority with the highest procured values (2.15 billion Leks) is the University Hospital Centre “Mother Tereza”.Tenders in the public health sector have a direct impact on the quality of life of citizens and patients. About 8 up to 9 % of the state budget are allocated to this sector every year.

The data can be analyzed and searched by: Procuring Authority; Economic Operators who are awarded Public Contracts; Type of Procurement Procedure; Type of Contract; Value of Contract and other data search and analysis options.

20161026_10153820161026_100727 20161026_101043 20161026_101113

20161026_102051 20161026_102103 20161026_105301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pjesmarrës
No Name Surname Institution / MEDIA
1 Adriatik Doci Gazeta shqiptarja.com
2 Almarina Gegvataj ATSH
3 Anjeza Alliu Ministria Shendetesise
4 Anxhela Ruci Gaz Investigative
5 Arlinda Gjonaj ATSH
6 Armida Shukulli Freelance
7 Artan Rama Freelance/Públicus
8 Bashkim Shala Koha Ditore
9 Bepin Kolvataj Tv1 Channel
10 Besa Ombashi OSFA
11 Bledar Hoti Gazeta Shekulli
12 Brikela Qelemeni TV “KORCA”- RTSH
13 Brunilda Bakshevani OSFA
14 Bukurije Kastrati A1 Tv
15 Denisa Canameti Shendet Plus
16 Edmond Shehu HAP Project TDH
17 Elona Tereziu Shendet plus
18 Elvis Nabolli Rozafa
19 Enfrid Islami OSBE
20 Entela Barjamaj Scan Tv
21 Erjola Azizolli Ora News
22 Fatbardha Nergjoni Report Tv
23 Fejzi Braushi Gazeta Mapo
24 Gjergj Erebara BIRN
25 Inva Hasanaliaj Gazeta Mapo
26 Juljan Shota Report Tv
27 Keti Banushi Ora News
28 Klaudja Karabolli Report Tv
29 Klevis Paloka Gazetaria Investigative
30 Manjola Malo World Bank
31 Orjada Tare Leviz Albania
32 Rezar Balla Leviz Albania
33 Rukida Veizi HAP Project TDH
34 Saimir Lleshi Ora News
35 Violeta Shqalsi Scan Tv
36 Xhenisa Skenderaj MIAP
37 Xhevahir Zhabina Tv Klan
38 Xhuliana  Jakimi NewsBomb

AIS, a promoter of Open Data Albania, presented to the media representatives today (26 October) a database containing information regarding procurement and contracts from the Public Health Sector. The data covers the period starting from 1 January 2016, and are updated on a daily basis. They are well-structured and presented in an Open Contracting Data (OCDS) format and standard. Such portal and publication format serve to provide information, ensure transparency, and enable the citizens to monitor the public contracts signed in this sector. It functions as an anti-corruption instrument, and as the basis for fact-based journalism.

The project aims to increase the quality and efficiency of the public procurement process through, amongst others, citizens’ reaction/pressure.

A passport of information is created for each tender. The database contains well-structured data not only about the state institutions responsible for providing health services, but also about public procurements of the Mandatory Health Care Insurance Fund as a mandatory public scheme.

  • The procedure and contract system shows that 4881 public procurement procedures were announced during the first nine months of the year (2016).

  • During this period, 4119 tender procedures were finalized with a winner. The rest of the procedures were either cancelled, or still ongoing. The total fund limit, i.e. the amount of money available for tender procedures, already finalized by contracts being signed was 6.72 milliard Albanian Leks or 55.1 million USD.

  • 4119 contracts of value of USD 55.1 million were achieved by 430 economic operators / contractors. The value of the winning offers, i.e. the value of signed contracts (VAT excluded) is 6.31 billion Albanian Leks or USD 51.77 million .

  • The difference between the fund limit and the winning offer is 6.1% of the planned fund. Such difference shows the quality of competition and the budget efficiency in procurement.

  • Accordingly, the difference corresponds with the money saved thanks to the competition and best economic offers.

  • In the case of procurement in the health sector, such efficiency is too low. Local government units are characterized by a much higher efficiency rate, about 10% higher than the health one. Direct Negotiation, a no-competition procedure, was used to sign contracts of a value of 1.55 milliard Albanian Leks, which is 24.5% of the total procured value (contract value).Procurement procedures with one single competitor were used in 1 260 cases, consisting of an offer value of 1.04 milliard Leks, which corresponds with 16% of the total value of offers. 4.9% of the contracted value is dedicated to Public Works (investments), 25.4% of the total value to Services, 69.6% to Public Supplies and the rest is used for Renting and Consultancy Services. The ten leading companies in terms of the contracted value represent 46.9 % of the total value of contracts.

The company, which marks the highest value contracted in the health sector for the nine first months of 2016, is Megapharma, with 352 contracts and a value of 452 million Leks. In addition, MegaPharma LLC has also signed other contracts of cooperation with other operators. This company is followed by Rejsi Farma LLC with contracts of value of 335 million Albanian Leks and Devis shpk (in third place) with contracts of value of 313 million Albanian Leks.The procuring authority with the highest procured values (2.15 billion Leks) is the University Hospital Centre “Mother Tereza”.Tenders in the public health sector have a direct impact on the quality of life of citizens and patients. About 8 up to 9 % of the state budget are allocated to this sector every year.

The data can be analyzed and searched by: Procuring Authority; Economic Operators who are awarded Public Contracts; Type of Procurement Procedure; Type of Contract; Value of Contract and other data search and analysis options.

20161026_10153820161026_100727 20161026_101043 20161026_101113

20161026_102051 20161026_102103 20161026_105301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pjesmarrës
No Name Surname Institution / MEDIA
1 Adriatik Doci Gazeta shqiptarja.com
2 Almarina Gegvataj ATSH
3 Anjeza Alliu Ministria Shendetesise
4 Anxhela Ruci Gaz Investigative
5 Arlinda Gjonaj ATSH
6 Armida Shukulli Freelance
7 Artan Rama Freelance/Públicus
8 Bashkim Shala Koha Ditore
9 Bepin Kolvataj Tv1 Channel
10 Besa Ombashi OSFA
11 Bledar Hoti Gazeta Shekulli
12 Brikela Qelemeni TV “KORCA”- RTSH
13 Brunilda Bakshevani OSFA
14 Bukurije Kastrati A1 Tv
15 Denisa Canameti Shendet Plus
16 Edmond Shehu HAP Project TDH
17 Elona Tereziu Shendet plus
18 Elvis Nabolli Rozafa
19 Enfrid Islami OSBE
20 Entela Barjamaj Scan Tv
21 Erjola Azizolli Ora News
22 Fatbardha Nergjoni Report Tv
23 Fejzi Braushi Gazeta Mapo
24 Gjergj Erebara BIRN
25 Inva Hasanaliaj Gazeta Mapo
26 Juljan Shota Report Tv
27 Keti Banushi Ora News
28 Klaudja Karabolli Report Tv
29 Klevis Paloka Gazetaria Investigative
30 Manjola Malo World Bank
31 Orjada Tare Leviz Albania
32 Rezar Balla Leviz Albania
33 Rukida Veizi HAP Project TDH
34 Saimir Lleshi Ora News
35 Violeta Shqalsi Scan Tv
36 Xhenisa Skenderaj MIAP
37 Xhevahir Zhabina Tv Klan
38 Xhuliana  Jakimi NewsBomb

Follow the Money – Series of Workshops

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The Albanian Institute of Science (AIS), a non-governmental organization known as a promoter of Open Data in Albania, is planning to hold a series of Round Tables, Workshops, and Forums on the topic ‘Follow the Money’. The events intend to present instruments and databases that ensure data and facts about public expenditures, procurement, contracts, contractors, and other processes related with money and governance. The purpose is to encourage discussion on the use of facts in journalistic investigations or citizens’ advocacy, and to make the fact-finding process more concrete and qualitative. The participants will include journalists and activists from Tirana and other municipalities in the country. The three first round tables will take place during October 2016 – January 2017 on the following topics:

  1. Public Procurement, Tenders, and Contracts in the Health Sector, Date 26 October, Donor: U.S Embassy in Tirana- Democracy Commission Small Grants Program Project Public Health Sector Procurements
  2. Auditing of Political Parties and Electoral Subjects. Donor: Netherlands Embassy in Tirana.
  3. Monitoring of Municipality Clients in Public Contracts, with the support of Lëviz Albania.

Those interested in participating in these events are invited to fill in a registration form, upon the receipt of which we will let you know whether you are selected to participate. AIS is going to reimburse the justified participation costs. The events will take place in the course of one day. The two first ones will take place in Tirana.

Please Regsiter HERE

For any additional question or information, do not hesitate to write to [email protected] .

 

FINANCING OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN ELECTORAL CAMPAINGS, Policy Paper

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In Frame of “The Electoral Room for Reform” Project, Albanian Institute of Science (AIS) drafted a Policy Paper with recommendations on “FINANCING OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN ELECTORAL CAMPAINGS”.

Link for draft of recommendations:   ais-the-electoral-room-for-reform-policy-paper

AIS addresses the Strasbourg Court. Albania does not guarantee trial within a reasonable time (Article 6 of the ECHR)

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On 9 June 2015, the Albanian Institute of Science sent an official request to the three main electoral subjects, i.e. the Socialist Party (SP), the Democratic Party (DP), and the Socialist Movement for Integration (SMI) asking them for the following information:

  1. list of donors of non-public funds, from whom they had benefitted since 21 May 2015 amounts above 100 000 (one hundred thousand) Lekë or the equivalent value in services or goods;
  2. list of every expense made since 21 May 2015 using the annual funds benefitted from the state budget in 2015.

The above quoted electoral subjects received the request on 10 or 11 June 2015 as confirmed by the postal service.

The above electoral subjects did not respond to our request. Therefore, pursuant to Article 24 of Law no. 119/2014 “On the right (access)  to information”, the Albanian Institute of Science AIS filed a complaint with the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data on 7 July 2015.

The Commissioner for the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data informed us on 25 July 2015 of its decision no. 44, dated 22.07.2015 on “Rejection of complaint”. The Commissioner rejected our request no. 675, dated 9.07.2015, arguing that “the requested information is to be administered by the organizations foreseen by this law and it’s Article 2, which are not defined as public authorities in terms of how they are organized, how they operate, and their regulatory legal framework”.

Pursuant to Article 25 of Law no. 119/2014 “On the right to information”, the Albanian Institute of Science filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court of First Instance of Tirana.

Upon completion of the court hearings, the Administrative Court of First Instance of Tirana issued decision no. 5687, dated 10.11.2015 (fundamental register no. 5714 310004-05334-80-2015, according to which: “The court rejects the lawsuit of the Albanian Institute of Science against the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data, the Socialist Party of Albania, the Democratic Party of Albania, and the Socialist Movement for Integration of Albania, which claims the “Abrogation of decision no. 44, dated 22.07.2015  of the Commissioner of the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data as a lawsuit not based on evidence or law. The court forces the political parties (electoral subjects), i.e. the Socialist Party, the Democratic Party, and the Socialist Movement for Integration to provide the Albanian Institute of Science with the information requested about the financing of their electoral campaigns as per its (AIS’) request dated 9 June 2015.”

The Albanian Institute of Science complained against the decision of the Administrative Court of First Instance by addressing the Administrative Court of Appeal on 25 November 2015.On 10 February 2016, AIS filed its request with the Administrative Court of Appeal asking for  “a faster judicial adjudication of the “.  The nature of the lawsuit and its importance for the public interest makes it indispensable for this case to be adjudicated as fast as possible, and not in the course of several years, which would make both the complaint and its adjudication irrelevant.The Administrative Court of Appeal did not respond to such request On 31 March 2016, the Albanian Institute of Science submitted a second request for a faster adjudication, but to this date, the Administrative Court of Appeal has not given any response, whatsoever.

Although a final decision is not yet taken by the Albanian Court (the case is not with the High Court yet), following its procrastination and given the lack of clear provisions in the Albanian legislation that would enable an effective remedy, AIS addressed the Strasbourg Court on 18 May 2016, asking this court to express itself on this adjudication process, and whether they constitute a violation of Articles 6 and 13, respectively, of the European Convention of Human Rights.

AIS Request to Strasbourg Court (PDF)

Kërkohen bashkëpuntorë: Data Analist për të dhëna mbi shoqëritë tregtare

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Data Analist për të dhëna mbi shoqëritë tregtare

Kush mund të aplikojë: Student Master për Drejtësi, preferohet e Drejtë Biznesi, ose student Shkolla e Avokatisë.

Kritere: mesatare mbi 9. Nota në lëndët e Drejtë Tregtare dhe e Drejtë Shoqëri Tregtare të jetë 10. Aftësi për të analizuar dhe ekstraktuar të dhëna të regjistrit tregtar. Njohuri mbi Kodin Tregtar dhe Ligjin për Shoqëritë Tregtare.

Preferohen individ të trajnuar në auditim ligjor të shoqërive të biznesit. Preferohen individ që janë të aftë të rriten profesionalisht duke mësuar gjatë punës.

Dërgoni një CV dhe një paragraf motivimi (jo më shumë se 250 fjalë) në adresën [email protected] titulli i emailit CV Data Analist për të dhëna mbi shoqëritë tregtare.

Kërkohen bashkëpuntorë me kohë të pjesshme : Data Analist për të dhëna mbi kriminalitetit, vëllimi, trendi dinamika.

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Data Analist për të dhëna mbi kriminalitetit, vëllimi, trendi dinamika.

Kush mund të aplikojë:  Student Maste për Drejtësi, Profili e Drejtë Penale ose student në Shkollën e Avokatisë.

Kritere: Mesatare fakulteti mbi 9. Nota e tre viteve shkollë e mesme për lëndën matematikë duhet të jetë 10. Njohuri shumë të mira mbi të drejtën penale, aftësi për të artikuluar, aftësi në analizë, të ketë formuluar të paktën një ese apo detyrë kursi bazuar në analiza sasiore/statistikore mbi fenomene kriminale.

Preferohen student të fakultetit publik. Preferohen individ që janë të aftë të rriten profesionalisht duke mësuar gjatë punës. Dërgoni një CV dhe një paragraf motivimi (jo më shumë se 250 fjalë) në adresën [email protected] titulli i emalit CV Data Analist për të dhëna mbi kriminalitetit, vëllimi, trendi dinamika.

Training on the use of ICT tools to increase transparency over the budgets and expenditures of the local government units.

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The training took place on 13 September, at Doro City Hotel. It aimed at enhancing the capacities of the local government unit employees in independently using transparency instruments over their budgets and expenses: Budget by the Economic Classification of the Actual Expenses (Money Map); Monitoring of Transactions for Local Government (Monitoring Treasury).

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10 organizations meet in Tirana on the Perspective of Open Contracting Standards in the Regio

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Open Data against abuse and corruption using public money. Ten regional organizations met in Tirana on 28-29 July at a workshop organized by AIS: Civil Monitoring of Public Procurement. The participants analyzed how transparent the data from different phases of public contracting are and presented some CSO initiatives for citizens’ monitoring of public procurement in Albania, BiH, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Rumania, and Serbia.  Considering Public Contracts as the number one risk of corruption, representatives of ACER/SELDI, Alternativa, Riinvest, TI for BiH, Initiativa Romania, Open Data Kosovo, Metamorfoza, ANTTARC, KDI, and AIS emphasized the need for applying Open Contracting Standards in the Region. There was also a presentation of  Open Contracting Partnership as an effort for  Brighter Government Deal-making: save money and time, improve service delivery, boost integrity, and create a fair business environment. The presentations of the workshop are all published on AIS website.

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Speed Geeking, Civil Monitoring of Public Procurement Workshop.

workshop

CSOs Presentation, ACER Albania.Civil Monitoring of Public Procurement Workshop.

Workshop, Disucssions

Working Groups,Civil Monitoring of Public Procurement Workshop.

Working Groups

AIS starts the new program “Transparency with the Public Health Sector Procurements”.

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AIS started to work in July on disclosing procurement data from the Health Sector. The newest project on Public Health Sector Procurements will enable the creation, promotion, and use of a well-structured database, which serves as an instrument (tool) for transparency, information, citizens’ monitoring about procurement processes of the Public Health Sector for 2016. Fact-based journalism and fact-based public debate is the final purpose of the creation of such well-structured database. Accordingly, it will provide exhaustive information about every public procurement process in the health sector. The project is supported by the US Embassy in Tirana in the framework of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. The database with open data for the Public Health Sector shall be placed on the Open Procurement Albania portal, where data about local government procurement processes are disclosed on daily basis.