Government Contracts and Tenders (Amendment) Act No. 44 of 2019.

The amendments focus on enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the procurement process for government contracts and tenders. Key changes include the establishment of the Board, which is responsible for managing procurement procedures for tenders valued at VT 10,000,000 or above. The Board also plays a crucial role in making recommendations to the Council for approving government contracts of the same value. Additionally, the Act outlines strict criteria for the awarding, renewal, variation, and extension of government contracts to ensure compliance with procurement methods and regulations. Furthermore, the Act prohibits the awarding of government contracts to public servants, ministers, Members of Parliament, leaders as defined under the Leadership Code Act, or individuals without a tax clearance certificate for contracts valued at VT 10,000,000 or above. Offences and penalties are specified for contraventions of the Act, with fines and imprisonment terms outlined for natural persons and body corporates.