The exceptionality of minor contracts

Abstract

MenorAware of the rigidities imposed by other types of government procurement procedures, the Spanish legislator has always understood necessary to provide the Administration with a contractual figure to simplify procedures and obviate requirements as to increase the speed in meeting public needs: the minor contract. This way of direct award procedure however marks a break in the general principles of publicity, concurrence and competition. In addition, its massive utilization may cause higher costs and lower performance in public spending. The misuse and abuse of the minor contract by many public managers has revived the recent debate on the appropriateness of its existence.