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The Public Contract Code in Belgium sets the rules for how government bodies must buy goods and services from private companies. It covers everything from building roads to ordering office supplies, ensuring fair competition and proper use of public funds.

This legal framework helps prevent corruption, promotes transparency, and gives all qualified businesses an equal chance to work with government agencies. Any Belgian public organization must follow these specific procedures when launching tenders, evaluating bids, and awarding contracts - making the whole process clear and accountable to taxpayers.

Belgian public organizations need to follow the Public Contract Code when spending taxpayer money on any goods, services, or works above €30,000. This includes municipalities buying vehicles, government agencies hiring consultants, or public hospitals ordering medical equipment.

The code becomes essential during the entire procurement process - from writing tender specifications and publishing calls for bids, to evaluating offers and signing contracts. It's particularly important for larger projects where transparency is crucial, such as infrastructure development or major IT system upgrades. Following these rules helps avoid legal challenges and ensures fair competition.

• The Belgian Public Contract Code has three main variations based on contract value: simplified procedures for small purchases under €30,000, standard procedures for mid-sized contracts up to €140,000, and full European procedures for large contracts above these thresholds
• Contract types also differ by sector: classic public contracts for general government purchases, utility sector contracts with more flexible rules, and defense contracts with special security provisions
• Special variations exist for urgent situations, innovative partnerships, and framework agreements that allow multiple purchases over time

• Government Bodies: All Belgian federal, regional, and local authorities must follow the Code when purchasing goods or services above set thresholds
• Public Institutions: Schools, hospitals, and cultural organizations receiving public funding need to align their procurement processes with these rules
• Private Companies: Businesses wanting to sell to government entities must understand and comply with tender procedures outlined in the Code
• Legal Advisors: Help both public bodies and private companies navigate compliance requirements and tender procedures
• Oversight Bodies: Monitor and enforce proper application of the Code, including audit courts and procurement regulators

• Define Contract Scope: Clearly identify the goods, services, or works needed and estimate their total value to determine which procurement thresholds apply
• Market Research: Analyze available suppliers, market prices, and technical specifications before drafting tender documents
• Budget Verification: Confirm approved funding and timing for the procurement within your organization's financial framework
• Selection Criteria: Establish clear, non-discriminatory requirements for bidders' technical and financial capabilities
• Award Criteria: Define objective evaluation metrics for comparing offers, usually balancing price with quality factors
• Timeline Planning: Map out the full procurement schedule, including mandatory waiting periods and publication deadlines

• Contract Object: Detailed description of goods, services, or works being procured, with technical specifications
• Selection Requirements: Minimum financial, technical, and professional qualifications for bidders
• Award Criteria: Clear scoring system for evaluating bids, including price and quality metrics
• Procedural Rules: Timelines, submission requirements, and communication protocols for the tender process
• Contract Terms: Payment conditions, delivery schedules, warranty provisions, and dispute re����ֱ�� mechanisms
• Legal Framework: References to relevant Belgian and EU procurement laws governing the contract
• Administrative Clauses: Reporting requirements, contract monitoring provisions, and modification procedures

The Public Contract Code is often confused with a Service Contract, but they serve distinctly different purposes in Belgian law. While both involve the provision of services, their scope and legal requirements differ significantly.

• Legal Framework: Public Contract Code follows strict government procurement rules and EU directives, while Service Contracts operate under general contract law and commercial regulations
• Parties Involved: Public Contract Code exclusively involves government entities as buyers, whereas Service Contracts can be between any private or public parties
• Procedural Requirements: Public Contract Code demands formal tender procedures, transparency requirements, and strict evaluation criteria. Service Contracts allow more flexibility in negotiation and terms
• Competition Rules: Public Contract Code requires open competition and equal treatment of bidders, while Service Contracts can be directly negotiated between parties
• Modification Process: Changes to Public Contract Code agreements need formal procedures and justification, while Service Contracts can be modified through mutual agreement