Best Government Contract Lawyers in Arta

About Government Contract Law in Arta, Greece

Government contract law in Arta operates within the national Greek and European Union public procurement framework. Arta is part of the Epirus region, and its contracting authorities include the Municipality of Arta, the Regional Unit of Arta under the Region of Epirus, other local municipalities, public hospitals, schools and universities, utilities, and various public bodies. When these authorities buy works, goods, or services, they must follow Greek procurement statutes that implement EU rules, with transparency, equal treatment, and competition as core principles.

Most tenders are published and run electronically through national platforms. Procedures range from small direct awards for low values to open competitive procedures for higher values. Contracts can cover public works such as roads and water projects, supplies like medical equipment and IT, and services such as cleaning, maintenance, and consulting. The same national rules apply in Arta as elsewhere in Greece, but local practicalities matter, including how each authority structures its tender documents, schedules, and evaluation criteria.

Because Greece aligns with EU law, bidders from other EU member states and many non EU countries can participate, provided they meet eligibility and technical criteria. The process is formal, documentation heavy, and deadline driven, which is why careful preparation is critical.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many businesses and individuals seek legal help because government contracting involves strict procedures, detailed documentation, and short challenge periods. Legal counsel can be valuable in situations such as preparing bids and the European Single Procurement Document, evaluating eligibility and exclusion risks, forming consortia or subcontracting chains, negotiating contract terms, and understanding performance guarantees and penalties.

Lawyers are often engaged to address disputes over tender specifications, clarify questions during the tender period, respond to exclusion or rejection decisions, file preliminary appeals and seek suspension of unlawful decisions, navigate contract changes and extensions, and resolve performance issues, payment delays, or termination. Legal advice is also helpful for compliance with public works and safety regulations, public finance and audit rules, personal data and cybersecurity requirements, and EU funded project conditions that frequently apply in regional procurements.

Local Laws Overview

Key statutes and structures govern government contracts in Arta and across Greece. Law 4412 2016 sets the core framework for public procurement of works, supplies, and services and implements EU Directives 2014 24 EU and 2014 25 EU. Law 4413 2016 governs concessions and implements EU Directive 2014 23 EU. These laws have been amended several times, including by Law 4782 2021, which introduced significant procedural updates. There are also secondary rules and circulars that refine procedures, forms, and thresholds.

Electronic systems are central. Most tenders are conducted on the National System of Electronic Public Procurement known as ESIDIS, while publication and record keeping are handled on the Central Electronic Registry of Public Contracts known as KIMDIS. Decisions of contracting authorities must also be uploaded to the national transparency portal known as Diavgeia. Familiarity with these platforms is essential for timely participation.

Procurement procedures include open procedure, restricted procedure, competitive dialogue, negotiated procedures, and innovation partnerships. Award criteria are either lowest price or most economically advantageous tender based on best price quality ratio. Selection focuses on suitability, financial and technical capacity, and absence of exclusion grounds such as criminal convictions, tax or social security debts, or serious professional misconduct. The ESPD is widely used to self declare compliance at the tender stage, followed by verification of the selected bidder.

Financial safeguards are common. Contracting authorities may request a bid guarantee, though it is not always mandatory. A performance guarantee is typically required and is commonly set at about 4 percent of the contract value excluding VAT, with possible adjustments as permitted by law. Additional guarantees may be required for advance payments or good operation warranties. Payment follows acceptance of deliverables and compliance with invoicing rules, and e invoicing is being rolled out in phases for public sector contracts.

Thresholds determine which procedures and EU publication duties apply. EU thresholds are updated every two years and differ for supplies, services, works, utilities, and concessions. Sub threshold contracts follow national rules that still require transparency and competition appropriate to the contract value. Because amounts and procedural details can change, bidders should verify the applicable thresholds and requirements for each tender.

Remedies are specialized. Before contract signature, challenges are filed as preliminary appeals with the Authority for the Examination of Preliminary Appeals known as AEPP. Deadlines are short, often 10 days from notification or publication in ESIDIS. AEPP decisions can be followed by applications for suspension and annulment before the competent administrative courts. A standstill period commonly applies between the award decision and contract signature, often 10 days when notifications are electronic. High value contracts may also be subject to pre contract review by the Hellenic Court of Audit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the typical contracting authorities in Arta

They include the Municipality of Arta, other municipalities in the regional unit, the Regional Unit of Arta under the Region of Epirus, local public hospitals and health authorities, education and research institutions, utilities and public enterprises, and various public bodies and legal entities supervised by the state or local government.

Where can I find current tenders

Most opportunities are published on the national electronic systems. Notices and records are posted on KIMDIS, while the procurement process for most contracts is conducted within ESIDIS. Contracting authorities also publish their decisions on the Diavgeia transparency portal. Local authorities may additionally announce tenders on their websites and notice boards.

Can foreign companies bid in Arta

Yes. EU rules on non discrimination allow participation by EU based bidders and, depending on the sector and international commitments, by bidders from other countries. Foreign bidders must meet the same eligibility, capacity, and language requirements and may need certified translations and legalization of documents.

What documents are usually required to submit a bid

Common items include the ESPD, company registration documents, proof of signing authority, technical and professional capacity evidence, financial statements, references and certificates such as ISO where relevant, and statements confirming no exclusion grounds. At award stage, authorities typically request tax and social security clearance, criminal record extracts for managers, and original certificates.

Which language should I use

Tender documents are usually in Greek, and bids typically must be submitted in Greek. Supporting documents in other languages often require an official translation and, where applicable, apostille or consular legalization. Check the specific tender instructions.

What guarantees will I be asked to provide

Contracting authorities may ask for a bid guarantee, which is not always mandatory and when requested is commonly around 2 percent of the estimated value excluding VAT. A performance guarantee is usually required and is commonly set at about 4 percent of the contract value excluding VAT. Advance payment or good operation guarantees may also be required depending on the contract.

How are contracts awarded

Awards are based on the lowest price or the most economically advantageous tender. When using the best price quality ratio, authorities score both price and qualitative criteria such as methodology, staffing, and service levels. Abnormally low tenders may be investigated, and failure to justify a very low price can lead to exclusion.

How can I challenge a tender or award decision

You can file a preliminary appeal to AEPP within strict deadlines that often run from the date of electronic notification or publication on ESIDIS. A fee is payable with the appeal. AEPP issues a decision within a short statutory timeline. If necessary, you can then seek judicial review and interim measures before the competent administrative court. There is usually a standstill period before the contract is signed.

What should I know about payments and invoicing

Payments are made after acceptance of deliverables and approval of invoices according to contract terms and public finance rules. Electronic invoicing is being implemented for public contracts, and some authorities require it. Plan for payment timelines that include verification, acceptance protocols, and budget availability. Interest for late payment may apply under applicable rules.

Are contract changes allowed after award

Modifications are permitted only under conditions set by law, such as clearly foreseen options or variations, limited value increases, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances, without altering the overall nature of the contract or distorting competition. Significant changes typically require a new procedure. Always review variation clauses and legal limits before agreeing to changes.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority known as EAADISY for guidance and oversight on public procurement policy and practice.

Authority for the Examination of Preliminary Appeals known as AEPP for pre contract appeal procedures and decisions.

National System of Electronic Public Procurement known as ESIDIS for conducting electronic tenders.

Central Electronic Registry of Public Contracts known as KIMDIS for publication and transparency of contracts and notices.

Diavgeia Transparency Portal for official decisions of contracting authorities.

Hellenic Court of Audit for pre contract and ex post audits of significant public contracts.

Administrative Court of Ioannina for regional administrative litigation that may include procurement disputes affecting Arta.

Region of Epirus Managing Authority for EU funded projects that generate tenders in Arta.

Municipality of Arta Procurement Department for local procurement notices and clarifications.

Arta Chamber of Commerce and Industry for local business support and networking related to public tenders.

Next Steps

Assess your opportunity. Define what you want to supply or build and identify the contracting authorities in Arta that procure those goods, works, or services. Monitor KIMDIS and ESIDIS for relevant notices and keep an internal calendar of deadlines and clarifications.

Organize your compliance file early. Prepare corporate documents, authorizations, certifications, financial statements, tax and social security compliance evidence, and references. Plan for certified translations and legalization where needed. Decide whether to bid alone, in a consortium, or with subcontractors.

Review each tender carefully. Check eligibility, technical specifications, award criteria, contract terms, guarantees, delivery times, and invoicing requirements. Identify any ambiguities and submit clarification questions within the specified time limits.

Engage legal counsel. A lawyer familiar with Greek procurement can review your bid package, highlight compliance risks, draft or negotiate contract terms, and prepare or defend appeals. This is especially important where the value is significant or the procedure is complex.

Prepare your bid on ESIDIS. Follow the platform instructions precisely. Use the prescribed forms, sign where required, and ensure your digital signatures are valid. Double check that your ESPD and supporting files match the tender requirements.

Plan for performance. Arrange bank guarantees early, line up resources and suppliers, and prepare quality and safety plans. Set up internal controls for contract management, reporting, and acceptance protocols.

Know your remedies. If you encounter an unlawful specification or an adverse award decision, act quickly within the relevant 10 day timeframes to preserve your rights before AEPP and, if needed, before the competent administrative court.

Keep records. Maintain all submissions, correspondence, delivery notes, acceptance reports, and invoices. This is vital for audits, payments, and any dispute resolution.

If you need tailored advice, contact a lawyer who handles public procurement in Epirus or Athens, provide the tender documents and your draft bid, and request a timeline with key actions and deadlines. Timely and precise action is essential in Greek government contracting.