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merantzas-lawfirm
Arta, Greece

Founded in 2010
English
Merantzas Law Firm, located in Arta, Greece, is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. The firm offers expertise in various areas of law, ensuring that clients receive informed and effective representation. The firm's reputation is...
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About Government Contract Law in Arta, Greece

Government contracting in Arta operates within the national public procurement framework of Greece, which implements European Union rules. Most public purchasing for supplies, services, and works is governed by Law 4412/2016 as amended, which transposes EU Directives 2014-24-EU and 2014-25-EU. Concessions are governed by Law 4413/2016. Subsequent reforms, including Law 4782/2021 and ministerial decisions, have modernized procedures, deadlines, and digital tools. Arta has multiple contracting authorities, such as the Municipality of Arta, the Regional Unit of Arta within the Region of Epirus, hospitals and educational institutions, municipal companies, and utilities subject to the utilities regime.

Tenders and awards are managed electronically through the National System of Electronic Public Procurement, known as ESIDIS, and are recorded in the Central Electronic Registry of Public Contracts, known as KIMDIS. Above certain EU thresholds, notices also appear in the EU Official Journal through TED. Decisions by local authorities are also posted on the national transparency platform known as Diavgeia. Awards are generally based on the most economically advantageous tender, which may be price only or a mix of price and quality. The process is highly structured and deadline driven, with strict rules on participation, evidence of eligibility, submission formats, evaluation, and legal remedies.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Bidding for a public contract in Arta can be complex, particularly for small and medium sized businesses or foreign companies. A lawyer can help you interpret tender documents and technical specifications, assess eligibility and selection criteria, prepare robust and compliant bids, and structure consortia or joint ventures in line with Greek and EU rules. Legal support is valuable when responding to requests for clarifications, protecting trade secrets and confidential information, and addressing alleged irregularities during evaluation.

If you believe a decision is unlawful, a lawyer can guide you through the fast paced pre contractual remedies before the Public Procurement Review Authority and subsequent judicial review. After award, counsel can assist with contract performance and administration, including change orders, price adjustments, subcontracting approvals, compliance with labor and social insurance obligations, data protection, intellectual property, and health and safety. In works contracts, local permits and environmental or archaeological approvals can affect timelines and risk allocation, making legal guidance particularly important.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal pillars include Law 4412/2016 for supplies, services, and works, Law 4413/2016 for concessions, and updates introduced by Law 4782/2021 and related secondary legislation. Procedures commonly used in Arta include open procedure, restricted procedure, competitive procedure with negotiation, and direct or simplified awards for low value contracts where permitted by law. Thresholds determine whether ESIDIS must be used and whether publication at EU level is required. EU thresholds are updated biennially. As of 2024 to 2025, indicative EU thresholds are approximately 221,000 euro for sub central supplies and services and 5,538,000 euro for works, with other thresholds for central authorities and utilities. National thresholds and simplified award limits can change, so verification at the time of planning is essential.

Participation rules follow EU law on exclusion grounds, covering issues such as criminal convictions for certain offenses, unpaid taxes or social security, conflicts of interest, or collusion. Self cleaning measures may allow a bidder to demonstrate reliability despite a past issue. Language of the procedure is typically Greek, and submissions are made electronically through ESIDIS using qualified electronic signatures where required. Common tender requirements include corporate documents, proof of professional suitability, financial and technical capacity, and attestations of tax and social insurance compliance. Evidence is increasingly provided through standardized forms and electronic registries.

Guarantees are typical. Tender guarantees may be required, and performance guarantees are commonly set as a percentage of the contract value. Award criteria can be price only or a combination of price and qualitative factors such as methodology, team experience, or environmental performance. Abnormally low tenders must be justified. Contract modification is regulated and generally limited to defined cases and value limits consistent with EU rules. Subcontracting is allowed subject to disclosure and responsibility rules, with potential mandatory replacement of subcontractors that fail eligibility tests.

Performance and payment follow Greek public finance rules. Payment terms are influenced by the EU Late Payments Directive, and e invoicing is being phased in across the public sector. For works, measurement, certification, and acceptance procedures are formalized, and specific dispute boards or committees may be involved. Termination can occur for serious breach, long delays, insolvency, or exclusion grounds revealed post award. Remedies for bidders include a pre contractual appeal before the Public Procurement Review Authority with strict filing deadlines counted from notice of the act. Decisions can be challenged before the administrative courts. Contractual disputes during performance typically follow the dispute resolution provisions of the contract and applicable administrative law.

Local factors in Arta can include coordination with municipal technical services, regional planning departments, and where relevant the Ephorate of Antiquities for archaeological clearances. Early analysis of site conditions, permitting timelines, and environmental or social constraints will reduce risk and support compliant execution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find current tenders in Arta

Most opportunities are published on ESIDIS and recorded in KIMDIS, with key decisions also appearing on the Diavgeia transparency platform. For procedures above EU thresholds, notices will also appear in the EU Official Journal through TED. Local authorities such as the Municipality of Arta and the Region of Epirus also announce tenders through their official channels.

Can a foreign company bid for a contract in Arta

Yes. EU and many non EU companies can participate provided they meet eligibility, capacity, and technical criteria and accept the procedure language and submission format. You may need a Greek tax number, local representation for service of documents, and Greek translations of corporate and technical documents.

What documents are typically required in a tender

Expect corporate registration evidence, statements regarding exclusion grounds, financial capacity figures, technical references and certificates, staff qualifications, and tax and social insurance compliance certificates. Depending on the tender, you may need a tender guarantee and specific technical samples or method statements.

What are the typical deadlines and how are they counted

Deadlines vary by procedure and threshold, but the law sets minimum publication and submission periods. Time limits are strictly enforced and usually run from the date of electronic publication or notification. Clarification periods and pre contractual appeal deadlines are short, so you should calendar all dates immediately upon notice.

How do I challenge an award decision I believe is unlawful

You file a pre contractual appeal before the Public Procurement Review Authority within the legal deadline counted from knowledge of the act, often through ESIDIS. A filing fee or security may apply. The process is fast and can lead to suspension or annulment of the decision. Further judicial review before the administrative courts is possible.

What is the difference between ESIDIS and KIMDIS

ESIDIS is the transactional platform used to run electronic tenders, submit bids, and exchange messages. KIMDIS is the registry where key contract data, notices, and award information are recorded for transparency and monitoring.

Are contracts awarded on price only

Many supply contracts are price based, but the standard rule is the most economically advantageous tender, which can combine price with qualitative criteria such as methodology, staffing, innovation, or environmental performance. The tender documents specify the criteria and their weighting.

Can I use subcontractors or form a consortium

Yes. The law allows consortia and subcontracting, subject to disclosure and responsibility rules. The lead bidder is responsible for the performance of the whole contract. Some key tasks may not be subcontracted, and replacement may be required if a subcontractor is ineligible.

How are payments made and what about e invoicing

Payments follow the contract and public finance rules, with acceptance certificates as milestones. E invoicing is being rolled out progressively and may be mandatory depending on the authority and timing. Payment delays can trigger statutory interest under EU rules.

What happens if performance conditions change after award

Contract modifications are allowed only in specific cases defined by law, such as clearly provided review clauses, limited value changes, unforeseen circumstances, or contractor replacement after corporate restructuring without circumvention of competition. Significant scope changes outside these cases require a new tender.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Authority for Public Procurement EADHSY for national guidance, templates, and decisions.

Public Procurement Review Authority AEPP for pre contractual remedies and procedural information.

National System of Electronic Public Procurement ESIDIS for electronic tendering and bidder support.

Central Electronic Registry of Public Contracts KIMDIS for official contract data and notices.

Diavgeia Transparency Program for publication of administrative decisions by contracting authorities.

Municipality of Arta Procurement Department for local calls, clarifications, and procedural details.

Region of Epirus Procurement Directorate and Technical Services for regional projects and works procedures.

Arta Chamber of Commerce and Industry for business support, documentation, and local networking.

Technical Chamber of Greece TEE Epirus Branch for engineering standards, works contract matters, and professional services.

Local Bar Associations, including the Lawyers Association of Arta, for referrals to practitioners experienced in public procurement.

Next Steps

Define your target opportunities and verify applicable thresholds and procedures for the contracting authority in Arta. Create an internal compliance checklist covering eligibility, exclusion grounds, financial and technical capacity, and mandatory certificates. Assemble a bid team early and prepare standard documents such as corporate records, references, and CVs in Greek. Register on ESIDIS, test your electronic signature, and set internal calendars for all tender deadlines.

Engage a lawyer experienced in Greek public procurement to review the tender dossier, clarify ambiguous terms, protect confidentiality, and assess risks in draft contract conditions. If you are considering a consortium or subcontracting, formalize roles and internal agreements that align with the tender rules. During evaluation, monitor communications through ESIDIS and respond promptly and precisely to clarifications.

If you identify a procedural error or an unlawful decision, act quickly within the statutory deadlines for pre contractual appeals. Preserve evidence, download platform logs and notices, and seek immediate legal advice. After award, manage performance proactively by documenting deliverables, change requests, and approvals, and by maintaining compliance with tax, social insurance, safety, and environmental obligations in Arta.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.