Best Government Contract Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Government Contract Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Government contract law in Vouliagmeni is part of the national public procurement framework of Greece, which implements European Union directives. Vouliagmeni is within the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni in the Attica Region, so tenders are usually issued either by the municipality, the region, or central government bodies that carry out works or services locally. Although the contracting authority may be local, the legal rules are national and EU driven.

The core statutes are Law 4412-2016 on public works, supplies, and services, and Law 4413-2016 on concessions. These laws set the rules for planning, advertising, competition, award criteria, contract performance, and remedies. They have been amended over time, including by Law 4782-2021, to streamline procedures and increase the use of electronic tools.

Most procedures and communications take place through national electronic systems, especially the National Electronic Public Procurement System known as ESIDIS and the Central Electronic Registry of Public Contracts known as KIMDIS. Transparency requirements are strict, and decisions are typically published on official portals. This means bidders from Greece and other EU countries can access opportunities and submit bids electronically.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Preparing a compliant bid is technical and deadline driven. A lawyer can review the tender documents, guide you on eligibility and exclusion grounds, and help you complete the European Single Procurement Document known in Greece as TEYD. Legal review reduces the risk of disqualification for formal errors.

If you plan to team up with partners or subcontractors, counsel can draft joint venture agreements known as koinopraxia arrangements and subcontracting documents that meet Greek law requirements on capacity, responsibility, and liability.

Complex award criteria such as most economically advantageous tender based on the best price-quality ratio need careful narrative and evidence. A lawyer can help align your technical offer and quality plans with what the contracting authority will score.

If something goes wrong, time limits to challenge a decision are very short. Pre-contractual appeals are typically lodged within 10 to 15 days, first before the Authority for the Examination of Prejudicial Appeals known as AEPP. A lawyer can preserve your rights, draft appeals, and represent you in hearings.

After award, contract management raises legal questions on performance guarantees, price adjustments, change orders, delays, penalties, extensions of time, and termination. Early advice can prevent disputes and protect margins.

Foreign bidders often need help with Greek formalities such as tax and social security clearance, equivalent certificates, sworn translations, and use of Greek electronic platforms. Local counsel can coordinate these steps and avoid last minute issues.

Local Laws Overview

Key legislation. Public procurement in Vouliagmeni follows Law 4412-2016 for works, supplies, and services, and Law 4413-2016 for concessions, as amended including by Law 4782-2021. These laws implement EU Directives 2014-24-EU, 2014-25-EU, and 2014-23-EU. They apply to municipal authorities such as the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni and to regional bodies such as the Attica Region.

Electronic systems. Notices, clarifications, submission of bids, and award communications usually run through ESIDIS. Contract data is recorded in KIMDIS. Many contracting decisions are also published on the national transparency portal known as Diavgeia. Bidders must create ESIDIS accounts and follow the platform instructions for electronic submission and time stamps.

Procedures and thresholds. Open and restricted procedures are common, along with competitive procedures with negotiation, framework agreements, dynamic purchasing systems, and negotiated procedures in limited cases. For low value needs, direct award or simplified procedures may be used under value thresholds set by Greek law. Above EU thresholds, EU-wide advertising and rules apply. The EU revises these thresholds every two years, so bidders should confirm the current figures when planning.

Award criteria and documents. Contracts are awarded on the basis of lowest price or the most economically advantageous tender. Bidders usually file the TEYD-ESPD at tender stage and provide full supporting documents at award stage. Typical documents include corporate and representation certificates, tax and social security clearance, technical capacity evidence, experience references, and quality system certificates. Equivalent certificates from other EU states are accepted.

Guarantees. Participation guarantees bid bonds and performance guarantees are common. The required form and wording are prescribed in tender documents and Greek law. Electronic guarantee instruments are increasingly accepted through approved institutions.

Exclusion grounds and conflicts. Greek law mirrors EU exclusion grounds for criminal convictions, unpaid taxes or social security contributions, grave professional misconduct, and conflict of interest. There are also self-cleaning rules that allow companies to demonstrate remedial measures.

Appeals and remedies. Unsuccessful bidders can file a prejudicial appeal to AEPP within strict deadlines counted from electronic notice or publication. AEPP can suspend procedures and issue decisions that the parties can challenge before the competent administrative courts. Large value municipal contracts may also be subject to pre-contractual audit by the Hellenic Court of Audit, which can affect the timetable.

Contract performance. Greek public contracts include detailed terms on delivery schedules, milestones, unit price adjustments where applicable, acceptance procedures, penalties for delay, and termination grounds. Variations and amendments must comply with legal limits and justification rules. Payments are made through public sector financial systems, and e-invoicing is increasingly required.

Special regimes. Public-private partnerships are governed by Law 3389-2005. Concessions are governed by Law 4413-2016. Utilities follow a specific regime within Law 4412-2016. Environmental, social, and labor law compliance is monitored during execution and may be part of award criteria.

Language and translations. Greek is the official language of procedures. Foreign documents often need sworn translations into Greek and apostille or equivalent legalization, unless electronic cross-checks are accepted via EU systems like e-Certis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find public tenders in Vouliagmeni

Most opportunities are published on ESIDIS and recorded in KIMDIS. Municipal and regional authorities serving the Vouliagmeni area advertise there. Many notices also appear on the national transparency portal. Monitoring these sources and setting alerts through ESIDIS helps you track new tenders.

Can a foreign company bid for a municipal contract in Vouliagmeni

Yes. EU and many non-EU companies may participate subject to eligibility rules. You will need to register on ESIDIS, prepare documents in Greek or with certified translations, and provide equivalent certificates for tax, social security, and professional standing from your home state.

What is the TEYD-ESPD and why is it important

The TEYD is the Greek version of the European Single Procurement Document. It is a self-declaration used at tender stage to confirm that you meet selection criteria and are not subject to exclusion grounds. Errors or omissions in the TEYD can lead to rejection, so careful completion is essential.

What deadlines apply if I want to challenge an award decision

Deadlines are very short. A prejudicial appeal to AEPP must be filed within a limited number of days typically 10 to 15 depending on how you were notified. If you later challenge AEPPs decision in court, there is another short deadline. Seek legal advice as soon as you receive an adverse act.

Do I need a Greek tax number to bid

For submission, not always, but for contracting and payment you will generally need a Greek tax number and to comply with tax and social security clearance requirements. Your lawyer or accountant can obtain the number and coordinate AADE and EFKA certificates.

What guarantees are required

Most tenders require a participation guarantee bid bond. After award, you will typically provide a performance guarantee. The amounts are set in the tender and must follow the prescribed forms. Banks and guarantee institutions acceptable under Greek law can issue them, including electronic instruments where permitted.

How are award criteria evaluated

Authorities may award on lowest price or on the most economically advantageous tender combining price and quality. When quality is scored, criteria can include methodology, staffing, equipment, sustainability, and service levels. Clear, evidence-based narratives and compliance with page and format limits are crucial.

Can I rely on the capacity of a subcontractor or a group company

Yes, reliance on the capacities of other entities is allowed under conditions. You must prove the relationship and the availability of resources, often through commitment letters and specific templates. The contracting authority may require joint and several liability for key capacities.

What happens if the contracting authority delays the project

Contracts contain rules on extensions of time, price adjustments where applicable, and compensation for authority-caused delays subject to proof and notice. Keep accurate records, notify within the contract deadlines, and request formal decisions to preserve claims.

Is there a local preference for companies based in Vouliagmeni

No. Greek and EU procurement rules prohibit unlawful local preference. Selection and award must follow objective criteria. However, practical factors such as proximity for maintenance or response times can be part of lawful award criteria when stated in the tender.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority known as EADISY.

National Electronic Public Procurement System known as ESIDIS.

Central Electronic Registry of Public Contracts known as KIMDIS.

Authority for the Examination of Prejudicial Appeals known as AEPP.

Hellenic Court of Audit pre-contractual audit for high value contracts.

Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni Procurement Department.

Region of Attica Procurement Directorate.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue known as AADE for tax clearance.

Unified Social Security Fund known as EFKA for social security clearance.

Technical Chamber of Greece for engineer and works contractor registries and professional guidance.

Next Steps

Define your target opportunities in the Vouliagmeni area by identifying the contracting authorities most relevant to your sector municipality, region, utilities, or central bodies operating locally.

Create or verify your ESIDIS account, and set up internal workflows for electronic submission, signature, and time stamping. Assign a bid manager and a legal reviewer.

Prepare a compliance library including corporate certificates, financial statements, tax and social security clearances, ISO or equivalent certifications, references, and CVs. Keep Greek translations ready.

Review each tender early for participation conditions, exclusion grounds, technical specifications, award criteria, and guarantee requirements. Ask clarification questions within the stated period if anything is ambiguous.

Plan your bid narrative for quality criteria and align it with measurable commitments. Ensure the TEYD is accurately completed and consistent with the rest of your offer.

If you receive an adverse act exclusion, rejection, or award to a competitor consult a lawyer immediately to assess grounds and meet the AEPP deadlines. Preserve evidence and download all notices from ESIDIS.

Upon award, calendar all contract obligations, milestones, reporting duties, and guarantee expiries. Set up change control for variations, and keep site or service records to substantiate extensions or claims.

For foreign bidders, coordinate early on Greek tax number, representation, and sworn translations. Confirm whether e-invoicing is required for your contract and onboard to the relevant platform in advance.

If your matter is complex or high value, engage counsel experienced in Greek public procurement to assist from tender strategy through contract performance and any disputes.