The EU Public Procurement Directives cover three main types of contract: works, supplies and services including design contests. Some contracts will often contain elements of one or more of the 3 types of contract. The Directives contain specific rules that are used to classify these mixed...

This report examines the relationship between the prices for mobile communication services and some of the most popular handsets used to access these services, focusing on smartphones. The objective is to better understand different business models and how they may affect comparisons of prices....

Cette publication dresse un panorama des pratiques des pays de l’OCDE relatives au recrutement de main-d’œuvre étrangère. Elle analyse les obstacles qui peuvent entraver la négociation d’accords de recrutement de main-d’œuvre. Elle présente également les perspectives liées à une...

This report provides a snapshot of the policy actions being taken by OECD, EU and G20 countries in response to growing diversity in forms of employment, with the aim of encouraging peer learning where countries are facing similar issues. It shows that many countries are reflecting on whether...

The public procurement Directives only apply if a body is a contracting authority (contracting entity in the Utilities sector) within the definition of the Directives. SIGMA Brief 3 gives guidance on the notion of a contracting authority/entity under the directives (especially the concept of...

The EU Public Procurement Directives only apply to contracts of a value that meet or exceed the relevant EU financial threshold. Below threshold contracts are not covered by the procurement Directives. However, below threshold contracts comprise the vast majority of contracts awarded by...

When a contracting authority enters into a contract with an economic operator, the arrangement cannot just be left to run. It must be managed to enable both the contracting authority and the economic operator to meet their contractual obligations. Contracts are frequently complex, may involve...

The publication presents an overview of foreign labour recruitment practices in OECD member countries. It discusses challenges to the negotiation of labour recruitment agreements and the prospects for potential co-operation on migration for employment and development issues in sending countries

Malta is actively pursuing more effective and efficient public procurement with the recognition that it will support the government’s broad strategic goals and contribute to its fast growing economy. Malta has made great progress in updating its public procurement processes with many strategic...