The Directives modernise and simplify EU procurement procedures and set out a coherent EU framework for the use of electronic public purchasing. The objective is to enable any business with a PC and an internet connection to bid for public contracts electronically anywhere in the EU.
Experience of e-procurement is limited. And the Commission says that inconsistent implementation, with different rules and incompatible systems in different Member States, could hinder its uptake. There is also a risk of new 'e-barriers' in cross-border trade or in government-to-business and business-to-business procurement.
The new Action Plan, prepared with Member States and businesses, sets out how the Commission and Member States can best implement the e-procurement aspects of the new Directives.
As a first step, says the Commission, it will issue an interpretative document and a list of functional requirements, to ensure e-procurement systems in all Member States comply with the same basic legal and technical rules and are compatible with each other.
Member States are invited to set up comprehensive national plans for a rapid adoption of the Directives and a tailored transition to e-procurement, including measurable performance targets.
Further steps include the development of a new generation of on-line standard forms for the publication of notices and an improved product classification compatible with e-procurement. The development of interoperable technical standards, such as for advanced electronic signatures, will be promoted.
To make life easier for suppliers, there will also be specific measures to cut red tape, for example by agreeing on electronic certificates that every public purchaser usually requires and on standards for electronic catalogues.
"Electronic procurement means real benefits for buyers, suppliers and, most importantly, for the taxpayers who ultimately fund public purchases," said Single Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevey. "We already have the necessary legal framework but it needs to be implemented correctly if new barriers are to be avoided."