Faroese competition watchdog finds irregularities in municipal procurement

A new survey by the Faroese Competition Authority suggests that nearly a third of those involved in municipal procurement processes believe unfair practices have influenced contract awards, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

Local knowledge, personal connections, and in some cases outright irregularities may play a role in determining who wins public tenders in Faroese municipalities, according to respondents. The watchdog is now calling for clearer rules governing municipal procurement and purchasing.

Under current regulations, municipal contracts should be awarded to the best bid. However, the survey—conducted among officials with experience in municipal procurement—reveals that this principle is not always followed. Factors such as a bidder’s location, familiarity with municipal staff, or improper conduct appear to affect outcomes in some cases.

The Competition Authority has urged municipalities to establish formal guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness in procurement processes.