Kazakhstan nuclear operator proposes separate procurement rules for nuclear plant projects
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Kazakhstan’s national nuclear operator publishes draft rules that move nuclear-plant procurement outside the standard public procurement system. The proposal creates a separate portal and allows single-source contracts, including some with no cost ceiling. The draft has been posted for public discussion.
Key Facts
- The draft rules cover the national nuclear operator and organizations in which it owns more than 50 percent.
- The draft provides for a request for price proposals for purchases up to 20,000 MCI (86.5 million tenge), with notices at least five working days in advance.
- The draft allows single-source procurement of homogeneous goods, works or services up to 1,000 MCI, or 4.325 million tenge, per year.
- The draft lists 17 grounds for single-source procurement, including accidents, international agreements, unique equipment and radioactive materials.
- The broadest ground allows nuclear-related supplies from a supplier designated by the Atomic Energy Agency on a commission recommendation, with no cost limit.
Scope and Portal
The draft rules cover the national operator for nuclear power plants and organizations in which it holds more than 50 percent. Ordinary purchases such as office supplies, furniture and official vehicles would remain in the general public procurement system. Nuclear-related purchases would move to a separate web portal to be determined by the national operator. The portal would publish procurement plans, notices, results, contracts and decisions on choosing a single supplier, except for state secrets and other protected information. Until the portal is developed and integrated, procurement may be conducted on paper, and the draft does not set a launch date.
Purchase Caps and Exceptions
For purchases up to 20,000 MCI, or 86.5 million tenge, the draft provides a request for price proposals. Notices must be published at least five working days in advance, or three working days for a repeat procedure. Open tenders must be announced 10 calendar days in advance, or five days for a repeat tender. Single-source procurement of homogeneous goods, works or services is allowed up to 1,000 MCI, or 4.325 million tenge, per year. The draft lists 17 grounds for single-source procurement, including accidents, international agreements, unique equipment, radioactive materials and compatibility with installed systems, with the broadest ground imposing no cost ceiling.
Secrecy and Contract Changes
The draft allows some data on design, construction and safety of the future nuclear plant to be classified as state secret. This is tied to the scale of the facility and to supplier requirements to protect technical characteristics and parameters of unique equipment. The draft permits contract price changes after a tender, including an increase of up to half.
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Kazakhstan nuclear operator proposes separate procurement rules for nuclear plant projects
