Legislation introduced to cap state contracts at five years

Santo Domingo.- Amid controversy surrounding high-cost rental contracts for state offices, including the Government Office of Information and Communication Technologies (OGTIC), Deputy Jesús Stalin Vásquez has introduced a bill to the National Congress proposing limits on the duration of contracts regulated by Law No. 340-06.

The bill stipulates that contracts for the provision of goods and services with successive delivery terms will have a maximum duration of five years, including any extensions. Exceptions to this limit would require prior approval from the National Congress, supported by a detailed justification from the contracting entity’s highest executive authority, demonstrating the public interest benefits of the extended term.

Specific provisions include allowing maintenance or warranty service contracts to match the useful life of purchased assets when exclusivity or technical factors apply. Additionally, service contracts involving individual care may exceed five years if continuity is essential to avoid negative impacts. The bill also outlines sanctions for officials who violate these provisions, holding them accountable under existing administrative, civil, and criminal regulations.