The Ministry of Finance has not yet signed the decree establishing the mandatory use of Mer-Link in procurement processes, which could delay its implementation in January 2014.

Nacion.com reports: "Although the first version of the decree was received by the Ministry of Finance on 6 June, it has yet to be signed, a fact which will delay implementation of the system, according to the director of the Digital Government, Alicia Avendaño".

José Luis Araya, Minister of Finance said the decree has not been signed because it must be verified that Mer-Link meets all the requirements of the Financial Administration Act and that institutions will integrate it once it has validated the platform and ensured there will be a constant and effective service.

The National Roads Authority (Conavi) is the first institution which will have to use the single procurement system, however, a week ago it conducted two public procurements using Mer-Link which were criticized by the Ministry of Finance as it has not yet been given permission to do so.

Source: Nacion.com

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