What differences are there between PLACSP and regional tenders?

The world of public tenders in Spain ... well, is like getting into a maze with rules that change according to where you step. On the one hand is the famous Public Sector Contract Law, the LCSP (or PLACSP, if you are cool more English), which basically sends throughout the country and marks the foundations of how public contracts are made. Then, each autonomous community has its own roll and can put its personal touch to the tenders it does.

The fattest difference between the PLACSP and the regional tenders is who applies and who commands. The placsp goes for everyone, in any corner of Spain. The communities, yes or yes, have to respect that framework, but they can make their own adjustments to adapt to what is best for them. It's like when your mother tells you to get home before 10, but your grandmother lets you stay until 11 if you are at home.

Then there is the issue of who decides who gives the contract. If we talk about the PLACSP, the decision is made by a state body. But if the tender is autonomous, then there are the heads of the community. Simple and direct.

And beware of the deadlines and procedures: the PLACSP has its own, quite general, but the communities can put different deadlines and steps, as long as they do not pass the list and follow the basic law. Flexibility, but with strap.

On the guarantees that they ask for to participate, the PLACSP demands minimum for all. The communities, if they want and the contract justifies it, can ask you for more. A little like music festivals: general entrance or VIP, as you are looking for.

In short: PLACSP is the starting point, but communities can tighten nuts more in some aspects, always within the limits. Therefore, if you are a company that wants to get into this mess of tenders, you have to know both the general law and the rules of the site where you are going to compete. And, honestly, you better have a good lawyer on your side, because this public procurement can be a jungle.