Reform to the Law of Acquisitions, Leases, and Services for the Public Sector

Reform to the Law of Acquisitions, Leases, and Services for the Public Sector

In the context of the investment to be made by Mexico for $6.8 billion dollars for the purchase of medicines abroad announced by Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, on August 11, 2020 it was published in the afternoon version of the Federal Official Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federación), the addition of a fifth paragraph to Article 1 of the Law of Acquisitions, Leases, and Services for the Public Sector (Ley de Adquisiciones, Arrendamientos y Servicios del Sector Público) (“LAASSP”).

By virtue of said amendment, the LAASSP will not be applicable to the acquisition of goods or provision of services for health care that agencies and/or entities contract with international intergovernmental organizations, through previously agreed collaboration mechanisms, provided that the application of the principles set forth in the Mexican Constitution is evidenced.

This implies simplifying the purchase of medicines and equipment for the health sector without the need for a public tender under the LAASSP so that the Mexican State, at the federal level, can acquire goods or services related to health.