For the planning, the implementation and the evaluation of projects and programmes of the economic and financial cooperation, the Division for Economic Cooperation and Development of the SECO often calls for services of private companies and institutions.

This relates principally to public procurement. Calls for tenders are published on the information web site for public procurement in Switzerland (www.simap.ch) and on the corresponding section of this web site. The objective is to select the tender that is most beneficial in economic terms and to promote economic and effective use of public funds. The principles of transparency, fairness of treatment of tenderers and strengthening of competition are thus maintained. However, for smaller contracts and in specific circumstances, mandates may also be awarded directly or through an invitation tendering procedure.

Two types of procurement therefore need to be distinguished:

Calls for tenders for services, supplies or construction works are launched by the beneficiaries of the economic cooperation's programmes in the partner countries for needs linked to the projects financed by SECO (WEIN infrastructure financing section . These projects are principally the subject of a specific inter-governmental agreement.

Guidelines have been drawn up for the award, by a foreign beneficiary-partner, of services, supplies or construction works intended for it in the context of SECO-financed projects. They govern the call for tender procedure and also establish the general conditions applicable to contracts that concern this type of project. Although their content is similar to the LMP and OMP for reaching the above mentioned objective, it is important to note that the LMP does not apply in this case and that in particular, the decisions relating to the awarding of contracts are not subject to appeal as understood by the LMP.