Public procurement regulation in Ivory Coast: texts, procedures, thresholds

The texts in force

The Ivorian Code refers to the UEMOA level (West African Economic and Monetary Union) in three places: the community preference for firms headquartered in a UEMOA state (art. 1 and 73.1), community-level advertising when the amount reaches the thresholds set by the UEMOA Commission (art. 64.4), and notifying that Commission when a notice published at that level is cancelled (art. 68.6). The DGMP lists several UEMOA directives (including 04/2005 on procedures and 05/2005 on control and regulation) among the texts of the Ivorian framework. The community advertising thresholds were not found.[1][14]

Ordonnance n° 2019-679 du 24 juillet 2019 portant Code des marchés publics (JO du 11 décembre 2019), ratifiée par la loi n° 2020-629 du 14 août 2020
The Code: scope, institutions, preparation, procedures, guarantees, performance, payment, appeals and sanctions. It replaced decree no. 2009-259 and its 2014 and 2015 amendments.[1][14]
Décret n° 2021-869 du 15 décembre 2021 fixant les seuils de référence, de validation et d'approbation (JO du 23 mai 2022, où il apparaît par erreur sous le numéro 2022-869)
The amounts at which the Code applies (reference threshold), the DGMP's prior control applies (validation) and approval passes to the minister or another body.[2][6]
Décret n° 2021-909 du 22 décembre 2021 fixant les modalités d'exécution des crédits budgétaires dans le cadre des procédures prévues par le Code
The simplified procedures below the reference threshold: direct agreement (PSD), request for quotations (PSC), limited competition (PSL) and open competition (PSO), plus small intellectual services.[3][6]
Décret n° 2021-870 du 15 décembre 2021 fixant les modalités de constitution des garanties et de révocation des garants
The seven types of guarantee, their forms (autonomous guarantee, surety bond, bank cheque, cash deposit), the bid declaration and the exemption for craft businesses.[4][6]
Décret n° 2021-874 du 15 décembre 2021 portant modalités d'application des sanctions des violations de la réglementation des marchés publics
Exclusion periods, repeat offences, forfeiture of guarantees and rehabilitation.[5][6]
Décret n° 2021-871 du 15 décembre 2021 (résiliation des marchés) et décret n° 2021-873 du 15 décembre 2021 (cellules de passation)
Conditions for terminating a contract, and the roles and operation of the procurement cells. Titles taken from the ARCOP site; the texts were not analysed here.[6]
Décret n° 2020-409 du 22 avril 2020 fixant les modalités de saisine, d'instruction et de décision du CRA et de la CRS
Procedure before the former appeal and sanctions bodies of ANRMP. The text could not be opened, and ARCOP, which replaced ANRMP in 2025, publishes its own filing rules.[6][7]
Status to confirm with the regulator.
Ordonnance n° 2025-32 du 15 janvier 2025 relative à l'ARCOP (Autorité de régulation de la commande publique)
Sets the powers, organisation, composition and operation of ARCOP, which replaced ANRMP. It settles award disputes and sanctions private actors.[7][8]
Décret n° 2022-305 du 4 mai 2022 portant code de déontologie des acteurs de la commande publique
Ethics rules for procurement actors. Title taken from the DGMP site; the text was not analysed here.[14]
Arrêté n° 0632/MBPE/DGMP du 31 août 2023 (achat de carburant et de lubrifiants)
Special procedure for fuel and lubricant spending, provided for by decree no. 2021-909 (art. 19). Title taken from the DGMP site; the text was not analysed here.[14][3]
Directives UEMOA n° 04/2005 (procédures), n° 05/2005 (contrôle et régulation), n° 02/2014 (maîtrise d'ouvrage déléguée) et n° 04/2012 (éthique)
Community framework listed by the DGMP among the applicable texts. Not read here.[14]
Status to confirm with the regulator.

The bodies

ARCOP (Autorité de régulation de la commande publique, ex-ANRMP)
Hears appeals against award decisions, conciliates performance disputes, sanctions firms at fault, keeps the red list of excluded firms and issues the quitus de non-redevance required to bid. It collects the regulation fee paid by winners.[9][8][7][15]
DGMP (Direction générale des marchés publics)
The procurement control body: validates tender documents and award proposals above the validation thresholds, authorises derogatory procedures (direct award, restricted tender), publishes the BOMP and runs the SIGOMAP platform.[10][11][1][15]
Ministre chargé des marchés publics
Authorises derogatory procedures (restricted tender, direct award), approves contracts of central government, national public bodies and projects from 300 million F CFA, and may waive guarantees by order.[1][2]
Autorité contractante et cellule de passation des marchés
The public buyer. Its procurement cell prepares the tender documents and procurement plan and runs the procedure. It receives the preliminary appeal, the first step if you disagree with a decision.[1]
COJO (Commission d'ouverture des plis et de jugement des offres)
Opens bids in public session, judges them with the help of a three-member evaluation committee and names the winner. Its make-up depends on the type of buyer. For the simplified PSL and PSO procedures, a lighter commission (COPE) plays this role.[1][3]
Comité de recours et sanctions (CRS) de l'ARCOP
Six members. Rules on disputes between a buyer and a firm during the award and sanctions bidders and winners. Its decisions are enforceable and can be challenged before the Conseil d'État.[7]
BOMP (Bulletin officiel des marchés publics)
The mandatory legal medium for tender notices, procurement plans and results. An open tender not published there is void.[1][15][10][12][13]
SIGOMAP (Système intégré de gestion des opérations de marchés publics)
The DGMP's e-procurement platform: company registration, access to notices and tender files and, for buyers that use it, online bid submission and bid opening.[10][15][16]
CELIOPE (Cellule d'information des opérateurs économiques)
Attached to the Directorate General of Budget and Finance. Informs firms and guides those that are not paid. Two online tools go with it: e-requête (Q&A) and e-fournisseur (invoice tracking).[15]
Caisse des dépôts et consignations de Côte d'Ivoire
Receives cash deposits and the deposit of bank cheques lodged as guarantees.[4]

Where to find notices

Bulletin officiel des marchés publics (BOMP)
Tender notices, procurement plans and results. Publication there is mandatory.
Paid. The DGMP's Magazine page shows the covers, each with a BUY (ACHETER) link to the MonKiosk store: 4,000 F CFA per issue to read digitally, checked on no. 1898 on 2 November 2026. I found no issue there to read for free. The DGMP FAQ (undated page) also mentions sale at its office at the same price, and subscriptions.
SIGOMAP
E-procurement platform: notices, tender documents and, with buyers that use it, online bid submission and opening.
Prior registration required. You provide the ID of the company head, the ID of the representative and an employer authorisation for the account. Support: sigomap@marchespublics.gouv.ci, +225 27 22 55 88 88.
Site de la DGMP: avis d'appel d'offres, plans de passation, résultats, marchés de gré à gré autorisés
Notices, procurement plans, results, the list of authorised direct awards, the list of approved banks for guarantees, standard documents and procedure guides.
Free.
Site de l'ARCOP: quitus de non-redevance, liste rouge, décisions, dénonciation
Online request for the quitus de non-redevance, list of sanctioned firms, appeal decisions, reporting of irregularities, hotline 800 00 100.
Free to browse. The quitus is requested online or by filing at ARCOP's mail desk.
Sites des acheteurs et affichage dans leurs locaux
Buyers may also post their notices on their premises and in the press authorised for legal notices, but this does not replace publication in the BOMP.

Who buys

Central State: ministries, central services, national public bodies, projects: Reference threshold of 100 million F CFA. Above it: tender, judged by a COJO chaired by the head of the procurement cell. From 300 million, the DGMP validates the award and the minister in charge of public procurement approves. Below 300 million, the line minister approves.[1][2]
Regional State services and projects: Same thresholds as central government, but the commission is chaired by the head of the line ministry's procurement cell and the departmental prefect approves contracts of regional services, national public bodies and projects located in a region.[1][2]
Local authorities (communes, districts, regions) and bodies attached to them: Reference threshold lowered to 30 million F CFA. The limited and open simplified competitions (PSL and PSO) are not open to them. A decentralised bid-opening commission judges. DGMP validation from 100 million. Approval by the local executive below 100 million and by the deliberative body (council) from 100 million.[1][2][3]
State-owned companies, majority publicly owned companies, and private entities receiving State funding or guarantees: They are subject to the Code (art. 2). Their commission is internal (procurement head, representative of the managing director, relevant departments). The board approves and may delegate to the managing director. Their contracts also need the DGMP's binding opinion from the validation threshold (300 million).[1][2]
State institutions (Presidency, National Assembly, Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council): Their operating and investment contracts are subject to the Code. Approval belongs to the authority representing the institution, which may delegate within a limit set by order or decision.[1][2]
Externally financed projects: The Code applies, subject to what the financing agreement provides (art. 4). If the tender documents refer to the funder's rules, those prevail on the point concerned.[1]

The procedures

Open tender (AOO), national or international, with or without prequalification

Open tendering is the rule: any other mode must remain exceptional and be authorised by the minister (art. 55). It applies once the budget credits reach the reference threshold (100 million F CFA, 30 million for local authorities). Any qualifying candidate may bid (art. 56). Prequalification is added for complex works, supplies or services (art. 57).[1][2]

Minimum period: At least 30 days from publication in the BOMP for a national tender and 45 days for an international tender, which must also appear in an international notices journal or on the web (art. 64).[1]

For you: This is the procedure for large contracts. Check in the notice whether the tender is national or international: the minimum period differs (30 or 45 days). Design contests (art. 59), judged by a jury, and innovation contracts (art. 53) also exist but are uncommon.

Two-stage open tender

Bidders first submit technical proposals without prices, based on general principles or performance standards. After discussion with the buyer, qualified bidders submit a final technical offer with prices (art. 58). A bidder may withdraw at the second stage without losing its bid guarantee.[1]

For you: Used where the buyer cannot yet describe the solution precisely. Keep your technical approach strong: it is what gets you into the second stage.

Restricted tender (AOR)

Only when the specialised nature of the work limits it to a few suppliers. It requires prior authorisation from the minister in charge of public procurement, after the DGMP's opinion, which checks that at least five candidates who have agreed are on the list (three at the minimum by exception). Without authorisation, a restricted tender is void (art. 60). Below the reference threshold, a shortlist of three to five operators is possible (decree 2021-909, art. 12).[1][3]

Minimum period: The bid period may not be shorter than that of article 68, which refers to the advertising period (30 days in a national procedure, art. 64), counted from the simultaneous sending of the invitation letter. If fewer than three bids arrive, a new period of at least 10 days is opened and republished (art. 69).[1]

For you: You take part only by invitation. Making yourself known to buyers in your sector is the only way onto the list: buyers may also publish at the start of the year the restricted procedures they plan, and you can then express interest.

Simplified procedures: request for quotations (PSC), limited competition (PSL), open competition (PSO)

Below the reference threshold, depending on the budget credits for the expense type: from 10 to under 30 million F CFA, a request for quotations to three firms (quote or pro-forma invoice). From 30 to under 50 million, limited competition (PSL): at least five operators invited, seven days to answer. From 50 to under 100 million, open competition (PSO): notice in the BOMP and a publication period of at least 15 days. PSL and PSO do not apply to local authorities (decree 2021-909, arts. 6 to 8).[3]

Minimum period: PSL: seven days from the candidates' receipt of the file. PSO: at least 15 days from the first appearance of the notice in the BOMP. Operators invited in a PSL confirm participation within three working days and are barred from other simplified procedures of the budget year if they fail to bid without good reason.[3]

For you: This is the natural ground for a small firm: lighter files, no admissibility documents required, but proof that you are up to date on the regulation fee (quitus) for PSL and PSO. To be invited to quotations, make yourself known to purchasing departments and keep your quotes ready.

Simplified direct agreement (PSD) and direct award (gré à gré)

PSD: under 10 million F CFA of credits, with no authorisation or particular condition, by purchase order (decree 2021-909, art. 5). Code direct award: only for a patent, licence or exclusive rights, artistic or technical reasons, or an unforeseeable urgent need. It requires the minister's prior authorisation after the DGMP's opinion, otherwise it is void, and prices are checked (art. 61).[3][1]

For you: These purchases are not competitively tendered: the buyer must already know you. The DGMP publishes the list of authorised direct awards, which shows what a buyer does.

Expression of interest (AMI) and consultant selection (intellectual services)

Intellectual-services contracts (studies, assistance, project supervision) are judged on a shortlist of five to eight candidates drawn from an expression-of-interest notice, including at least two national consultants if they meet the criteria (art. 62). Firms' bids have two envelopes, technical then financial, opened in two steps. Below the reference threshold, the shortlist has three to five candidates and individual consultants are chosen by comparing three CVs (decree 2021-909, art. 11).[1][3]

Minimum period: Fifteen days from publication of the notice to submit an expression of interest (art. 62). Below the reference threshold, the notice stays in the BOMP for 10 clear days (decree 2021-909, art. 11).[1][3]

For you: At this stage you do not submit a price: you prove your track record to enter the shortlist. Precise references on comparable assignments, and the option to team up with other consultants, matter more than price.

Framework agreement (purchase orders or subsequent contracts)

For repeat orders or to pool the needs of several buyers. It needs the DGMP's prior authorisation, lasts at most two years renewable once, and has at least three holders if multi-supplier, when enough candidates exist (art. 54).[1]

For you: Being a framework holder guarantees no volume: orders then come by purchase order or by mini-competition among holders. Check whether the agreement sets a minimum.

The thresholds

Buyer	Contract	Amount	Effect
All covered entities except local authorities	All	100,000,000 F CFA (budget credits; the text does not state the tax basis)	Reference threshold. From this amount the Code's title V procedures (tendering) apply. It is assessed on the credits entered by economic nature and by activity, or on the total of a multi-year operation, not just on one contract's amount.[2][3]
Local authorities	All	30,000,000 F CFA	Local authorities' reference threshold: Code tendering from this amount. PSL and PSO are not available to them.[2][3]
Covered entities other than local authorities	All	From 50,000,000 to under 100,000,000 F CFA	Simplified open competition (PSO): notice in the BOMP, at least 15 days.[3]
Covered entities other than local authorities	All	From 30,000,000 to under 50,000,000 F CFA	Simplified limited competition (PSL): at least five operators consulted (three at the minimum with DGMP authorisation).[3]
All covered entities	All	From 10,000,000 to under 30,000,000 F CFA	Request for quotations (PSC): comparison of three quotes or pro-forma invoices. The DGMP may exceptionally authorise one or two operators.[3]
All covered entities	All	Under 10,000,000 F CFA	Simplified direct agreement (PSD): purchase by order, with no authorisation or formal competition.[3]
Covered entities other than local authorities (DGMP validation)	All	300,000,000 F CFA	Validation threshold. From here the DGMP validates the award proposed by the commission (no-objection opinion, 10 days). Below it, control is done afterwards. The tender document itself is validated from the PSL threshold.[2][1]
Local authorities (DGMP validation)	All	100,000,000 F CFA	Threshold for DGMP validation of an award for local authorities. It is also where the deliberative body, rather than the local executive, approves the contract.[2]
Central State, national public bodies, projects (approval)	All	300,000,000 F CFA	Approval threshold. From this amount the minister in charge of public procurement approves the contract. Below it, the line minister approves.[2]
All covered entities	All	Under the validation threshold (300,000,000 F CFA, 100,000,000 for local authorities)	A bid declaration may replace the bid guarantee when the credits and the administrative estimate of the contract are under the validation threshold.[4][2]

The administrative documents

Trade register extract (RCCM)
Almost always asked for
Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce d'Abidjan / CEPICI
The extract is issued by the registry of the commercial court for the company's registered office, or through the CEPICI one-stop shop at incorporation. Registration is permanent, but tender files usually ask for a recent extract, often under three months old. Check with the registry for the procedure to obtain an up-to-date extract.
Official site Detailed guide
Tax compliance certificate (ARF)
Almost always asked for
Direction générale des impôts (DGI)
The ARF is generally requested online from the company space on the e-impots portal, using the taxpayer account number. It is only issued when every return has been filed and all due taxes paid. If the request is blocked, your local tax centre remains the contact point.
Usual validity: 3 monthsOfficial site Detailed guide
CNPS compliance certificate
Almost always asked for
Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale (CNPS)
It certifies that the company is current on its social-security declarations and contributions. Apply at your CNPS branch or through the CNPS online services where available. Settle any overdue contributions first, otherwise the request is refused.
Usual validity: 3 monthsOfficial site Detailed guide
Non-bankruptcy / non-liquidation certificate
Almost always asked for
Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce
It is issued by the registry of the commercial court for the company's jurisdiction on presentation of the RCCM. It certifies that no receivership or liquidation proceedings are ongoing. Tender files usually require a recent certificate: check the requested age.
Usual validity: 3 monthsOfficial site Detailed guide
Tax registration (DFE) / taxpayer account number
Almost always asked for
Direction générale des impôts (DGI)
The DFE is issued by the DGI at tax registration and carries the taxpayer account number (NCC). Keep a legible copy: most tender files ask for it alongside the RCCM. If lost, contact your tax centre.
Official site
Technical approval / classification (construction)
Often asked for
Ministère de tutelle du secteur
Some works contracts require an approval or classification issued by the supervising ministry, by category and level. The application is a technical file (staff, equipment, references). Check the required category in the tender file before assembling it.
Detailed guide
Bank reference letter
Often asked for
Votre banque
Ask your bank for a domiciliation or financial-capacity letter in the company's name. State the purpose (public tender submission) and, if the tender file requires it, the amount or credit line to mention. It usually takes a few days.
Usual validity: 3 monthsDetailed guide
Certified financial statements
Often asked for
Expert-comptable inscrit à l'Ordre
Tender files generally ask for the last two or three fiscal years' statements, certified by a chartered accountant. Prepare them as soon as the year closes so you do not depend on the firm's schedule. Check whether the tender file requires a visa or a tax-office filing stamp.
Usual validity: 12 monthsDetailed guide

Who can bid

Any candidate with the administrative, technical and financial capacity, experience of similar contracts and compliance with environmental and ethical criteria must be able to take part. The buyer may not set discriminatory conditions, particularly against SMEs and craft businesses. The minimum annual turnover required cannot exceed twice the estimated value of the contract, unless justified (arts. 37 and 40).[1]
Excluded are: firms in bankruptcy, ceased activity or collective proceedings (unless a court allows them to continue), those convicted or excluded for procurement offences or in criminal, tax or social matters, those sanctioned by a funder, convicted of organised crime, terrorism, money laundering or child labour, those whose contract was terminated for fault, and those that have not paid the regulation fee. Exclusion also reaches a new company with the same managers or majority shareholders, and subcontractors and co-contractors (art. 39).[1]
Conflict of interest: a firm is set aside if members of the buyer, the DGMP, the regulator or the commission hold interests in it, or if it has close professional or family ties with staff who prepare, evaluate or supervise the contract. A firm that did the studies cannot then supply or build the related works, and vice versa (art. 38).[1]
Public enterprises may bid only if they certify their legal and financial autonomy, that they are subject to commercial law and that they have no subordination link with the buyer (art. 39.3).[1]
Valid tax and social security certificates are required only at the approval stage. If the winner does not provide them within 15 days of notification of the award, the contract is withdrawn for re-award (art. 40.2).[1]
ARCOP's quitus de non-redevance is required to take part in a tender. It is requested by form (filed at ARCOP or by e-mail), issued within 5 working days and valid for 3 months. Without it the contract cannot be awarded, unless ARCOP establishes that the firm was up to date at the bid deadline.[15][9]
Common documents in a works file listed by the ARCOP and DGMP guide: RCCM (trade register) whose activity covers the tender's subject, a bank certificate under six months old, bid letter, signed and stamped price schedule and bill of quantities, bid guarantee, proof of the signatory's authority, and a joint-venture agreement where relevant. The tender document prevails over this list.[15]
Foreign firms provide a negative certificate of receivership or liquidation under six months old, according to the ARCOP and DGMP works guide. The exact documents are set in each tender.[15]
A bidder must check the authenticity of every document in its bid, especially its staff's diplomas, ID and CVs. Any false document or false statement leads to rejection of the bid, without prejudice to sanctions (art. 41).[1]
To take part in public procurement operations, company registration on the SIGOMAP platform has been necessary since 1 November 2023, according to the DGMP.[10]

Joint ventures and subcontracting

A group may be joint and several (each member bound for the whole) or several (each member for its lots or tranches). The group's capacity is assessed globally, but the tender sets the qualification conditions. A leader represents the members and coordinates the work. The bid and application are signed by all members or by the authorised leader (arts. 37 and 42).[1]
The group's make-up cannot change between prequalification and bid submission. A candidate cannot be both an individual bidder and a member of a group, or of several groups, for the same contract or lot. Co-contractors face the same exclusions as bidders (arts. 39.2 and 42.2).[1]
Payment: in a joint-and-several group, payment goes to a single account unless the contract says otherwise, and in a several group each member is paid separately. The bid guarantee and the performance guarantee may be single guarantees (arts. 95.4, 97.2 and 138).[1]
Subcontracting: it must be provided for in the tender, and each subcontractor must be accepted with its payment terms approved. The total subcontracted cannot exceed 40% of the contract amount, including amendments, on pain of sanctions. An accepted subcontractor whose contract reaches 10% of the contract is paid directly (arts. 43.1, 43.3 and 137.1).[1]

Bid security

A bid guarantee is required, except for direct awards and intellectual services unless the buyer decides otherwise. The amount is set in the tender's particular data, between 1% and 1.5% of the forecast expense, split by lot (art. 95).[1][11]
Accepted forms: autonomous guarantee, surety bond, bank cheque, or cash deposit with a letter. The guarantee is issued by a bank, a credit institution or a third party approved by the Finance minister, at the bidder's choice for the bid guarantee (decree 2021-870, arts. 4 and 5). The guide advises checking that the tender's template is used, that the buyer is the beneficiary, that the contract and amount are right and that the validity period is sufficient.[4][15]
Below the validation threshold (300 million F CFA, 100 million for local authorities), the guarantee may be replaced by a bid declaration: the bidder commits to keep its offer valid for its validity period. If it withdraws or refuses to sign or to provide the performance guarantee, it is excluded from that buyer's contracts for one year, by decision of the regulator (art. 95.1; decree 2021-870, art. 4).[1][4]
The buyer may waive the guarantee case by case with the DGMP's authorisation, or the minister may waive it permanently by order. The waiver must appear in the tender's particular data. Craft businesses subject to the synthetic tax and registered with the Chamber of Trades are exempt from bid and performance guarantees (arts. 95.1 and 97.1; decree 2021-870, art. 8).[1][4]
Unsuccessful bidders' guarantees are returned no later than 15 days after the final award, unless the tender sets a shorter period. The winner's is released only once the performance guarantee is fully in place (art. 96). It is forfeited if the bidder withdraws or refuses to sign the contract or provide the performance guarantee (art. 95.1).[1]
A recent example of practice: in a 2025 CI-Energies tender, the guarantee had to stay valid 30 days beyond the offer validity period, and the original had to be physically deposited with the buyer on the opening day or at most seven days later, even though the bid was submitted online.[16]

Submitting bids

Tender notices must be published in the BOMP on pain of nullity, subject to e-procurement measures. Tender documents are made available electronically, and bids may be submitted electronically unless the notice says otherwise. A decree sets the e-procurement rules (arts. 64 and 65).[1]
In practice, major buyers now ask for online submission. CI-Energies' notice T 680/2025, a state-owned company, required bids on SIGOMAP V2 before the deadline, held the opening online and refused late bids. The file could be viewed free or obtained for a flat fee of 50,000 F CFA. Nothing in the texts read makes online submission universal: read the submission method in the notice.[16][10]
For a paper bid: a sealed, anonymous outer envelope marked with the tender reference contains two envelopes bearing the bidder's name, one for the technical offer (supporting documents) and one for the financial offer (bid letter and priced items). A wrong mention on the outer envelope does not lead to rejection (art. 66).[1]
Bids must arrive before the deadline date and time, at the stated place, at the bidder's risk. The depositary issues a receipt, numbers the envelopes and logs them in order of arrival. A bid may be withdrawn, replaced or modified before the deadline by signed written notice. All written documents are in French (arts. 27 and 67; guide).[1][15]
Any change to the file or postponement of the deadline is published at least 15 days before that date. A change made less than 15 days before requires pushing the deadline back to respect that minimum. Bidders who had already submitted may modify their bid or withdraw. If an event prevents receipt of bids, the period is extended by at least one day (arts. 23 and 68).[1]
Clarification questions are put in writing before the deadline. The buyer answers in writing and sends the answer, without naming who asked, to all candidates who obtained the file (art. 68.3; guide). For a lump-sum contract, the bid letter carries a 1,000 F CFA tax stamp according to the guide.[1][15]

Bid opening

Opening takes place in public session, at most one hour after the reception deadline, in the presence of bidders or their representatives who wish to attend. Only bids received on time are opened. Failing to respect the opening date and time makes the procedure void (art. 70).[1]
At opening, only late bids are rejected. A missing eligibility document (arts. 37 to 40) cannot justify rejecting a bid at this stage: only the technical analysis can reject it later. The opening minutes are signed by all members present (arts. 14.2.6 and 70).[1]
A single bid received is enough to open in an open tender. In restricted-consultation procedures (prequalification, restricted tender), if fewer than three bids arrive, the buyer opens a new period of at least 10 days, republished, then opens whatever the number. If no bid arrives, a new period of at least 15 days opens (art. 69).[1]
Bidders can challenge an opening irregularity on the basis of the minutes. A copy of the minutes must be requested: it is given to every candidate who asks (guide; DGMP FAQ).[15][11]

Evaluating bids

A three-member evaluation committee first reviews the administrative documents, then analyses the technical and financial offers confidentially against the tender's criteria only, and proposes a ranking. The COJO then judges in session, with the analysis report delivered three days earlier, and chooses the compliant offer judged most economically advantageous (arts. 14.2.5, 71, 72 and 75).[1]
A single criterion is used: either price, for standardised supplies or services, or an overall price or cost that can take into account life-cycle cost, deadlines, after-sales service, quality, staff experience and other items listed in the tender (art. 72).[1]
The committee may question bidders only to clarify their offer and to correct purely arithmetical and carry-over errors. No change to prices or conditions is allowed. Written answers must arrive within three working days and cannot change the price or make a non-compliant offer compliant. Variants count only if the tender allows them (art. 71.3).[1]
An abnormally low (or high) offer is identified by the formula in the tender document. It can be rejected by reasoned decision only after a written request for justification, to be answered within three working days (art. 74).[1]
A candidate may submit only one bid per lot, alone or in a group. If it does both, the bids of the candidate and of the group are void (arts. 42.2 and 71.4).[1]
Opening and judging must be completed within 15 days, extendable by at most 7 days for proven complexity, with the DGMP's agreement (art. 75.6). Commission members may not sit if they hold an interest in a bidder, on pain of nullity (art. 14.2.6).[1]
For consulting firms, the selection methods are: least cost (SMC), fixed budget (SCBD), quality and cost (SFQC), quality only (SFQ) and consultant qualifications (SQC, for small contracts or urgency, using terms of reference sent to at least three firms). Technical offers are opened and evaluated first, and only technically qualified firms have their financial offer opened (art. 62).[1]

Preferences and SMEs

Community preference: a bid from a firm headquartered in a UEMOA state may get a price preference margin of 15% at most, if compliant and within the margin of the most advantageous compliant bid from a non-community bidder. The Code says "may" for this preference (arts. 1 and 73.1).[1]
Preference for local SMEs: a margin of 15% at most must be granted to the bid that gives a significant share of the contract to a local SME (co-contracting or subcontracting) or proposes a minimum number of key national experts. In a tender, the buyer must apply it to a bid that plans to subcontract at least 30% of the contract to a local SME. The preferences of arts. 73.1 and 73.2 do not combine, and must be provided for in the tender (arts. 43.4 and 73.2).[1]
Local authorities: a bidder that plans to subcontract at least 30% of the contract value to a craftsperson or craft business may get a preference margin of 5% at most, which can be combined with the community preference (art. 73.3).[1]
Reservation for SMEs: each contracting authority reserves at least 30% of the forecast value of its works, supplies and services contracts for SMEs every year. The list of these contracts appears in its procurement plan, and the tender document sets the number and size of reserved lots. The buyer writes an annual report on these awards (art. 19.4).[1]
Contracts arising from craft activities must be split into lots to ease access for craft businesses, and buyers may split into lots to ease SME applications (art. 21.1).[1]

Award

The COJO's decision is provisional and becomes final only when the contract is approved. From the validation threshold (300 million, 100 million for local authorities), the DGMP gives a no-objection opinion within 10 days, on the opening and award minutes and the analysis report sent within three days. Below it, the award is checked afterwards (art. 75; decree 2021-869, art. 7).[1][2][11]
The buyer notifies the award to the chosen bidder within three days, informs the others of the rejection of their bid, publishes the results in the BOMP and on the portal and posts them on its premises within three days. An unsuccessful bidder can obtain the analysis report (copy costs at its own expense) and the buyer must answer it within three days (arts. 75.4 and 76.1).[1]
After results are published or notified, the buyer waits seven working days before signing. During that time a bidder who objects must act or lose the right. The winner is invited to sign within three working days, the contract is signed and numbered, then approved: the DGMP checks the draft in 5 days, the approver has 7 days and notification of approval follows within 3 days (arts. 76.3, 78, 82 to 84 and 88).[1]
A contract must be awarded, approved and notified before any performance begins. An unapproved contract cannot financially bind the buyer. The contract enters into force only after approval, notification and effective access to the site, recorded in minutes. The start order requires the performance guarantee. The holder pays the regulation fee and has the contract registered (arts. 10, 88 and 89).[1]
A tender may be declared unsuccessful if no bid can be accepted. If only the budget is insufficient, the buyer must first consider reducing the scope of works, supplies or services, except for lump-sum contracts. A new tender follows, with an amended file (art. 77).[1]

Appeals

Step 1, the preliminary appeal to the contracting authority: within 7 working days of publication or notification of the contested decision (3 working days for an internal administrative dispute). It may concern the award, publication of notices, participation conditions, the procurement method, the tender document, specifications and criteria, and must invoke a clear breach of the rules. It suspends the award procedure. The authority answers within 5 working days, otherwise the request is deemed rejected (art. 144; ARCOP leaflet).[1][7]
Step 2, ARCOP: it is seized within 5 working days of the authority's answer or silence. The request is filed at its headquarters in 4 copies, with the subject of the complaint, the contested decision and the grounds. It rules on admissibility within 10 working days and on the merits within 15 working days. Its decisions are enforceable and may correct the breach, prevent further harm or suspend the procedure (art. 145; ARCOP leaflet).[1][7]
Anyone may report an irregularity, corruption or fraudulent practice to ARCOP at any time and free of charge, in writing or on the hotline 800 00 100. Such a report does not suspend the procedure unless ARCOP decides otherwise (art. 145.2; ARCOP leaflet).[1][7]
Against an ARCOP decision, an annulment action for abuse of power may be brought before the competent court, with no prior appeal. The 2019 Code sets the period at 10 working days after notification or publication. It does not suspend the decision unless a stay is requested. ARCOP's 2025 leaflet names the Conseil d'État (art. 148).[1][7]
Performance and payment disputes: conciliation before ARCOP within 10 working days of the contested decision, act or event (appeal fee of 50,000 F CFA for private actors, according to the ARCOP leaflet), or the court competent for administrative contracts, or arbitration under the OHADA Uniform Act or before another chosen arbitral tribunal (arts. 147 to 150).[1][7]

Performance guarantee

Every contract holder provides a performance guarantee, except for intellectual services. The rate is set by the buyer in the tender document, between 3% and 5% of the initial contract amount, including amendments. It is due from the notification of approval and must be in place before the start order is issued (art. 97).[1]
It is returned or released within 15 days after provisional acceptance (or acceptance if there is no guarantee period), provided the contract holder has fulfilled its obligations (art. 99.1). The contract may set a shorter period.[1]
It may be a single guarantee for a joint venture (art. 97.2).[1]

Advance payment

A lump-sum start-up advance may be granted, up to 15% of the initial contract amount. An optional advance, also up to 15%, may cover preparatory expenses. The two together do not exceed 30% of the contract and its amendments. The principle and amount are set in the special administrative terms (CCAP). The contract holder may waive the lump-sum advance (arts. 129 to 132).[1]
The advance depends on a repayment guarantee covering its full amount, issued by an approved bank or institution. It is paid within a maximum of 45 days of receipt of that guarantee, then repaid by deduction from sums due as the contract provides. Late payment of the advance does not give rise to late-payment interest (arts. 100, 132, 133 and 142).[1]

Retention

When the contract has a guarantee period, the buyer holds back a share of each payment: between 3% and 5%, set in the CCAP. The retention may be replaced by one of the guarantees provided by decree. It is returned, or the guarantee released, within a maximum of 30 days after final acceptance if the holder has met its obligations (arts. 98 and 99.2).[1][4]

Payment

The buyer pays interim payments and the balance within a period that cannot exceed 90 days. The contract states the period. It runs from the last day of verification of performance (or the date set in the contract). Shorter periods may be granted to SMEs. The period may be suspended for causes attributable to the holder (arts. 139 and 141).[1]
Late payment gives a right to default interest at the legal interest rate plus one point, on sums due for services performed. It is due on the holder's reasoned and quantified request and payable within 60 days of receiving it. It does not apply to late payment of an advance (art. 142).[1]
Interim payments become due once performance begins at the minimum level set in the CCAP, and do not exceed the value of the work, net of advances to repay. For works, the guide says the final statement is submitted within 45 days of provisional acceptance and final payment falls within 90 clear days of the general statement (arts. 134 to 136; guide).[1][15]
The holder may pledge receivables arising from the contract to a bank or financial institution approved in the UEMOA. The buyer provides, on request, a single copy of the contract for this purpose (arts. 109 and 110).[1]
A firm that is not paid after its work can approach CELIOPE with its supporting documents, and track its invoices with the e-fournisseur online tool (guide).[15]

Sanctions

For a deliberate inaccuracy in a bid (false document, false statement) or a fraudulent practice (false declaration, bidder collusion, over-invoicing, illegal subcontracting), the firm is eliminated, the award cancelled, the guarantee forfeited and the contract may be terminated or taken over (régie). Temporary exclusion is two years, three on a repeat offence within five years, then permanent. The regulator takes the decision (decree 2021-874; arts. 154 and 155).[5][1]
In case of proven collusion, the exclusion extends to firms that hold the majority of the offending firm's capital or whose majority capital it holds (art. 155; decree 2021-874). Trying to influence the evaluation or award, including by offering a benefit, leads to cancellation of the bid, forfeiture of the guarantee and exclusion (art. 156).[1][5]
A temporarily excluded firm may ask for rehabilitation after serving at least half its sentence; a permanently excluded firm after five years. Sanctioned firms appear on the red list of ARCOP and the DGMP.[5][9][10]
During performance, every contract provides for late penalties, capped at the unrevised contract amount. If they reach 10% of the initial contract value and amendments, the buyer may seek termination (art. 91). Amendments cannot exceed 30% of the initial amount cumulatively (art. 92).[1]

Traps to know about

The 100 million F CFA threshold is measured on the budget credits of the expense line, not just on the contract you target. A purchase that looks small can fall under tendering, and a large need may have been split. Read the procurement method in the notice (PSC, PSL, PSO or tender) before building your file.
The quitus de non-redevance takes five working days to be issued and is valid for only three months. An expired or missing quitus at the deadline can block the award. Request it as soon as you spot a tender and check it is valid on the filing date.
The preliminary appeal must be filed within 7 working days of the contested decision, then ARCOP within 5 working days of the answer or silence. These are short periods counted in working days: the weekly rest day (usually Sunday) and public holidays do not count. As soon as results are published, ask for the analysis report and the reasons for rejection so you can act in time.
Tax and social security certificates are required only after the award, but you have just 15 days from notification to produce them, or you lose the contract. Check before bidding that you can obtain them quickly.
Check the bid guarantee point by point: the tender's template, beneficiary, contract referenced, amount, validity period and approved issuer. Get it early from an approved bank. Even for an online submission, plan to deposit the original with the buyer within the notice's deadline.
Register on SIGOMAP well before the deadline. The account requires ID for the company head and the representative and an employer authorisation, and in case of trouble you must go through the DGMP. A registration made the day before may not be ready in time, and a late bid is not accepted.
A bid with a false document or diploma is rejected and can mean two years' exclusion, with forfeiture of the guarantee. Check every diploma, CV and ID of your team yourself before including them.
Do not start before receiving the notification of approval and the start order. An unapproved contract does not bind the buyer financially. Also budget in your price the 0.5% regulation fee on the amount excluding tax, registration, stamp duty and insurance.
Never offer a benefit to a buyer or commission official, even as "file fees". The Code provides for cancelling the bid, forfeiting the guarantee and exclusion. If you are pressed, reporting to ARCOP is free (hotline 800 00 100).
Many online summaries still cite the old 2009 Code and its thresholds, or refer to ANRMP. The applicable Code is the 2019 one, the thresholds are those of the December 2021 decree, and the regulator has been called ARCOP since 2025. Also be wary of unreferenced figures, such as a different threshold for supplies and services.
If you bid in a group, do not also bid alone for the same lot: both bids are void. And do not subcontract more than 40% of the contract, on pain of sanctions.
Notices are valid only if they appear in the BOMP (or on the platform that replaces it). An announcement seen only on social networks or in a newspaper is not enough. Check it appears in the BOMP or on SIGOMAP before investing time.

What we could not confirm

Rather than guess, we list here what no reliable source allowed us to confirm. On these points, rely on the tender file or ask the body concerned.

No text amending the 2019 Code was found after its 2020 ratification. The DGMP's list contains none, but that list may lag. The creation of ARCOP by ordinance no. 2025-32 of 15 January 2025 was not read in full: its effect on appeal periods before it and against its decisions is known only from its filing leaflet.
The period to challenge an ARCOP decision is 10 working days under the 2019 Code. The 2025 leaflet speaks of an appeal to the Conseil d'État without giving a period. The current period is therefore not established.
The 50,000 F CFA appeal fee: the ARCOP leaflet ties it to conciliation, while the older, undated DGMP FAQ also mentions it for filing a procurement complaint. The text did not confirm whether it applies to a procurement appeal.
The offer validity period, the retention rate (between 3% and 5%) and the performance guarantee rate (between 3% and 5%) are fixed in each tender. No standard validity period was found in the texts.
Online submission: the evidence comes from a recent CI-Energies notice and from the registration the DGMP has required since 1 November 2023. The decree provided for in art. 65.3 of the Code on e-procurement was not found, and any rule making it compulsory for all buyers is not established. The DGMP lists an order no. 737 of 30 July 2018 on e-procurement, which was not read.
The December 2021 decrees on termination (2021-871) and procurement cells (2021-873), the ethics code (2022-305), the fuel order, decree no. 2019-185 on the social programme and decree no. 2015-475 on projects funded by technical and financial partners were not analysed.
Public-private partnerships and concessions (2018 decrees listed by ARCOP), and the Code's design contest and innovation contract, were not detailed. No competitive-dialogue procedure was identified in the Code.
The UEMOA community advertising thresholds, shortlist validity periods and payment delays seen in practice were not established. The regulation fee rate (0.5% of the amount excluding tax) comes from the ARCOP guide and a tender notice, not from a legal text read.
Article 7 of the Code (exclusions from scope) could not be read properly in the Journal officiel copy. Only defence and security (art. 140) are established.

Sources

Ordonnance n° 2019-679 du 24 juillet 2019 portant Code des marchés publics (Journal officiel du 11 décembre 2019, copie du ministère du Budget) (Ministère du Budget, République de Côte d'Ivoire, 2019-12-11)
Décret n° 2021-869 du 15 décembre 2021 fixant les seuils de référence, de validation et d'approbation (JO du 23 mai 2022), art. 1 à 9 (ARCOP, documentation réglementaire, 2021-12-15)
Décret n° 2021-909 du 22 décembre 2021 fixant les modalités d'exécution des crédits budgétaires dans le cadre des procédures prévues par le Code, art. 2 à 19 (ARCOP, documentation réglementaire, 2021-12-22)
Décret n° 2021-870 du 15 décembre 2021 fixant les modalités de constitution des garanties et de révocation des garants, art. 2 à 8 (ARCOP, documentation réglementaire, 2021-12-15)
Décret n° 2021-874 du 15 décembre 2021 portant modalités d'application des sanctions des violations de la réglementation des marchés publics (ARCOP, documentation réglementaire, 2021-12-15)
ARCOP, Documentation, Réglementation, Décrets (liste des décrets d'application du Code) (ARCOP)
Modalités de saisine et décision du Comité de recours et sanctions (fiche de l'ARCOP, mentionnant l'ordonnance n° 2025-32 du 15 janvier 2025) (ARCOP, 2025)
ARCOP, Présentation, Missions (ordonnance n° 2025-32, art. 2 et 3) (ARCOP)
ARCOP Côte d'Ivoire, accueil (quitus de non-redevance, liste rouge, dénonciation, contentieux) (ARCOP)
Direction générale des marchés publics, accueil (SIGOMAP, BOMP, inscription obligatoire depuis le 1er novembre 2023, liste rouge) (DGMP, Côte d'Ivoire)
DGMP, Foire aux questions (page non datée, rédigée à l'époque de l'ANRMP) (DGMP, Côte d'Ivoire)
DGMP, Magazine (couvertures du Bulletin officiel des marchés publics avec liens d'achat) (DGMP, Côte d'Ivoire, 2026-11-02)
Le Journal des marchés publics n° 1898 du mardi 6 au lundi 12 octobre 2026 (fiche de vente, 4 000 CFA) (MonKiosk, 2026-11-02)
DGMP, Réglementation (liste des textes: Code, loi de ratification 2020-629, décrets, arrêtés, directives UEMOA) (DGMP, Côte d'Ivoire)
Guide d'utilisateur des candidats aux appels d'offres de marchés publics de travaux (Guide des entrepreneurs, juin 2024, conforme au DTAO) (ANRMP et DGMP, publié sur le site de l'ARCOP, 2024-06)
Avis d'appel d'offres national n° T 680/2025 (exemple de dépôt et d'ouverture en ligne sur SIGOMAP V2) (CI-Energies, 2025-06)

The public procurement rules in Ivory Coast