Government Law Articles

Before the social movements of plunder and anti-plunder of 1990s, wars and other civil revolts, the Republic Democratic of the Congo, (“DRC”) was among the most industrialized countries of Central Africa.

In September 2012, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) submitted to the Parliament a bill of law on the Insurance Code for discussion and adoption prior to its promulgation by the head of State and publication in the official gazette in accordance with articles 100, paragraph 2 and 130 to 137 of the DRC constitution.

Eligibility for VA benefits is dependent on factors such as active duty. The determination of this is sometimes complicated, depending on the circumstances.

This article is aiming at to explain Contractual Liability of Administration in Turkey.

Last week, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act was reintroduced by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, a Democrat, and Sen. Michael Crapo, a Republican. This act continues and expands upon the 1994 landmark law, the Violence Against Women Act, which combatted domestic violence, sexual abuse, and stalking by authorizing services such as shelters and legal assistance for victims and survivors of abuse.

Those, who watch the real estate market, may note that after the crisis of recent years, new buildings began to appear in Kyiv again as rapidly as mushrooms after rain. The construction industry is slowly recovering and hopes to go beyond the 3% of the Ukrainian GDP.

On November 19th, 2012, State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) issued a Notice on Further Improvement and Revision of Foreign Exchange Regulatory Policies concerning Foreign Direct Investment (hereinafter referred to as the Notice) which shall be implemented since December 17th, 2012.

Obesity or morbid obesity may qualify you for FERS or CSRS disability retirement through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

In general, the answer is “no.” If you want to make a deposit for post-1956 military service such that credit for your military service will be reflected in your retirement annuity, you must complete OPM Form 1515: “Military Service Deposit Election” and submit this form with your retirement application to OPM. You will NOT be allowed to make any such deposits once your retirement benefits are approved.

Why light duty might not always be a reasonable accommodation for federal disability purposes.

Why the Accommodations Issue is Unlikely to Pose a Problem If You Are Filing for Federal Disability Retirement Benefits

This article was written to help explain the various video formats available to attorneys after conducting a video deposition.

Veterans’ disability lawyers in Raleigh will explain how your marital status and dependents can impact veterans’ disability benefits. If you have a disability rating of 30 percent or higher, it could lead to additional compensation.

Small Businesses are very important to our economy. Easing their burden will certainly help economic growth. Current Rules of DTCC that provide remedies for SBs, supposedly enforced by the SEC, are not enforced, and this is having an immediate impact on SBs everywhere. This article points out these flaws and appeals for simple enforcement of existing rules so that SBs will not continue to be hamstrung or destroyed in the marketplace.

Trade secret theft is generally addressed through civil lawsuits. However, in some cases, the misappropriation of trade secrets can rise to the level of a federal crime. The Economic Espionage Act of 1996 criminalizes trade secret theft committed for personal benefit within the country or for the benefit of a foreign government.

We have previously stated that Intellectual Property is an increasingly serious matter for Latin American nations as they become ever more competitive and integrated with the global economy. With the implementation of IP-specific courts in several countries, Latin America is going even beyond world standards on IP-specialization.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in a 9-0 decision that patent applicants can introduce new evidence when challenging a patent examiner’s rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 145. The Supreme Court clarified that there are no evidentiary bars other than those articulated in the Federal Rules of Evidence and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

We will have a new Supreme Court Justice in the State of Missouri come this December. The Honorable Richard B. Teitelman, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri and chairman of the Appellate Judicial Commission, announced that the commission selected its panel of nominees to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court of Missouri.

Turkey, even restructured its banking sector several times, has still not made sufficient progress in money laundering and compliance legislation for improvement of the inspection obligations. In particular due to its location bridging Europe to Asia attracts the foreign criminal organizations of migrant smuggling, terrorism and narcotics. Turkey hosted many brass plate companies in the past set for the purpose of placement, layering and integration of laundering transactions by 1990s.

In line with GRATA Law Firm’s practice of keeping clients informed of important legal developments, we would like to draw your attention to the review of this Law. General Provisions - On 10 July 2012, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan 'On Amendments to Some Legislative Acts of the RK concerning the Reduction of Permits and Approvals and Optimisation of Controlling and Supervisory Functions of State Authorities"(hereinafter - the 'Law') was passed, coming into force from 7th August 2012.

On the 20th of July, Boston mayor Thomas Menino sent Dan Cathy, President of Chick-Fil-A, a strongly worded letter discouraging him from expanding his enterprise into his city. Proponents of both figures hastily emerged to voice their opinions on this issue. It seems that the scale ultimately tipped in favor of Cathy, as evidenced in Chick-Fil-A’s record breaking sales in the aftermath known as “appreciation day.”

This article is an attempt to illuminate both the rudimentary and nuanced strategies required to consistently produce high-quality video depositions. I often worry that attorneys who order them are unaware that the footage for which they have paid dearly, is of exceedingly poor production value. The bottom line: all video depositions should look nearly identical (except for the witness, of course); it is the means by which that end is achieved that separates excellence from inferiority.

July 4th, 2012. On June 27th, 2012, the State Council of the People's Republic of China (“PRC”) issued a written Reply concerning the Policies for Developing and Opening the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Sector Cooperation Zone in Qianhai, Shenzhen (hereinafter referred to as the “Reply”). The policies provided in the Reply are more special than those that apply to Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (“SEZ”).

June 18th, 2012. On May 25th, 2012, the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (“MIIT”) of the People's Republic of China (“PRC”) jointly issued the Measures on Administration of Funds for Credit Guarantee of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (hereinafter referred to as the “New Measures”) which shall enter into force as of the date of its promulgation.

Super PACs are starting up everywhere, but many of them would have been better off as a 501(c)(4). Do you know the difference? Do you know the burdensome federal reporting requirements for Super PACs? This article will give you some insight into the best way to structure the formation of your non-profit organization, given your objectives.

Despite the current political turmoil the new Romanian Government has already passed legislation aimed at improving the investment climate. In the Official Gazette no. 563 of August 9, 2012 was published Government Resolution no. 797/2012 (“Resolution”) setting up a State aid scheme to support investments promoting regional development using new technologies and which created new jobs.

Military divorces are subject to both state and federal regulations for retirement distribution. In Hampton Roads, VA the military divorce lawyers at Garrett Law Group are available to answer your questions. Due to the extensive military presence in Hampton Roads, it is no surprise that many divorces filed in Virginia Beach are filed by military members or military spouses.

It would appear analysts were correct during the Arab Spring in guessing that the Internet would be the new battleground for politicians. In recent events, American presidential candidate Mitt Romney had a campaign video of his taken down from YouTube. This has raised concerns in the United States with regard to the right to free speech, a right held in very high esteem on that side of the Atlantic.

Does the Federal Government Consider Me Disabled? As stated in previous posts, if you are disabled under the Rehabilitation Act (ADA) and you require a reasonable accommodation, the agency must provide you with that reasonable accommodation unless they can show that there is another less expensive effective accommodation, or they can show that accommodating you would be an “undue hardship” on the agency.

Constitutional Law - International Passport: Power of Minister of Internal Affairs - Constitutional Law - Fundamental Human Rights: Extent of the powers of State Security Service - Constitutional Law - Fundamental Human Right: Freedom of Movement - Right of Nigerian Citizen to hold International Passport: Whether Absolute. The Supreme Court: Whither the Principles:

On May 25th, 2012, the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (“MIIT”) of the People's Republic of China (“PRC”) jointly issued the Measures on Administration of Special Funds for Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (hereinafter referred to as the “New Measures”) which shall enter into force as of the date of its promulgation. June 13rd, 2012.

It can be difficult to understand Social Security disability. To learn more about eligibility requirements, contact a Dunn Social Security disability attorney. Most people don’t give much thought to the possibility of becoming disabled. However, when it does happen and it interferes with your ability to work, you may decide to pursue Social Security disability benefits. Before you begin the process, consult a Social Security attorney in Dunn, North Carolina.

International arbitration: substantive law, procedural law and arbitration rules in the context of the United Kingdom Arbitration Act 1996. International arbitration: substantive law, procedural law and Arbitration Rules in the context of the Arbitration Act 1996. By: Mr. Femi D. Ojumu*

Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau issued the New Standard of Social Security Payment in Shanghai (the “New Standard”) on March 31st, 2012. The New Standard has come into effect on April 1st, 2012 and will expire on March 31, 2013.

A Raleigh Social Security disability attorney can help you with the Social Security disability process of applying and demonstrating need for your benefits. The Social Security disability process can be both frustrating and harrowing, particularly if you have already been rejected and denied benefits in the past. Fortunately, a Social Security disability attorney can help you with:

Dependent Social Security disability benefits can help family members of someone who is disabled. A North Carolina Social Security disability lawyer explains who can qualify. Depending upon your work, there are specific members of your family that may qualify for benefits, which include the following:

A state agency will review your Social Security Disability application. It must meet work and disability standards for benefit approval. If your claim has been denied, talk to a North Carolina Social Security disability lawyer. When you apply for Social Security disability, the primary goal of the Social Security Administration is to determine if you are disabled and unable to work due to the severity of your disabling condition.

Administrative Measures of Shanghai Municipality on Pharmaceutical Prices (Trial Implementation, the “Measures”) were issued by Shanghai Development and Reform Commission on July 29, 2011. The Measures will be effective as of September 1, 2011. The main contents of the Measures are as follows:

Federal employee attorney Eric Pines tackles whether a federal employee will be considered disabled. In this series: Does the Federal Government Consider Me Disabled? We lay out the definitions of disabled under the Rehabilitation Act. In this post we will focus on whether a federal employee is entitled to his or her ideal accommodation? According to the Rehabilitation Act/ ADA says the answer is: Yes, but… not necessarily with the exact accommodation that you are seeking.

If you are a member of the military and have been accused of a crime, you could be in a very serious situation. As the civilian criminal system varies greatly from the military system, you need to be aware of certain aspects of your case. Most people are aware of what happens when a civilian is accused of a crime.

Pragmantic implications, applications & construction of the triplet provisions of section 143, 144 and 145 of the 1999 constitution vis a vis Nigerian constitutional democracy. - By Kayode Ajulo*

Federal offenses are typically considered more serious than those charged at the state level, and the penalties are usually much more harsh. If you have been charged with such an offense, it is imperative that you seek the effective legal guidance of a Kansas City federal crimes lawyer.

On January 31, the Illinois Supreme Court chose the 14th Judicial Circuit in northwestern Illinois to be the first jurisdiction to allow cameras and tape records in the courtroom.

Recently, McDole & Williams has received multiple requests to evaluate official-looking trademark registration notices received by clients. These official-looking notices claim to be from governmental trademark offices, alleging that the client must pay fees in order to maintain his/her trademark and rights.

Military service is demanding on many different levels and it is not something that everyone is going to be suited for. Without question there are a lot of sacrifices that go along with serving your country but at the same time there are some rewards to be had, especially if you serve for a significant period of time.

Tobacco litigation in the United States has been going on since the 1950s when the first reports were released linking tobacco to injurious health consequences, such as cancer, explains a lawyer. Although the first big win for plaintiffs came in the California case Henley v. Philip Morris, battles continue to rage on regarding what tobacco companies’ obligations are to smokers personally and to the public at large.

The Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, is a United States bill introduced in October of 2011 in order to help combat the online theft of intellectual property and its injurious consequences, both for large companies and for artists personally. While supported by movie studios in California, the Act became the focus of widespread criticism and an online protest. A lawyer explains the Act, its controversy, and examines whether it could serve as a solution to the problem of online piracy.

In the past, new fuel economy standards have resulted in the production of smaller vehicles that fail to adequately protect occupants from suffering serious or fatal personal injuries in collisions. The federal government’s proposed CAFE standards have elicited concerns among safety advocates and lawyers in California and elsewhere for the safety of American drivers.

Federal employee attorney Eric Pines tackles whether a federal employee will be considered disabled. In the series: Does the Federal Government Consider Me Disabled (Part I)? We laid out the definitions of disabled under the Rehabilitation Act. In this post we will focus on what those definitions mean in the real world.

It can be tricky to separate law from politics. Some politicians claim sincerely to believe that any Act passed by the Scottish Parliament which provided for the holding of a referendum on Scottish independence would be unlawful. Some lawyers claim to agree with them. In Scotland, we are living in exciting times and the politics may be genuinely intriguing but is the law not actually, and drily, beyond any real debate?

Due process of law rights of government contractors who are denied work or public bidding rights due to “de facto debarment“ from federal, state or local government bidding or public contracting for alleged unethical conduct or due to bid or bidder non-responsibility determinations by a public agency on a government contract.

Correction of subcontractor listing errors and substitution of subcontractors listed by mistake in bidding on a California public works construction contract, per public contract code sec. 4107.5.

On 1 March 2011, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan has signed a new Law ‘On State Property’ No. 413-IV (hereinafter – the ‘Law’) with effective date 10 March 2011. The Law defines the principles for regulating relations in the area of state property management.

GRATA Law Firm has provided sophisticated legal services to leading enterprises in Kazakhstan and Central Asia since 1992. In line with GRATA Law Firm’s practice of keeping clients informed of important legal developments that might influence their business, we would like to draw your attention to the below description of key regulations relation to the most significant areas of Kazakhstani industry – subsoil use, power and construction.

In line with GRATA Law Firm’s practice of keeping clients informed of important legal developments that might influence their business, we would like to draw your attention to the recent changes in Kazakh legislation in connection with the adoption of the new Law 'On State Property'.

1. General Provisions - On 21 July 2011, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Special Economic Zones (hereinafter - the 'Law') has been enacted.

Liquor laws in Michigan are among the most complex out of all of the United States. Being able to navigate these laws efficiently yet with care requires both knowledge and experience. If you are looking into acquiring a liquor license, there are a number of things you should know before you begin the process.

What exactly is a court-martial? Is there any difference between a civilian trial and a military criminal trial? Members of the military who are facing criminal charges need to be aware of the details of their situation so that they can have the best possible chance of defending themselves. When a member of the Armed Forces is accused of a crime, they may have to be to tried in a court-martial, a trial which is led by the U.S. military.

Ever wonder what you should look for, when you need to hire a private investigator? If you have ever done an internet search for a private investigator, you have no doubt seen hundreds of PI's and investigation agencies appear on your screen. How do you know who to use? Well, start by calling around a bit.

In 2009, Hawaii enacted a prospective fifteen-year civil statute of limitations for collection for most assessed tax obligations (Net Income Tax, General Excise Tax, Transient Accommodations Tax, Use Tax, Fuel Tax, Conveyance Tax, Rental Motor Vehicle and Tour Vehicle Surcharge, Nursing Facility Tax, and Insurance Premium Tax) via Act 166, Sections 6 through 14.

As part of their efforts to prevent the injurious consequences of high greenhouse gas emissions, legislators in California passed regulations requiring producers, refiners, and importers of diesel and gasoline to reduce their carbon footprint by 10 percent over a decade. In late December, a federal judge issued an injunction preventing California from enforcing its rules on the grounds that California's regulations were in violation of the Commerce Clause in the United States Constitution.

Most township officials are aware of the importance of complying with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Like a number of other areas of law, compliance with such a statute has become increasingly complex as a result of shifting interpretations by the courts. Learn more about the cases that have had an effect on the interpretation of the act in recent years.

Indian companies are accessing the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (“FSE”) and other foreign capital markets in search of capital and liquidity for their shares. The Entry Standard of the FSE is an appealing option for Indian issuers seeking an access point to European capital markets. By Brenda Lee Hamilton, Attorney

On December 20, 2011, Deutsche Börse AG suspended new listings for the First Quotation Board due to fraud and new cases of suspected market manipulation among several shares listed in the First Quotation Board. Deutsche Börse AG stated, “prosecution according to criminal law and supervisory legislation only seems to have a limited deterrent effect. By Brenda Lee Hamilton

Prevailing wage laws(1) require that contractors and subcontractors who obtain certain government construction and service contracts pay their employees a local minimum amount, commonly referred to as the “prevailing wage.” By: Joel M. Androphyi and Rachel L. Grier

The False Claims Act (“FCA”) is particularly important in the area of defense contracts. In fact, the FCA was enacted due to the sever abuses which occurred at the hands of many defense contractors and corrupt officials who fraudulently procured payment for the necessities of war, such as ships, food, supplies, and weapons, to the detriment of the United States military.(1) By: Joel M. Androphyi and Rachel L. Grier

It is January 1, 2012 and a host of new laws become effective today. While some of these laws may not affect you, others may, so it good to be aware of how the laws have changed. There are dozens of new laws, but our focus in this article in limited to ten that involve possible criminal cases.

In recent months, China has been dominating media headlines in connection with exchange rate disputes with the Unites States and possible participation of China in the bailout of some Eurozone nations. China seems to be proving the truth behind the Chinese proverb that says that ‘the saving man becomes the free man’.

The protection of EU’s financial interests reflect s the basic targets and objectives of the European Union to suppress the illegal traffic of products as well as counterfeiting activities within EU Member States. Hercule I and II, as well as Pericles constitute the means and the tools with the aid of which, relevant European and national authorities will be empowered to take all the measures needed and execute the harmonized strategy of the Union.

Qui tam whistleblowers first discover fraud against the government in a variety of different ways; some learn it from a business owner’s own statements while others witness it in caring for a patient who has patently not received a billed-for treatment.

The District of Columbia passed the Procurement Reform Amendment Act (“PRAA”) in 1996.2 In 1997, it passed the Emergency Amendment Act, which increased the penalties of the PRAA’s civil false claims and added qui tam provisions.3 The PRAA models the FCA, but also contains some provisions that are unique.

The Hungarian Parliament has recently adopted a new act arguing that the provisions of the current data protection are outdated. Although the applicable EU directive is under significant review in the EU, the new Hungarian act still follows the old (current) EU legislation. The new act is called Information Act), and maintains the rigid Hungarian system of data protection and misses the opportunity to help foreign data processing.

During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Libya was the leading state among the Developing Countries. Due to Gadaffi’s arbitrary economic policy, Libya became the least developed among oil producing countries.

Studies in Oregon and California recently revealed that consumers have unwittingly been exposed to the chemical formaldehyde and its personally injurious health effects, explains a lawyer. Although marketed as “formaldehyde free,” a popular hair-straightening product contained amounts of the chemical in excess of the 2.0 percent considered safe by the Cosmetics Ingredient Review Expert Panel.

The new package of measures adopted by the European Commission regarding the action to be followed for growth governance and stability contains four elements: the 2012 Annual Growth Survey consists of priorities for the coming year, a Green Paper on the feasibility of introducing Stability Bonds and two new Regulations to further strengthen budgetary surveillance in the Euro area. By adopting this package, the European Union focuses on the strengthening of the Eurozone governance.

Regulation D, Rule 506 Offerings - To offer and sell securities in the United States, an issuer must comply with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or must offer and sell the securities pursuant to an exemption from the registration statement requirements.

On July 9, 2011, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) approved rules to increase the standards for companies going public through a reverse merger to list on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) and the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”).

Health Care Provider Liability under the False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729 et seq.) - A recent decision by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals details circumstances under which health care providers may be held liable under the False Claims Act (“FCA”), 31 U.S.C. § 3729, et seq., for alleged fraud committed under Part C of the U.S. Medicare program. By Cliff Holmes, Esq. Attorney for Dunlap, Grubb & Weaver PLLC (Washington, DC)

In this article, I give you a quick overview of the major regulatory compliance areas for physicians and medical practices, namely: Referral Laws -- Anti-Kickback and Stark Self-Referrals; Billing Medicare and Other Payers; HIPAA; and Supervision of Staff.

At what point in time should you consider hiring a Kansas City federal crimes attorney? Some people assume that they should wait until they are formally charged, while others feel that it is okay to wait until the trial is about to begin.

The article presents an overview of the statutory requirements and guidelines for importing drugs and medical equipments into Ghana. It is intended to serve as a quick reference for companies planning on importing drugs or medical devices into Ghana.

Every year, thousands of men, women and children are forced into a modern form of slave labor, otherwise known as “human trafficking.” Human trafficking is a global epidemic, predominantly affecting women and children, forcing them into slave labor and sexual exploitation.

Certain sex crimes are considered violations under state law and are tried in state court – whereas more aggravated sex offenses can be violations of federal laws. When this happens, the defendant can be facing mandatory minimum sentencing under federal guidelines.

Pakistan's judicial system stems directly from the system that was used in British India as on independence in 1947, and the Government of India Act 1935 was retained as a provisional Constitution. As a consequence, the legal and judicial system of the British period continued with due adaptations and modifications, where necessary, to suit the requirements of the new Republic.

Earlier this month, the Texas Supreme Court once again cast its arms around Big Business and shoved Texans out the door.

On 17 December 2010 the European Council agreed on the need for a Eurozone area and on the establishment of a permanent stability mechanism which will intervene by providing financial assistance to the Eurozone Member States after June 2013.

Federal, State, and local public agencies have a powerful club to beat back or recover for fraudulent or exaggerated contractor and subcontractor claims against them, in the form of State and Federal False Claims laws.

California Contractors’ Licensing Law Requirements, and the Adverse Effects to Unlicensed Contractors and Property Owners From the Failure of a Builder to be “Duly Licensed” as Required By the California Contractor’s License Law.

As is the case on private construction projects or contracts, there are many events on public works projects which make it necessary for a contractor or subcontractor to file claims for extra compensation or extra time to complete a project.

Qui Tam or Whistleblower Lawsuits for Fraud on Government Contracts or Public Contracts under the California False Claims Act, and California Law on the Statute of Limitations.

The California and Federal Laws on False Claims on Government Contracts and Public Works Contracts create the risk of Liability for Treble damages, Civil Penalties and disbarment in WhistleBlower Qui Tam Lawsuits for all government contractors which could effectively wipe out any possible profits on public contracts.

Foreign Carbon Offsets under California’s AB 32 Cap and Trade Law by Memorandum of Understanding with Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries under Proposed Regulations from California's Air Resources Board.

The California False Claims Act, like the Federal False Claims Act, allows governmental entities - or private whistle-blowers or “Qui Tam” plaintiffs - to bring an action to recover treble damages and civil penalties against persons contracting with State and local government agencies who have defrauded or cheated the government out of “money, property or services”...

Who is the owner, construction lender, or payment bond surety for purposes of serving, recording and pursuing preliminary notices, mechanics liens, and payment bond claims in California law?

The potential affect of Tea Party influence on the Federal Section 8 Voucher Program as pertaining to New York City multi-family housing.

How to substitute or remove listed subcontractors on California public works government construction jobs under the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act, Public Contract Code sec. 4104, 4106 & 4107.5 substitution procedures and hearing procedures, lawsuits by substituted subcontractors for lost profits, and other concerns for listed subcontractors and substitute subcontractors.

Sentencing law in Arizona can be very confusing. What makes it even more confusing is some people are not sure when the will get out, and how much earlier they could get out if they behave well. What exactly does time off for good behavior really mean? What is early release?

E-justice, the use of Internet technology in handling various administrative procedures before, during and after the administration of justice, provides a host of possibilities throughout the legal process, from lobbying through to the provision of remote authoritative legal information and certificates. It is seen by many as the key to streamlining and expediting justice.

After the publication of the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) by the European Commission, the Hungarian Presidency undertook to implement the first ever "European Semester" a six-month period of each year in which member states' budgetary and structural policies are reviewed to identify any inconsistencies and emerging imbalances, so as to facilitate coordination before major budgetary decisions are finalized.

On 18 October 2010 the European Commission launched a consultation on electronic procurement in the public sector. In the now standard form of the Green Paper, consultation will seek to gather the views of stakeholders on how the EU can help Member States to accelerate and facilitate the procedures for issuing public tenders.