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Assessing European Union standardization: a descriptive analysis of voluntary ex ante transparency notices

Eric Prier (Department of Political Science, Florida Atlantic University, Florida, USA)
Clifford McCue (School of Public Administration, Florida Atlantic University, Florida, USA)
Emily A. Boykin (Department of Political Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA)

Journal of Public Procurement

ISSN: 1535-0118

Article publication date: 9 April 2021

Issue publication date: 7 May 2021

152

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to empirically assess the standardization of using voluntary ex ante transparency notices to announce the awards of noncompetitive large-value contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on open data published in the Official Journal of the European Union, a pooled cross-sectional research design is used to determine the level of standardized use of noncompetitive contracting by member states.

Findings

Findings suggest little evidence of standardization when publicizing direct contract awards, which might warrant remedial measures for promoting standardization by the EU. Moreover, France was found to be a major outlier in the prevalence of using non-competitive direct contract awards procedures.

Social implications

Maintenance of the European Union is predicated on free, transparent and open competition among member states, and this can only be maintained if each member state transposes EU standards into their national laws.

Originality/value

Findings suggest little evidence of standardization when publicizing direct contract awards, which might warrant additional remedial measures promoting consistency across the EU. Moreover, France was found to be a major outlier in the prevalence of using non-competitive direct contract awards procedures.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Authors wish to acknowledge the anonymous reviewers of this piece as well as Dr Krisi-Maria Halonen, who all have given great insight on this subject, though should not be held accountable for any errors that remain.

Citation

Prier, E., McCue, C. and Boykin, E.A. (2021), "Assessing European Union standardization: a descriptive analysis of voluntary ex ante transparency notices", Journal of Public Procurement, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOPP-12-2019-0086

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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