THE DEFICIT OF SPECIALIZED PUBLIC PROCUREMENT TRAINING IN THE FIELDS OF SECURITY AND DEFENCE IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA AS A PREREQUISITE FOR INCREASED INSTITUTIONAL RISK

Abstract

This report examines the deficit of specialized training in public procurement within the Defense sector of the Republic of Bulgaria as a significant factor contributing to increased institutional risk. In the context of a dynamically deteriorating security environment at the global and European levels, characterized by growing geopolitical tensions, accelerated rearmament, and increased public investments in defense capabilities, the role of public procurement acquires strategic importance. European policies, including initiatives for joint procurement and the strengthening of the defense industrial base, emphasize the need for effective, rapid, and professionally managed procedures.
In the Republic of Bulgaria, existing training programs in the field of public procurement are primarily focused on the general regime and do not take into account the specificities of public procurement in the fields of Defense and Security, in accordance with Part Four of the Public Procurement Act (PPA, 2016). This specificity is expressed in limited competition, high technological complexity, the presence of classified information, and the inability to flexibly negotiate technical parameters. The lack of specialized training leads to difficulties in formulating technical specifications, selecting appropriate procedures, and developing effective evaluation methodologies.
The main part of the report analyzes the procedures applicable in the fields of Defense and Security, such as the "Negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice" (Art. 164 of the PPA, 2016), the "Negotiated procedure with prior publication of a contract notice" (Art. 162 of the PPA, 2016), the "Restricted procedure" (Art. 161 of the PPA, 2016), and the "Competitive dialogue" (Art. 163 of the PPA, 2016). The thesis is put forward that, due to the impossibility of negotiating technical specifications in defense procurement, negotiation-based procedures (negotiation or dialogue) lose their effectiveness. Furthermore, it is established that the "Competitive dialogue" procedure is practically not applied either in the defense sector or in the Republic of Bulgaria as a whole, which indicates structural deficits in expert capacity.
The empirical analysis of the public procurement conducted between 01.01.2020 and 31.12.2025 by the contracting authorities in the Ministry of Defense, the Bulgarian Armed Forces, and the structures directly subordinated to the Minister of Defense reveals a high percentage of terminated lots, which is interpreted as an indicator of systemic problems in the preparation and execution of the procedures. The main reasons are associated with disproportionate selection criteria, deficits in technical specifications, and vulnerable evaluation methodologies. This leads to the inefficient expenditure of public funds, delays in the acquisition of capabilities, and increased institutional risk.
In response to these deficits, the report proposes a concept for a specialized training methodology focused on the planning and preparation phases. It includes analytical modules for the design of criteria and evaluation models, managerial tools for time-risk management, and training through the analysis of real case studies. The goal is to build a sustainable expert capacity capable of meeting the specific requirements of the defense sector.
In conclusion, it is justified that the creation of a specialized training framework is a key condition for increasing the efficiency of public procurement in the fields of Defense and Security, as well as for mitigating institutional risk and ensuring the national security.