HM Government of Gibraltar takes great pride in its robust and transparent procurement processes, which have consistently delivered value for money and operational efficiency over the past years.

Between 2018 and 2025, the Government managed 270 public tenders, awarding 214 of them through competitive and fair procedures. In cases where tenders were not awarded, this was typically due to a lack of compliant bids, changes in project scope, or strategic decisions not to proceed in the national interest. This high volume of procurement activity reflects the Government’s consistent use of transparent, rules-based processes to deliver infrastructure, services, and innovation for Gibraltar. It is a record that stands out for its efficiency, integrity and commitment to value for money.

In this period, only four contracts have been singled out for criticism by the Principal Auditor. These represent a tiny fraction (less than 1.5%) of the total tenders managed by the Government.

We stand by the decisions taken in each of these cases. As explained in today's series of press releases, each one followed either a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) process and was made under exceptional public interest circumstances. We consider the Auditor’s criticism of these four contracts to be unjustified and lacking a practical appreciation of context.

We must be clear: Gibraltar’s procurement system is not only compliant, it is effective, modern, and responsive. The Government continues to issue tenders across all sectors, from health and infrastructure to IT, social services and the environment, and remains deeply committed to transparency and value for the taxpayer.

At the same time, public procurement frameworks must allow for flexibility in situations of national urgency, operational complexity or market failure. That is why the law permits legitimate alternatives to open tender, such as EOIs or negotiated procedures, where appropriate. These processes are not shortcuts. They are lawful, strategic tools that enable Government to deliver results where standard procurement alone would fall short.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, said:

“Through Brexit, the pandemic, and a challenging global landscape, this Government has protected jobs, safeguarded services, and grown the economy. This track record of results deserves public confidence. Decisions taken outside the standard tender route always reflect careful judgements, expert advice, and a commitment to the best interests of the people of Gibraltar.”

ENDS