Audit Chamber seeks creation of a special council to oversee state contracts policy

In July, Audit Chamber Chief Sergei Stepashin called for setting up a special state contracts policy council to determine priorities in the field of public procurements and evaluate the effectiveness of public officials.

"Such a council has become necessary in connection with the removal of public control from the bill on public procurement rules." Another problem is staffing the contract system, he added. "These should be specialists, certified in finance, project management and contract laws. It's expensive, but their absence is costing our more."