Chamber of Deputies Approves Bill Letting Army Execute Public Works Without Bidding

Overview

• Deputies approved the substitute of PLP 453/2017 by rapporteur Lula da Fonte, originally authored by ex-deputy Gonzaga Patriota.
• The measure amends Complementary Law 97/1999 to allow the Army to execute engineering works for public bodies and, exceptionally, for private companies when the requester provides funding.
• Bidding is waived for works paralyzed, abandoned or delayed for more than a year and for strategic infrastructure projects above R$15 million.
• Strategic categories include road, rail, metro and waterway infrastructure, ports and airports, and electricity generation and transmission.
• The text authorizes, subject to budget and feasibility, an Army battalion in the São Francisco basin for dredging and river recovery, with the Navy retaining oversight of navigability.