Administrative Review

Administrative Review is the first-tier formal review of a contested procurement decision, conducted by the contracting authority itself, the supervising ministry, or the financing institution under its own rules, before any independent or judicial body becomes involved.

What is Administrative Review?

In MDB-financed procurement, Administrative Review typically refers to the bank's own review of a borrower's procurement process in response to a bid-protest-complaint. The bank examines the complaint, requests the relevant procurement documentation from the borrower, and determines whether the procurement complied with the agreed procedures. This is an institutional review, conducted within the bank's framework, not by an independent external body.

At the national level, Administrative Review can mean a review by the contracting authority's own procurement review committee, a higher administrative body within the same government structure, or an administrative tribunal established by national procurement law. Many EU member states route complaints through administrative courts or specialist procurement review panels before allowing judicial review in the ordinary courts. The distinction from independent-review is that Administrative Review is conducted within the institutional hierarchy, rather than by an entity that is structurally separate from the parties.

The purpose is to provide a fast, low-cost first filter: many procurement disputes are resolved at the Administrative Review stage, either because the buyer corrects an acknowledged error or because the reviewer confirms the process was sound. This avoids the cost and delay of full judicial proceedings.

Why Administrative Review matters for bidders

Before escalating to formal legal proceedings or an independent-review body, use the Administrative Review mechanism as the first step. It is faster, cheaper, and often more effective for straightforward procedural complaints. Document your concern clearly, cite the specific rule or criterion you believe was misapplied, and attach the supporting evidence from your own submission and the evaluation notification. A well-prepared Administrative Review request has a genuine prospect of success if the breach is real, and even a partial finding in your favour can influence how the procurement proceeds.

FAQ

Is an Administrative Review decision final?

Generally not. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of an Administrative Review, most frameworks allow escalation to an independent-review body, a procurement ombudsman, or the courts, depending on the jurisdiction and the institution.

Does filing an Administrative Review automatically suspend the procurement?

Not always. Suspension depends on the rules of the specific framework. In some systems, filing triggers an automatic stay pending the review; in others, you must separately apply for interim relief. Check the applicable rules before filing, because proceeding without a stay can make your complaint moot.

How long does an Administrative Review take?

Timelines vary, but most institutional review mechanisms aim for a decision within a few weeks to two months. MDB review procedures typically set a target decision window in their published complaint-handling rules.