Discussion on the Openness of Public Contracting for Small Businesses
In a recent meeting, PJSC "YATEK" (Yakutsk Fuel and Energy Company) discussed strategies and initiatives aimed at increasing procurement from local suppliers within the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The company is dedicated to supporting local economic growth and regional development.
Key strategies include local content development programs, preferential procurement policies, partnership and collaboration efforts, and infrastructure and investment support.
Local content development programs focus on supplier capacity building and certification and compliance support, helping local companies meet industry standards and qualify for contracts. Preferential procurement policies involve local supplier quotas and price and contract preferences to encourage local participation.
Partnership and collaboration efforts include joint ventures and alliances, regular supplier forums, and networking events, enabling interaction between YATEK, local suppliers, and subcontractors. Infrastructure and investment support involve the development of local supply infrastructure and financial support mechanisms.
These initiatives have contributed significantly to the maturation of local subcontracting organizations, resulting in more robust and reliable local supply chains. There has been a noticeable increase in the number and value of contracts awarded to local subcontractors, boosting the local economy and fostering a sustainable business ecosystem in Yakutia.
Regular engagement through forums and joint projects has improved mutual trust between YATEK and local partners, leading to better communication, coordinated project execution, and shared problem-solving approaches.
Despite challenges related to the scale of some local suppliers, technological gaps, and logistical constraints due to Yakutia’s remote location, YATEK continues to work on overcoming these obstacles through sustained support and innovation in procurement practices.
Yevgeny Zakharov, the head of the estimating and procurement department of YATEK, and Sardana Pavlova, the chair of the Yakutsk regional branch of "OPORA Russia", agreed to strengthen their efforts to collaborate and attract more regional contractors to support local entrepreneurship.
Pavlova praised the positive experience of cooperation with YATEK, stating that it is one of the few enterprises with almost no complaints about non-payments. The procurement process is aimed to be as open and accessible as possible for regional partners, with all competitive procedures published in the Unified Information System (UIS) and on electronic trading platforms (ETP).
YATEK initiated these meetings to find ways of interaction with local organizations and expand their list of counterparties. The meetings with local organizations are a regular tradition for YATEK, with the latest one held on July 3. Sарdana Pavlova considers these meetings important for local entrepreneurs.
YATEK's procurement policy complies with Federal Law No. 223-FZ, ensuring openness, transparency, and equal access to information for all participants. The share of purchases from local suppliers by YATEK increased from 33% in 2023 to 39% in 2024 and currently stands at 38% in 2025.
The company's commitment to local procurement is a significant step towards fostering a thriving and self-sustaining economy in Yakutia, benefiting both the local community and the company itself.
Small-businesses within the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) may benefit from YATEK's preferential procurement policies, as these initiatives include price and contract preferences for local partners. Furthermore, YATEK's efforts to collaborate with local organizations, such as those led by Sardana Pavlova, aim to attract more regional contractors and support small-business growth in Yakutia's finance sector.
