Government purchases of small and medium-sized businesses in 2024 exceeded the KPI of the national project. What does it mean?

According to the publication, in 11 months the purchase volume reached 7.3 trillion rubles, while the annual KPI was set at 7.2 trillion rubles. At the end of the year, the result can be even greater.

According to the results of the implementation of the outlined national project, the volume of purchases more than doubled the 2018 figures.

RB.RU learned from experts what it means for SMEs to exceed procurement KPIs.

As reported by RB.RU Chairman of the Financial Markets Commission of the Moscow branch of “Opora Rossii”, general director of the investment company “Dialot” Egor Diashovexceeding public procurement KPIs of small and medium-sized businesses by 100 billion rubles is news that has far-reaching consequences for the development of SMEs in Russia.

Purchases have been growing since 2021. Diashov cited SME Bank data as an example: since 2021, state-owned enterprises have purchased goods and services from SMEs worth more than 26.7 trillion rubles, and in 2024, three of every fourth contract from the largest customers will be concluded with small and medium-sized businesses.

Diashov believes that the national project has proven its effectiveness: the procedures for participating in tenders have been simplified, information has become more accessible, quotas have appeared, and loyalty has increased. But exceeding KPIs does not guarantee an equitable distribution of funds among all participating SMEs; Larger companies with more experience and resources can receive the majority of orders, leaving small companies on the sidelines, believes the president of the commission.

“This could lead to greater inequality in the SME sector and a decrease in their competitiveness,” Diasov added. Another problem may be the high key interest rate, which may affect public procurement, as companies are forced to obtain bank guarantees with higher fees.

A representative of the Moscow branch of Opora Rossii added that the state must fight against unscrupulous contractors.

“Otherwise, exceeding KPIs can result in ineffective use of budget funds and risks to the image of public procurement,” the expert concluded.

Founder of the investment company SharesPro Denis Astafiev He said public procurement helps small and medium-sized businesses, which have become the “main beneficiaries” of the departure of foreign suppliers from the Russian market.

“Exceeding the plan also raises the question of the need to revise upward the objectives of national projects, which may open additional opportunities for SMEs in the future,” said the expert.

Karina Kochisova, Managing Partner of Prof Consult Garant believes that exceeding KPIs in public procurement indicates safe development of small businesses.

“Now the state forces SMEs to participate, they are offered separate tenders, so it has become easier to compete for contracts. This allows organizations to stabilize financial flows, expand production and create new jobs,” said the expert.

According to Kochisova, the company is able to offer high-quality goods or services that meet the requirements of 44-FZ. Participation in public procurement strengthens reputation, which contributes to the establishment of long-term relationships with clients and the expansion of the client base.

“Banks are actively introducing new tools for conducting competitive bidding and providing assistance during registration. Thus, in 2025 new opportunities will open up for small businesses to quickly start or strengthen their position in the market,” concluded the specialist.