Impact Policy Tracker Policy

Socially Responsible Public Procurement Policy



In 2012, Chile launched its Socially Responsible Public Procurement Policy, integrating sustainability, social inclusion, and gender equality into public procurement practices. The policy requires the evaluation of both social and environmental criteria alongside traditional efficiency and value-for-money principles, aiming to make procurement more inclusive and responsible.

ChileCompra, Chile’s central government agency responsible for overseeing public procurement processes, has issued several directives to strengthen the implementation of this policy. These include: Directive No. 13 (2011), "Instructions for Sustainable Procurement in the Chilean Public Market", Directive No. 17 (2014), "Instructions for Inclusive Public Procurement Promoting Equal Opportunities in the Public Market", and Directive No. 20 (2015), "Gender Approach in Public Procurement".



Highlights

  • Leveraging Procurement to Advance Gender Equality: ChileCompra has placed gender equality at the heart of its procurement strategy, earning the United Nations Public Service Prize in 2019 for its role in promoting gender-responsive public services. A key initiative is the Sello Empresa Mujer (Woman Company Label), which certifies women-owned businesses and enables procurement officers to prioritise them in contract evaluations. In addition, ChileCompra has delivered capacity-building programmes for both public procurers and women-led businesses, providing training on leadership, procurement processes, and public sector opportunities. These combined efforts have not only promoted gender equality within public procurement but also helped position Chile as a regional leader in gender-responsive public services.

  • Centralising Public Procurement: Since 2003, ChileCompra has acted as Chile’s central public procurement authority, driving transparency, efficiency, and sustainability across all government purchases. One of its major tools is Mercado Público, an online platform that manages procurement processes for all government entities. By centralising purchasing and standardising procedures, the platform facilitates competition, improves access for suppliers -particularly SMEs- and enhances oversight and accountability across the public sector.

Government’s Role:
Market Participant


Country:
Chile

Policy Type:
Public Procurement for Impact

Year: 2012

Responsible Institution:
ChileCompra (Ministry of Finance)

Additional information:
Sustainable Public Procurement in Chile

Toward Strategic Public Procurement in Latin America and the Caribbean: Case Studies

Public Procurement for Impact

What is Public Procurement for Impact?

Governments are among the major buyers of goods and services in most economies, with public procurement accounting for around 13% of GDP in OECD countries. This purchasing power gives them a unique opportunity to promote positive environmental and social outcomes. By moving beyond a traditional cost-focused approach to one centred on “value for money”, they can drive meaningful environmental and social change. This shift considers not only price but also the broader impacts of procurement decisions across the entire lifecycle of goods and services.

To institutionalise this approach, many jurisdictions have developed frameworks and strategies for Sustainable and Socially Responsible Public Procurement (SPP and SRPP), aligning public spending with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts are often supported by capacity-building initiatives, training programmes, and practical guidance to help procurement officials and suppliers define and measure social and environmental value. Tools such as standardised cost units and certification labels for impact-driven businesses can further support the assessment and verification of social impact in procurement decisions.

For more information on public procurement with impact, visit Social procurement to promote social problem solving (2023) and How Public Procurement Can Spur the Social Economy (2021)