Compras públicas: dificuldades das micro e pequenas empresas locais nos pregões eletrônicos da Universidade Federal do Cariri

Abstract

Public procurement can contribute to the development of local micro and small enterprises (MSEs). However, in the electronic bidding processes conducted by the Federal University of Cariri (UFCA) between 2018 and 2021, out of 386 winning suppliers, only 9 were MSEs from the Cariri Metropolitan Region (RMC). Therefore, the objective of this dissertation is to analyze the difficulties faced by local micro and small enterprises in the electronic bidding processes of the Federal University of Cariri. For this purpose, an exploratory research with a qualitative approach was conducted, using the case study as a strategy. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews with representatives of MSEs from the Cariri Metropolitan Region and by researching bidding notices and minutes of public sessions of UFCA's electronic bidding processes. The collected data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis technique. After data collection and interpretation of the results, it was possible to understand the difficulties faced by micro and small enterprises from the Cariri Metropolitan Region, including: generic specification of items to be tendered, bureaucracy, and lack of interest from local MSEs in participating in electronic bidding processes. As a positive point, the interviewees pointed out the compliance with deadlines for the delivery of materials or provision of services, timely payment of invoices, and transparency of information during the bidding processes. It is concluded that the low participation of local micro and small enterprises in UFCA's electronic bidding processes occurs due to two main factors. First, specific adjustments need to be made by UFCA's administration to improve the bidding process and make it more accessible to these companies. Second, entrepreneurs need to receive adequate training on bidding processes in order to acquire updated and specific knowledge on the subject. These two combined situations result in difficulties for the micro and small enterprises participating in this research, which is reflected in their low participation.