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(San Juan-PR) – The Comptroller of Puerto Rico, Yesmín M. Valdivieso, urged contractors for the Government of Puerto Rico, public instrumentalities, and municipalities to follow government contracting rules. The campaign, titled "Avoiding findings is in your hands," emphasizes that all contracts must be in writing, signed by all parties, have prospective validity, and be registered and submitted to the Contract Registry of the Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico (OCPR).

"Government contracting regulations are very strict and specific because they involve public funds. We recommend ensuring that the contract complies with all legal requirements, regulations, and interpretive jurisprudence to avoid irregularities," stated the Comptroller.

Furthermore, it is a requirement that the contract be registered with the OCPR Contract Registry before services commence. Contractors should receive an email explicitly stating that their contract is registered. Additionally, amendments to government contracts must be made during the contract's term, not after its expiration.

For years, the most common audit findings have related to payments made outside of a contract, services rendered before or after the contract's term, missing clauses, or late registration and submission of the contract to the OCPR registry. "Public contracting represents a significant portion of the government budget. Therefore, contractors have a responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable legal standards to avoid a finding or a recommendation for recovery," stated the Comptroller of Puerto Rico.

Contractors can obtain additional information in the informational brochure General Contracting Guidelines for the Government of Puerto Rico, published on the website www.ocpr.gov.pr. Or they can request guidance by calling (787) 754-3030 extensions 5413 or 5414.