Open Data Standards for Public Procurement and Contracting: A Collaborative Construction

Objective: this research examines the collaborative development of a standard for publishing open data in public procurement and contracting, drawing on regional and international initiatives. The study posits that disseminating such a standard can potentially enhance the municipalities’ ability to disclose data for citizens and control agencies, complying with open data principles. Method: the study started with an examination of a specific issue encountered within a municipality, engaging a network of stakeholders possessing diverse perspectives and insights into the problem and potential solutions. A proposal to resolve the issue was formulated and subjected to a pilot test in a municipality, evaluating its capacity for interoperability and scalability to other municipalities and public agencies. Result: alongside the proposal for an open data standard comprising three classes of data — public notice, adjudication, and contracting —, the study yielded two additional outcomes: the development and systematization of a co-production methodology to address public issues, and the initiation of a project to establish a statewide network for open data standardization. Conclusion: the development of the open data standard involved the integration of diverse knowledge, resources, and stakeholders. In addition, it encountered challenges, underwent iterations, and imparted valuable lessons. The emphasis on problem-solving and collaborative engagement among municipalities, academia, civil society, and government agencies was an aspect that stood out. Constructed collaboratively, the open data standard demonstrated potential for replication and is recommended for adoption by other organizations seeking to promote open data initiatives. The technopolitical and ontological aspects of the process, along with the perspectives and challenges for its sustainability, contribute to advancing knowledge and enhancing the practice of collaborative governance.