The Atomic Energy Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan has approved new procurement rules for the national nuclear power plant operator. The document permits the purchase of equipment and the selection of construction contractors without a tender. This requires the approval of the management of the client company and the agency.
HOW PROCUREMENT WITHOUT A TENDER WAS AUTHORISED
According to data BES.media, the new rules apply to Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP (KAES) and its subsidiaries. The document has been published in the Reference Control Bank of Regulatory Legal Acts.
Concluding contracts directly is permitted after approval by the management of the client company and the Atomic Energy Agency.
Separate grounds for such procurements are provided for in the implementation of intergovernmental agreements and ratified international treaties. The agency also has the right to determine a supplier on the recommendation of an interdepartmental commission without holding a tender.
WHY A SINGLE BID IS ENOUGH FOR A TENDER
The new rules retain competitive procurement methods. These include requests for price proposals, open, two-stage and closed tenders.
At the same time, a single bid is sufficient for a tender or request for price proposals to be deemed valid. The main condition is that the participant meets the established requirements. The contract value must not exceed the allocated amount.
Closed tenders are permitted for procurements related to state secrets, official information of restricted distribution and other information protected by law. Notices of such procurements are not published publicly.
Ordinary administrative, household, office and transport expenses continue to be governed by the legislation on public procurement.
WHO IS BUILDING THE FIRST NPP IN KAZAKHSTAN
On 3 September 2026, KAES and Atomstroyexport, a subsidiary of the Russian Rosatom corporation, signed a contract for the design, supply of equipment and construction of Kazakhstan's first NPP.
The Balkhash station will be located next to the settlement of Ulken. The Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency, Almasadam Satkaliyev, estimated the project cost at approximately $16.4 billion, taking into account safety and social infrastructure costs.
The start of the main construction work is scheduled for 2027, with the launch of the first power unit in 2034.
HOW MUCH MONEY IS PROVIDED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NPP
The draft republican budget for 2027–2029 provides for almost KZT 818 billion to increase the capital of KAES.
The new rules allow the operator to conclude contracts directly for the purchase of equipment and construction work, subject to the stipulated conditions. However, the published material does not specify what share of the expenses for the first NPP will be awarded without a competitive selection process.
