MOSCOW, April 5 (RAPSI) – Russian government has submitted a bill to improve the public procurement system to the State Duma, according to the lower house’s statement.

The draft law in particular stipulates reduction of a deadline for the notification of making purchases and calling for participation in determining a supplier in a closed way.

Moreover, the bill envisages rise in a price threshold allowing holding of an online auction with a reduced application period (7 days) from 3 to 50 million rubles, and up to 500 million rubles in construction procurement.

According to the State Duma deputy chair Alexander Zhukov, the bill will be considered by lawmakers on a priority basis. The first reading is expected to be held on April 11. Two other readings may be held later in the month.