El Salvador Public Procurement Private Exchange Platform

Foreign companies interested in selling to the Salvadoran government can participate through BOLPROS, a private electronic exchange platform authorized under El Salvador’s new legal framework.

BOLPROS (Bolsa de Productos y Servicios de El Salvador) operates a reverse auction platform that allows government institutions to purchase goods and services. The process is fast, transparent, and competitive: auctions are broadcast live, and all bids are visible in real time. Typical procurement cycles range from 15 to 21 business days.

To participate in BOLPROS auctions, foreign companies must:
1.    Appoint a legal representative or attorney in El Salvador as the company’s authorized agent.
2.    Engage a licensed brokerage firm (Puesto de Bolsa) authorized to operate within BOLPROS. There are currently 7 brokerage firms and over 30 authorized agents available to assist with public procurement transactions.
3.    Sign a commission-based intermediation agreement with the selected brokerage firm.
4.    The brokerage firm will provide representation and advisory services throughout all procurement processes the company chooses to participate in.

The platform is supervised by the Superintendency of the Financial System (SSF), regulated by the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador, and subject to regular internal and external audits.

Currently, around 44 government institutions use BOLPROS, accounting for an estimated 17% to 25% of the national public procurement budget. Since its implementation, the Government of El Salvador (GOES) has procured goods and services exceeding $1 billion through the platform, with transaction values ranging from $1,600 to more than $120 million. Frequently procured items include IT equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, aviation parts, aircraft components, and various specialized goods.

These procurement opportunities were enabled by the 2023 Public Procurement Law (LCP), which introduced reverse auctions under Article 73. These auctions can be carried out either through COMPRASAL, the government’s official procurement portal, or through authorized private platforms such as BOLPROS.
For more information  visit BOLPROS or contact the U.S. Commercial Service Office in San Salvador at office.sansalvador@trade.gov