Article 134 of the Mexican Constitution says that public resources “se administrarán con eficiencia, eficacia, economía, transparencia y honradez” (shall be administered with efficiency, effectiveness, economy, transparency and honesty). Government purchases and contracts are to be awarded through public tenders, licitaciones públicas. Other procedures are allowed when tenders are not suitable.
According to Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity, 80 percent of federal government contracts in 2023 were direct awards. Measured by value, IMCO found that 22 percent of federal purchases in 2023 went through direct awards and restricted invitations.