Open University of Catalonia

September-2025

Following a complaint about alleged irregularities in the area of ​​the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), a possible irregular allocation of public funds has been examined, which would have breached public procurement regulations, as well as a possible breach of the UOC Foundation's gift policy. In terms of procurement, possible payments of invoices without a contractual file, services or supplies not provided, lack of communication to the Public Register of Contracts, improper fractionations and deficiencies in competition, advertising and division into lots have been analysed, among other issues. The actions have not been able to prove irregularities relating to invoicing or payment for services not provided. Internal warnings and discrepancies have been identified in the matter of procurement, especially with regard to the risk of fractionation, but the adoption of corrective measures following an audit report by the Auditor General has also been noted, such as the reinforcement of the procurement system, a new purchasing policy, internal instructions and mandatory training. Regarding the gift policy, although some deliveries could be repetitive or not very aligned with good practices, the lack of a maximum threshold at that time, the low economic relevance in relation to the overall budget and the measures adopted allow us to refute the existence of a manifest irregularity. In accordance with the results indicated, the action has been filed.