The use of consultancy services by the Federal State - Advisory or operational support tasks, including the supply of staff

Between 2020 and 2022 the total consultancy cost for the Federal State is estimated at 2.5 billion euros including VAT, i.e. 2 billion euros for IT consultancy and 492.4 million euros for other areas (strategy, management, etc.). The Belgian Court of Audit found that the Federal State lacks a centralised inventory of consultancy contracts and an explicit definition of what these contracts cover. Furthermore, the Federal State failed to develop an explicit strategy for its use of consultancy. In addition, the specific risks associated with consultancy and the provision of IT specialists are not sufficiently managed. The Court identified structural weaknesses in the procurement procedures, the justification of the choices made by the contracting authorities and the compliance with transparency obligations.