By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) has announced a significant public auction of nearly 300 pieces of industrial and construction equipment. The state-owned utility is set to sell off 299 items in an event scheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the auditorium of the Centro Empresarial in Pavas.
This large-scale liquidation offers a unique opportunity for companies in the construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors to acquire specialized machinery. According to the official announcement released Friday, the equipment being auctioned has been retired from ICE’s active inventory for specific, managed reasons. The institution clarified that the machinery has either completed its operational lifecycle, is no longer supported by the original manufacturer, or has been deemed technologically obsolete for the utility’s current needs.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the recent ICE auction and its implications for public procurement, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent auction conducted by ICE serves as a critical test for Costa Rica’s public procurement laws. While auctions are designed to ensure the best value for the state, their legitimacy hinges on absolute transparency and strict adherence to the principles of fair competition outlined in the General Public Procurement Law. Any procedural ambiguity or perceived favoritism could open the door to legal challenges from unsuccessful bidders, potentially delaying the very projects the auction was meant to expedite.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a critical reminder that the auction’s true success is measured not just by the final price, but by the legal and procedural integrity of the process itself. This commitment to transparency is essential to prevent the very delays the projects aim to overcome. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion.
The inventory available is extensive and diverse, catering to a wide range of industrial applications. Among the heavy-duty equipment listed are dredges, a tunnel boring machine, radial drills, and concrete placing towers. Specialized machinery also includes an aluminum injector and a forging hammer, items that could be pivotal for specific manufacturing or metalworking operations. The auction provides a rare chance for businesses to procure such high-value assets at competitive prices.
Beyond the large-scale machinery, the auction will feature a broad selection of essential tools and equipment suitable for smaller contractors and workshops. The list includes conventional and multi-process welders, manual drills, rebar cutters and benders, and wire feeders for welding units. This variety ensures that the event will attract interest from a wide spectrum of potential buyers, from large corporations to independent operators looking to expand their capabilities.
To ensure a transparent and orderly process, ICE has established a clear set of prerequisites for all potential bidders. Participation requires a formal registration process, which includes a refundable participation guarantee of ₡150,000. This deposit must be paid at the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) and will be returned to participants via a bank deposit after the auction concludes.
In addition to the financial guarantee, all interested parties must demonstrate their good standing with key government entities. Bidders are required to be current with their obligations to both the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) and the Ministry of Finance. This compliance check underscores the formal nature of the government auction and ensures all participants meet national regulatory standards. A valid form of identification, such as a cédula, and a photocopy must also be presented.
For those seeking comprehensive details, ICE has made all information publicly available online. The complete list of requirements and a catalog of the items can be found by referencing procedure number 2025LA-000005-PROV on the official procurement website. To access the files, users must navigate to the “adquisiciones” (acquisitions) menu, select “recepción de ofertas” (reception of offers), and input the procedure details. ICE is also facilitating in-person inspections of the machinery, which can be scheduled in advance.
To further assist prospective buyers, the institution has designated a point of contact for all inquiries. Pablo Orozco is available to answer questions, provide clarifications, or schedule inspection appointments. He can be reached by phone at 2001-0828 or 8319-7816, or via email at [email protected]. This direct line of communication is intended to help bidders make informed decisions ahead of the December 3rd event.
For further information, visit ice.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the state-owned provider of electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Founded in 1949, it has been instrumental in the country’s development, overseeing the expansion of the national power grid, primarily through renewable energy sources, and managing key telecommunications infrastructure.
For further information, visit bancobcr.com
About Banco de Costa Rica (BCR):
The Banco de Costa Rica is one of the largest and most prominent state-owned commercial banks in the nation. It provides a wide range of financial services to individuals and corporations, including deposits, loans, and investment management. The BCR plays a significant role in the country’s financial system and often collaborates with government agencies for official transactions.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund is the public entity responsible for managing the nation’s universal healthcare system and public pension programs. It is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s social welfare state, providing medical services and social security benefits to the majority of the population. Compliance with CCSS obligations is a standard requirement for businesses operating in the country.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministerio de Hacienda:
The Ministry of Finance is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for managing public finances, collecting taxes, and overseeing the national budget. It plays a crucial role in the country’s economic policy, ensuring fiscal stability and the proper administration of state revenues and expenditures.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. Leveraging a rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently drives progress through innovative legal strategies. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to strengthen the community by fostering greater legal understanding and empowerment for all.
