Accepting bids
191of 8,712 published
Value open now
R$ 1.8Bsum of open tenders
Average estimated value
R$ 16.7Mper procurement
Buying agencies
1,8121,494 cities
Updated with the latest publication of Oct 23, 2026 · official PNCP data.
How the Brazilian government buys water and sanitation
Drinking water delivered by tanker truck during droughts, well drilling, water treatment, and water networks. These are sensitive contracts, often emergency ones, measured per cubic meter delivered or per meter drilled, and they require a water-use permit (outorga) from the water resources authority.
What the tender notice usually requires
- Water-use permit (outorga)
- Water potability report
- Vehicle/tank with proven sanitization
- Responsible technical professional for drilling
Typical activity code (CNAE): 36.00-6 (water collection and distribution). Make sure the company's registered
business purpose covers the activity before bidding — an incompatible CNAE is grounds for disqualification.
How to prepare to bid in Brazil
Follow new publications daily: between the notice and the bid deadline there are usually about eight business
days, and much of that time goes into gathering documents. Download the tender notice and the terms of reference
from each tender page, check the specification item by item and work out your minimum price before the bidding
phase — including taxes, freight, payment terms and the margin that makes the contract viable.
Micro and small businesses (ME/EPP) get preferential treatment under Brazilian law: a tie preference, extra time
to fix tax certificates and, in smaller purchases, exclusive participation. See the step-by-step guide
how to participate in a tender.
Frequently asked questions
How many water and sanitation tenders are open in Brazil?
There are 191 water and sanitation tenders accepting bids in Brazil right now, out of 8,712 published. This page is updated several times a day from the PNCP.
How much does the government spend on water and sanitation?
The average estimated value of these procurements is R$ 16,683,367.23, and the tenders open in Brazil add up to R$ 1,776,605,808.24. The estimated value is the agency's reference price — the final price is usually lower after the bidding phase.
Who buys water and sanitation in Brazil?
1,812 different agencies have published procurements in this category: city governments, city councils, municipal health and education funds, and state and federal bodies. The agencies that buy the most are listed on this page.
What do I need to sell water and sanitation to the Brazilian government?
Besides the standard qualification documents (a CNPJ with a compatible activity code, federal, social security, labor, state and municipal clearance certificates, and financial statements), this category usually requires: Water-use permit (outorga); Water potability report; Vehicle/tank with proven sanitization; Responsible technical professional for drilling. The tender notice always has the final word.
Do I need to be based in Brazil to bid?
No. Electronic tenders are open to companies from anywhere in the country, and Law 14,133/2021 prohibits requiring a local address as a condition to participate. In practice, freight, delivery time and local support affect the price — which is why regional suppliers are often competitive. Foreign companies should read how foreign companies can bid.
Tender notices are published in Portuguese, so descriptions appear as the agency wrote them.
Search with English or Portuguese keywords — common English terms are translated automatically.
New to Brazil? Start with how foreign companies can bid.