Introduction

The Registro Único de Licitadores (RUL), or Single Registry of Bidders, is a mandatory registration system established by Puerto Rico’s General Services Administration ("GSA" or "ASG" by its acronym in Spanish). Designed to simplify and standardize the process for doing business with the government, RUL ensures that all bidders meet specific criteria to qualify for government contracts.

For businesses, understanding and complying with RUL requirements is essential to unlocking opportunities within the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

What is the RUL?

The RUL aims to:

• Streamline the registration process for businesses.

• Reduce administrative burdens by digitizing submissions and notifications.

• Ensure compliance through rigorous evaluation of eligibility criteria.

Through RUL, the GSA evaluates bidders using objective standards, including certifications and documentation, to determine their eligibility for entering into contractual relationships with the government.

Who Needs to Register?

All entities wishing to do business with Puerto Rico’s government must register through RUL. The registration process varies depending on the type of business structure, including:

• Corporations

  (domestic and foreign).

• Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs)

• Limited Liability Societies

• Partnerships and Societies

The following sections outline the documentation and requirements for each category.

Key Registration Requirements by Entity Type

1. Corporations (Domestic and Foreign)

• Annual Fee:

  $450.00

• Documents Required:

  • RUL Registration Application Form.

  • Certificate of Incorporation.

  • ASUME Certification.

  • Certification of Debt and Policy from the State Insurance Fund Corporation.

  • Financial Statement or Projections (for businesses one year or less).

  • Municipal Patent.

  • Certification of Payroll Filings (last 5 years) from the Department of Finance.

Additional requirements apply based on whether the corporation is domestic or foreign, such as:

• Certificate of Authorization

  to do business in Puerto Rico for foreign corporations.

2. Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs)

• Annual Fee:

  $450.00

• Documents Required:

  • Certificate of Organization and Good Standing.

  • Certification of Debt from the State Insurance Fund Corporation.

  • Certification of Payroll Filings (last 5 years).

  • Financial Statement or Projections.

  • Municipal Patent.

3. Limited Liability Societies (Domestic and Foreign)

• Annual Fee:

  $350.00

• Documents Required:

  • Certificate of Compliance with applicable laws (e.g., General Law of Corporations or COSSEC).

  • Certification of Debt and Policy from the State Insurance Fund Corporation.

  • Deed or Memorandum of Association.

  • Financial Statement or Projections.

4. Partnerships and Societies

• Annual Fee:

  $450.00

• Documents Required:

  • Certificate of Special Partnership from the Treasury Department.

  • Certification of Debt and Policy from the State Insurance Fund Corporation.

  • Certification of Payroll Filings (last 5 years).

  • Financial Statement or Projections.

How to Register with RUL

• Create an Account on the GSA Portal

  • Visit the General Services Administration’s website and create an account using a valid email address.

  • If you previously used the RUL system, log in using the provisional credentials sent to your email.

• Submit Your Documentation

  • Upload all required documents electronically.

  • Monitor your application status through the portal.

• Pay the Annual Fee

  • Fees vary based on the type of entity (e.g., $450 for corporations and LLCs, $350 for limited liability societies).

• Stay Compliant

  • Ensure certifications remain current and reapply as necessary to avoid disqualification.

Why Register with RUL?

• Access Government Opportunities

  • Registration is mandatory for businesses seeking contracts with Puerto Rico’s government.

• Streamlined Processes

  • The electronic system simplifies application tracking, renewals, and compliance notifications.

• Standardized Criteria

  • Ensures fair evaluation based on consistent eligibility standards.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to register or maintain compliance with RUL may disqualify your business from bidding on government contracts. Additionally, missing or falsified documentation could lead to administrative penalties or legal repercussions.