Fiscalização na licitação pública como instrumento de controle social: estudo do observatório social no município de São José dos Campos – SP

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the social control actions and activities developed by the Social Observatory, NGO, in the city of São José dos Campos, specifically related to the oversight of public procurement, with the objective of verifying if the NGO is characterized as an effective instrument for citizens to exercise their civic rights, in a way that corruption practice is avoided. This study also attempts to analyze the results obtained by this NGO from its establishment in the city; moreover, aims to describe the importance of citizen monitoring of public expenditures as means to contribute with public management improvement. With the purpose of meeting the objective proposed in this study, bibliographic data was gathered to conceptualize the importance of the social control by the civil society and to expose the concepts of democracy and corruption; notwithstanding, this study sought to conduct a brief approach to purchasing procedures in Public Administration. Furthermore, this study aimed to know the activities developed by Social Observatory with the use of semistructured and structured interviews and attendance to weekly meetings organized by NGO members. The objectives of this study were reached, indicating that the Social Observatory is a useful and fundamental tool for the exercising of civic rights and social control; however, it is in its adaptation and maturation phase, and the results which involve public resources savings will only be achieved in a long-term period. Yet, taking the activity period of the NGO into consideration, it is concluded that the results obtained until the present moment are considered significant and satisfactory.