Member since 2021
Public infrastructure in context
Over the past decade, the Dominican Republic has made significant investments in public infrastructure aimed at enhancing mobility, healthcare, education, energy, and water services nationwide. Major projects such as road expansions, public hospitals, educational centers, and the expansion of urban transport systems like the Santo Domingo Metro have contributed to national development and regional connectivity. These investments have been critical to supporting economic growth, tourism, and social inclusion in both urban and rural areas.
In parallel, the country has taken important steps to strengthen transparency and accountability in infrastructure delivery. The adoption of open contracting principles, publication of procurement data, and integration into international initiatives such as the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative (CoST) demonstrate a growing commitment to responsible governance. The launch of digital tools and platforms has improved public access to information about ongoing infrastructure projects, including costs, contractors, and implementation timelines.
A key player in this transformation has been the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP), which has promoted the modernization of procurement practices, expanded the use of electronic tendering systems, and implemented tools to monitor public contracts. Their efforts have increased competition, reduced discretion, and helped detect irregularities in project execution. Additionally, the General Directorate of Government Ethics and Integrity (DIGEIG) has played a strategic role in promoting a culture of integrity and ethical behavior in the public sector, including mechanisms for whistleblower protection and corruption prevention.
The country has also begun incorporating citizen participation mechanisms in infrastructure oversight, such as social audits, community consultations, and participatory budgeting in selected municipalities. These efforts have helped foster public trust and ensure that infrastructure projects respond to the real needs of communities. While challenges remain, the Dominican Republic has established an institutional and civic foundation that positions it well to continue improving infrastructure transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement in the years ahead.
CoST Dominican Republic: how it all began
The Dominican Republic was accepted as a CoST Affiliate Member in 2021, demonstrating a clear commitment to incorporating transparency standards in the management of public infrastructure. Building on this foundation, and recognizing the value of CoST tools in improving infrastructure governance, the country formally applied in October 2024 to transition from an Affiliate to a Member. This marks a significant step forward, reaffirming the government’s intention to adopt and implement the full suite of CoST tools and standards nationwide.
The initiative is being led by the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP), which acts as the key government entity coordinating CoST’s implementation in the Dominican Republic. As part of this transition, CoST Dominican Republic is currently formalizing its Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) regulation and advancing the development of a state-owned data publication platform. This platform will be designed to ensure transparency throughout the entire project lifecycle, while also integrating with existing public systems to streamline data reporting and avoid duplication of efforts.
Data publication
The data publication process ensures that data about the purpose, scope, costs, and execution of infrastructure projects is open and accessible to the public, and that the data is published in a timely manner.
CoST offers a series of tools and standards designed to enhance infrastructure transparency, accountability, and participation. The Dominican Republic has focused its efforts on publishing data.
Alongside their work on the data publication platform, CoST Dominican Republic also plans to launch the country’s first Infrastructure Transparency Index (ITI). This tool enables the measurement and comparison of transparency practices across various institutions and projects, fostering a culture of openness and accountability.
Additionally, the programme aims to strengthen the capacities of public officials, civil society, and private sector stakeholders through training and technical assistance, ensuring effective use and institutionalization of CoST tools. These actions demonstrate the Dominican Republic’s deepening commitment to infrastructure transparency, civic participation, and the responsible use of public resources.
Online platforms
The General Directorate of Public Procurement is working on the development of a data publication platform aligned with the CoST Infrastructure Data Standard (IDS). The platform is designed to promote transparency across the entire lifecycle of public infrastructure projects.
Get in touch
CoST Dominican Republic Manager
Mabel Infante
dominicanrepublic@infrastructuretransparency.org
Useful links