The Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (TCE-RJ) has ordered the immediate suspension of a significant bidding process valued at around R$ 13 million by the Teresópolis City Hall. This contract was aimed at implementing a computerized system for the supply of school materials and uniforms through electronic cards. The decision was made unilaterally on February 3, 2026, following a representation from one of the participating companies, indicating concerns about the bidding process and allegations of irregularities in the announcement.

A pivotal highlight of this case was the absurdity of the contract value, which fortuitously appeared on the Portal Nacional de Contratações Públicas (Pncp) as just R$ 1.26 instead of the correct value of R$ 13,175,085.97. This monumental error not only raised questions about the bidding process's integrity but also has potential implications for the ability of oversight bodies and society at large to monitor the bidding effectively. It highlights the importance of accurate reporting and transparency in public procurement processes.

The municipality explained that the incorrect display of the value was due to a technical limitation of the platform used for the bidding process. However, the incident emphasizes the necessity for stricter checks and balances in public procurement to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring both accountability and trust in government contracting practices in Brazil.