When seeking to contract professional services with the Government of Puerto Rico, individuals and entities must understand the Registro Único de Proveedores de Servicios Profesionales (RUP). This centralized registry is essential for ensuring legal compliance, promoting transparency, and facilitating smoother procurement processes with government agencies.
What Is the RUP?
Under Law 73‑2019, Article 4(ff), the RUP is defined as an electronic registry administered by the Puerto Rico General Services Administration (ASG). It records qualified professional service providers—both individuals and entities—who meet all applicable regulatory and documentation requirements to contract with local government. No government entity, exempt entity, or participating municipality may establish a duplicate or equivalent registry.
Why the RUP Matters
The RUP plays a critical role in standardizing eligibility verification for professional service providers contracting with the Puerto Rican government. Once registered, providers receive a Certificado de Elegibilidad (Certificate of Eligibility), which confirms compliance with all legal and technical requirements for government contracts.
Importantly, all government agencies, exempt entities, and participating municipalities are required to acknowledge and accept valid RUP certificates when contracting for goods, non‑professional services, or construction—underlining the registry’s legal importance.
Who Must Register?
Registration in the RUP is mandatory for any natural person or legal entity seeking to provide professional services to the Government of Puerto Rico, exempt entities, or participating municipalities. The following practice areas typically require registration (please note that this list is not exhaustive):
- Legal services: attorneys, legal consultants
- Professional engineering and architecture
- Financial, economic, and management consulting
- Healthcare and social services professionals
- Information technology consultants and specialists
Proper registration ensures eligibility to bid and contract, while also enhancing business integrity and compliance with government procurement laws.
RUP Registration Requirements
Requirements for Corporations:
Corporations and legal entities seeking to register in the RUP must provide the following documentation and fulfill these requirements:
- Annual fee: $200.00 (online payment available)
- Application/Renewal Form: Completed via the ASG online portal
- Professional Experience Documents:
- Company profile or resumes of key members
- Diplomas (if applicable)
- Licenses to practice the profession (if applicable)
- Affidavit: ASG-633 Form (rev. 2022)
- Puerto Rico Equal Pay Act Certification: ASG-727 Form (rev. 2021)
- Corporate Resolution or LLC Certification: ASG-674 Form (rev. 2022), required for corporations and LLCs
- Unique Entity ID (SAM.GOV): Required for federally funded projects only
- Criminal Record Certificate: Issued by Puerto Rico Police Bureau (for all authorized members)
- Department of State Documents:
- Registration Certificate
- Certificate of Good Standing (issued within the past year)
- Deed of Incorporation/Agreement (for partnerships)
- Department of Treasury Documents:
- Filing certification of tax returns (last 5 years) (SC-6088)
- Certification of reasons for non-filing, if applicable (SC-2781)
- No Debt Certification (SC-6096, valid for 30 days)
- Merchant Registration Certification (SC-2918)
- Certification of Filing Sales and Use Tax Returns (SC-2942, if applicable)
- Department of Labor and Human Resources Certifications:
- Unemployment and Disability Insurance Certification (or Single Debt Certification)
- Social Security Certification for drivers (if applicable)
- Municipal Revenue Collection Center (CRIM):
- All Concepts Certification (or Single Debt Certification), including:
- Certification of Personal Property Tax Return filings (last 5 years), or Negative Certification/Affidavit if applicable
- State Insurance Fund Corporation (CFSE):
- Debt Certification (Form CFSE-0566 or CFSE-3047)
- ASUME Certification:
- Employer’s Compliance Certification (valid within 30 days)
Entities must ensure all documents remain current, as expired or invalid documentation will lead to ineligibility.
Requirements for Individuals (DBA or Sole Proprietors):
Individuals seeking registration must meet the following criteria:
- Annual fee: $100.00 (online payment available)
- Application/Renewal Form: Completed via ASG online portal
- Professional Experience Documents:
- Resume
- Diplomas (if applicable)
- Professional licenses (if applicable)
- Affidavit: ASG-633 Form (rev. 2022)
- Individual Type Business Certification: ASG-673 Form (rev. 2021)
- Puerto Rico Equal Pay Act Certification: ASG-727 Form (rev. 2021)
- Unique Entity ID (SAM.GOV): Required for federally funded projects only
- Criminal Record Certificate: Puerto Rico Police Bureau (or Criminal Background Check for non-residents)
- Department of Treasury Documents:
- Filing certification of income tax returns (last 5 years, SC-6088)
- Certification of reasons for non-filing (SC-2781, if applicable)
- No Debt Certification (SC-6096, valid for 30 days)
- Merchant Registration Certification
- Certification of Filing Sales and Use Tax Returns (SC-2942, if applicable)
- State Insurance Fund Corporation (CFSE):
- Debt Certification (Form CFSE-0566 or CFSE-3047)
- Department of Labor and Human Resources:
- Certification of Unemployment and Temporary Disability Insurance (or Single Debt Certification)
- Certification of Driver's Compensation Insurance
- ASUME Certification:
- Individual Compliance Certification (valid within 90 days)
- Municipal Revenue Collection Center (CRIM):
- All Concepts Certification (or Single Debt Certification), including:
- Certification of Personal Property Tax Return filings (last 5 years), or Negative Certification/Affidavit if applicable
Failure to provide current and validated documents will result in ineligibility.
Requirements for Foreign Entities:
Foreign legal entities interested in contracting with Puerto Rican government entities must submit:
- Annual fee: $200.00 (online payment available)
- Application/Renewal Form: Completed via ASG online portal
- Professional Experience Documents:
- Company profile or resumes of key members
- Diplomas (if applicable)
- Licenses to practice (if applicable)
- Affidavit: ASG-633 Form (rev. 2022)
- Puerto Rico Equal Pay Act Certification: ASG-727 Form (rev. 2021)
- Corporate Resolution or LLC Certification: ASG-674 Form (rev. 2022), if applicable
- Unique Entity ID (SAM.GOV): Required for federally funded projects only
- Criminal Background Check or Local Police Check: For all authorized members
- Deed of Incorporation/Agreement: Required for partnerships
- Department of State:
- Authorization to do business in Puerto Rico
- Certificate of Good Standing (valid within one year)
- Department of Treasury:
- No Debt Certification (SC-6096, valid for 30 days)
- Merchant Registration Certification (SC-2918)
- Certification of Filing Sales and Use Tax Returns (SC-2942, if applicable)
- Department of Labor and Human Resources:
- Unemployment Insurance and Disability Insurance Certification (or Single Debt Certification)
- ASUME Certification:
- Employer’s Compliance Certification (valid within 30 days)
Documentation must be current and validated. Expired or incomplete submissions will result in the rejection of the application
Selecting the Right Registry: RUP vs. RUL
Determining whether your services fall under professional or non-professional categories is essential for ensuring registration with the appropriate government registry. While the RUP is specifically designed for professional service providers, businesses offering goods, general services, or construction-related services typically register with the Registro Único de Licitadores (RUL).
If your business activities align more closely with the RUL rather than the RUP, you can learn more through our comprehensive guide: Understanding the RUL: El Registro Único de Licitadores de Puerto Rico.
Professional Guidance and Additional Resources
Navigating government registration requirements can be complex. At MZLS, our core practice areas include administrative law and government contracts, providing tailored support to meet your specific compliance needs:
MZLS is dedicated to simplifying regulatory processes, supporting successful contracting efforts, and maintaining ongoing compliance when conducting business with the Government of Puerto Rico.
Ready to Ensure Your Compliance?
For personalized guidance and assistance navigating the RUP registration process or determining which registry aligns best with your services, contact the MZLS team today. Let us support you in successfully managing your government contracting requirements in Puerto Rico.
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