Annotation

The article examines the legal status and operational mechanisms of public councils established under the territorial bodies of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia within the framework of public oversight of compliance with legislation governing the contract system. It elucidates the distinctive features of the legal regulation of public councils, analyses their role in preventing violations in the field of public procurement, and, drawing on law enforcement practice, identifies key issues affecting the effectiveness of public oversight. The paper further proposes measures to enhance cooperation between public councils and the territorial bodies of the FAS Russia. Particular attention is devoted to the digitalisation of public control mechanisms and to the prospects for the further development of the institution of public councils in the context of the ongoing reform of the contract system.