On October 23, 2020, the National Hydrocarbons Agency ("ANH") published Addendum 18 to the Permanent Area Allocation Process ("PPAA") by which several changes to the Process Terms of Reference were adopted. ANH also published  the Instructions for the Submission of Proposals and Counteroffers  and the Protocol for submitting Proposals and Counteroffers through Blockchain.

The deposit hearing and opening of proposals of the enabled participants (link) for this third cycle will take place on Friday, October 30.

One of the main changes in the process is the use of blockchain technology for the submission of proposals, counteroffers and best option proposal in a virtual way.

In this sense, the Protocol for the Submission of Proposals and Counteroffers through Blockchain  (the "Blockchain Protocol") is a pilot for the improvement of the ANH processes, which will be developed through the encryption of proposals, counteroffers and initial proponent option through EncryptFile.

It is important to note that in the event of contradictions between the information submitted in physical envelopes and that submitted through Blockchain,  the information provided in a physical manner will prevail.

Please refer to the following link for more information: http://www.anh.gov.co/Asignacion-de-areas/Paginas/PPAADefinitivo.aspx