Conducting yourself properly.
WHY IT MATTERS ACUTELY HERE
Public procurement is closely scrutinised and the consequences of impropriety are severe.
WHAT IS PROHIBITED
Offering anything of value to influence an award Collusion between bidders Submitting false information Bidding while ineligible or disqualified Using confidential information improperly
WHAT COLLUSION INCLUDES
Agreeing prices with competitors Agreeing who will win Submitting cover bids to create the appearance of competition
WHY IT DESERVES EMPHASIS
It is a serious offence and it is detected through price patterns.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That your bids are prepared independently.
WHAT TO AVOID
Discussing pricing with competitors, ever.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IMPROPER APPROACHES
Decline, and record it.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Pay to be included on a list Pay for information about competing bids Pay to secure an award
WHY
It is unlawful, it exposes you to extortion permanently, and it results in exclusion.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT INFORMATION
That questions are asked through the formal channel only.
WHY
Informal contact with evaluators can disqualify you.
WHAT TO DO IF A PROCESS APPEARS IMPROPER
Consider whether to bid at all Use any formal complaint mechanism Document what you observed
WHAT COMPLAINT MECHANISMS TYPICALLY EXIST
Review by the procuring entity Review by a regulator Formal challenge procedures
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
The deadline for challenge.
WHY
They are short.
WHAT TO WEIGH
The cost of challenging against the relationship.
WHAT TO RECORD
Everything.
