Background Check #1
IS THE COMPANY A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS, WITH THE CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE IT CLAIMS IN ITS BID OR PROPOSAL?
Many companies involved in corrupt or fraudulent practices are shell companies, organized solely for the purpose of obtaining fraudulent contracts, without any staff or permanent business premises. The following checks will help identify them:
- Does the firm have a website or appear on the Internet, in a manner consistent with its purported size and experience, and the firm’s representations in its bid or proposal?
- Is the firm listed in on-line or hard copy telephone, business or Chamber of Commerce directories, appropriate to its claims?
- Are the company’s listed address and telephone numbers correct? Do reverse address and telephone searches to identify the real persons or companies listed at the address or telephone number.
- Use map and satellite photo sites where available to view the purported premises.
Primary sources of information:
- General information sites on the internet
- US and international telephone directories
- Corporate registries and business directories
- Dun and Bradstreet
- Map and satellite photo sites
On-site background checks for smaller or local firms not listed on the Internet:
- Call and visit purported business location; check local telephone, business and corporate directories.
Background Check #2
HAS THE FIRM OR INDIVIDUAL BEEN THE SUBJECT OF DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INVESTIGATION, LEGAL ACTION OR NEGATIVE PUBLICITY?
Primary sources of information:
- Lists of firms and individuals debarred by International Financial Institutions and other organizations:
- Media reports on firms and individuals involved in development projects, including reports of investigations and allegations of wrongdoing:
- US and international court records on firms and individuals involved in development projects:
On-site background checks for smaller or local firms not listed on the Internet:
- Check with prior clients, employers and donors, local NGO’s and trade associations and local media sources.
Background Check #3
DOES THE FIRM HAVE THE CAPACITY (EXPERIENCE, PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES) TO DO THE PROPOSED WORK?
Primary sources of information:
- Check if a bidder, contractor or consultant has the necessary experience and resources to perform the proposed contract, see, e.g.:
On-site background checks for smaller or local firms not listed on the Internet:
- Check references with prior employers and donors, local business directories and trade associations.
Background Check #4
DOES A PROPOSED CONSULTANT HAVE THE EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE CLAIMED IN HIS OR HER CV?
Primary sources of information:
- Use these links to verify the claimed education and professional credentials for staff and consultants submitted by consulting firms:
- Compare questioned CV’s or proposals to other submitted CV’s and proposals; check references and colleagues from prior projects.
On-site background checks for smaller or local firms not listed on the Internet:
- Check references and contact prior supervisors and colleagues of the proposed consultant or staff member.
Background Check #5
DO FURTHER BACKGROUND CHECKS ON FIRMS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE THE SUBJECT OF ALLEGATIONS OR CONCERNS.
Primary sources of information:
- See these links for background information on individuals – including project, government and donor officials – involved in development projects:
On-site background checks on individuals not listed on the Internet:
- Check local public records and contact witnesses familiar with the subject.