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Guide to Combating Corruption & Fraud in Infrastructure Development Projects

  • Detection
    • Complaints
      • General initial interview questions
      • How to Generate Complaints and Reports
      • List of fraud reporting sites for Multilateral Development Banks
    • Red Flags
      • Red Flags Listed by Project Cycle
      • “Visible red flags” of Implementation Fraud
      • Proactive Fraud Detection Tests
    • Due Diligence
      • “Top Five” Due Diligence Background Checks
      • Free and Subscription Internet Sites
      • Local and On-Site Due Diligence Checks
      • Due Diligence Service Providers
  • Proof
    • Proving Common Schemes
      • Corruption Schemes
      • Bid Rigging Schemes
      • Collusive Bidding Schemes
      • Fraud Schemes
      • The Basic Steps of a Complex Fraud and Corruption Investigation
    • Elements of Proof for Sanctionable Offenses
      • Elements of Proof of Corrupt Practices
      • Elements of Proof of Obstructive Practices
      • Elements of Proof of Coercive Practices
      • Elements of Proof of Collusive Practices
      • Elements of Proof of Fraudulent Practices
  • Evidence
    • The Basics of Evidence for Investigators
  • Prevention
    • Anti-fraud Resources
Home » Detection » Red Flags of Corruption, Bid Rigging and Other Schemes » Red Flag: Contract Specifications Are Too Narrow or Too Broad

Red Flag: Contract Specifications Are Too Narrow or Too Broad

Project officials can draft unduly narrow or broad technical specifications in order to facilitate the selection of a favored bidder, often as the result of corruption.

Unduly narrow specifications can be used to exclude otherwise qualified bidders.  Unduly broad specifications can allow unqualified bidders to compete.

Unduly narrow specifications also can set the stage for unnecessary amendments to inflate the contract price and fund bribe payments.

This red flag can indicate the following schemes:

  • Rigged specifications
  • Excluding qualified bidders
  • Corruption

Click on the schemes listed above to see more information on each scheme, a more complete listing of their red flags and steps to determine if the schemes are actually present.

Category: Red Flags of Corruption, Bid Rigging and Other Schemes

International Anti-Corruption
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