Red Flags of Rigged Specifications

The following are “red flags” of rigged specifications:

  • Specifications are significantly narrower or broader than previous similar requests for bids
  • Close similarity between the specifications and the winning bidder’s product or services
  • Project defines request by using brand name rather than generic description
  • Indications or allegations that the winning bidder prepared the contract specifications
  • Fewer than the normal or expected number of bids
  • High number of contract awards to one bidder