Circumventing thresholds for undertaking formal solicitations and for review by procurement review committees occurs by splitting orders, establishing long-term agreements that have no total value, and estimating costs below real costs to bring in low-value contracts that are later adjusted. When extending or amending contracts, determine the contract history and current cumulative contract amount, and justify why the contract is being extended or amended.
Collusion between UNDP staff members or between UNDP personnel and suppliers could involve kick-backs or bribes, resulting in UNDP personnel manipulating the process, such as by restricting the list of suppliers. It is critical not to allow personnel to operate alone in many steps of the procurement process, especially in evaluation of and negotiations with suppliers.
Any input into the procurement process by a party with vested interests in the outcome creates a conflict of interest. Conflicts can be actual, perceived or potential.
Shortcuts limit time for bidding and inappropriate issue expressions of interest or requests to quote. Risks of fraud rise dramatically, as both suppliers and UNDP personnel act on insufficient information. This is a critical risk especially in emergency situations.
Unfair advantage to individual suppliers means that information is not disclosed consistently to all potential suppliers during the solicitation process, or inside information is disclosed to a potential supplier or existing vendor. Permitting personnel to act alone or undertaking ineffective market research can give rise to unfair advantage.