What are the three stages of collusion with vendors?

In the context of collusion with vendors, the three stages—pre-solicitation, solicitation, and submission—exemplify the critical phases where collusive actions can occur. During the pre-solicitation stage, parties may collaborate to influence the formulation of requirements or to prepare bid specifications that favor specific vendors. This sets the groundwork for the next phase, the solicitation, where tenders or bids are officially called. At this point, collusion can manifest through sharing confidential information or fixing bid prices. Finally, in the submission stage, the colluding parties may submit coordinated bids that appear competitive to external observers but are actually manipulated to ensure a predetermined outcome, ultimately undermining the integrity of the procurement process.

This understanding captures not just the phases involved in collusion but highlights the vulnerabilities that can be exploited during the procurement lifecycle, making it crucial for investigators to focus on these specific stages when assessing potential fraudulent activities related to vendor interactions.