How to Investigate Bid Rigging/Anti-Trust Matters

Collusion between competitors is difficult to prove.  Here is a list of helpful items to look for in order to prove businesses are engaged in anti-competitive behavior.

  • Pricing records
    • Proposals, bids, worksheet estimates, price quotes, requests for quotes
    • Whiteboards
  • Appointment records
    • Diaries, calendars, travel and expense records
  • Phone records
    • Cell phones, toll calls
  • Co-Conspirator communications
    • Emails, memos, faxes, correspondence, text communications
    • Concerning agreement, meeting, communications
  • Competitor contact information
    • Business cards, address books, electronic address listings
  • Corporate Structure
    • Officers, Directors, pricing decisions, Sales, Market
  • Customer Records
    • Sales records, invoices, price change notifications
  • Bid Files
    • Exchange of bid information with competitors
    • Bid patterns
    • Use of sub-contractors by bidders
  • Trade Association Directories
    • Competitor contracts
  • “Agreement” Records – These are rare.
    • Exchange of price information between competitors
    • Policing Agreements