The Respondent Firm (“Respondent”) was subcontracted to provide technical-legal advice for the implementation of the Urban Transportation Program of the Federal District and Non-Reimbursable Technical Cooperation (the “Program”). The Office of Institutional Integrity (“OII”) submitted a Statement of Charges and Evidence against the Respondent for allegedly engaging in a collusive practice related to the Program. OII accused the Respondent of manipulating a bidding process through collusive agreements, in order to unduly favor certain entities with awards granted under favorable conditions in detriment of public interest. Consequently, and in accordance with the Sanctions Procedures, the Sanctions Officer (“SO”) issued a Notice of Administrative Action (“Notice”) to the Respondent. In the Response to the Notice, the Respondent denied the allegations presented by OII.

The SO determined that it was more likely than not that the Respondent engaged in a collusive practice. As a result, the SO imposed a sanction of debarment for a period of six (6) years, during which time the Respondent will be ineligible to participate or be awarded contracts in projects or activities financed by the Bank Group. In determining the sanction, the SO took into account, as aggravating factors, the repetition of a pattern of conduct, its degree of sophistication, the participation of public officials in carrying out the prohibited practice, the magnitude of the damage caused by the Respondent's actions and the damage caused to the Bank’s reputation.

The Respondent did not appeal the Determination of the SO before the Sanctions Committee and, therefore, in accordance with the Sanctions Procedures, the sanction imposed came into force.