The Respondent was awarded two contracts to deliver external technical audit services for the following programs: (i) Program to Improve Equity and Strengthen Health Services and (ii) Program to Strengthen Results-Based Management in the Health Sector (the “Programs")

The Office of Institutional Integrity (“OII”) submitted a Statement of Charges and Evidence against the Respondent and others for allegedly engaging in corrupt and fraudulent practices related to the Programs.  OII’s specific allegations were that during the process of awarding the contract for one of the Programs the Respondent engaged in fraudulent practices by misrepresenting information concerning the key technical personnel. In addition, the Respondent participated in the inclusion of false information regarding the academic qualifications and professional experience of the auditors during the execution of the contract for one of the Programs. Further, OII presented allegations against the Respondent for engaging in a corrupt practice by offering money to public officials to improperly influence their actions.

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. Following the issuance of the Notice and reviewing the Respondent’s Response, the SO issued a Determination finding that the Respondent had engaged in corrupt and fraudulent practices. The SO imposed a debarment against the Respondent. In accordance with the Sanctions Procedures, the Respondent appealed the SO’s Determination before the Sanctions Committee (the “Committee”). The Respondent denied committing the prohibited practices.

Following a de novo review of the written record (including the Statement of Charges, the Notice, the Respondent’s Response, the SO’s Determination, Respondent’s Appeal and OII’s Reply), the Committee concluded that it was more likely than not that the Respondent had engaged in corrupt and fraudulent practices. The Committee imposed a ten (10) year-debarment period in which the Respondent will be ineligible to participate or be awarded contracts for projects or activities financed by the Bank. The Committee took in consideration the following aggravating factors: (i) repeat pattern of sanctionable conduct, (ii) lack of cooperation with the investigation, and (iii) degree of harm to project. The Committee did not consider mitigating factors.