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What Is the Secret Competition Principle (Geheimwettbewerb, Germany)?
This is a German procurement term. The principle that bids remain secret and independent of one another until opening.
What is the Geheimwettbewerb?
The principle that bidders must prepare their bids independently and without knowledge of each other's bids, so that the competition is genuine.
How can it be breached?
By collusion between bidders, by one company submitting several bids through affiliated entities, or by a bidder gaining knowledge of a competitor's bid.
What are the consequences?
Exclusion of the bids concerned. Multiple bids from affiliated companies are excluded unless the companies can show their bids were prepared independently.
