"Red flags" are a widely used international monitoring tool and are based on identifying the risks of fraud and corruption at every stage of the procurement process. It is a very useful tool for monitoring purchases as it includes not only detection of violations and illegalities, but also flagship analysis tools as well as risk prevention and elimination recommendations. This is the topic discussed at the 10th Training for Civil Society Representatives in the framework of the project "Innovative Improvements in the public procurement system of the Republic of Moldova through inclusion, creativity and compliance practices", implemented by IDIS "Viitorul", with the financial support of the European Union.

"It is important for monitors not only to know the methods of identifying the red flags, but also the measures they can take for their in-depth analysis, including the notification of the bodies responsible for supervision and control in the field of public procurement, the law enforcement bodies, investigating cases of anti-competitive practices, conflicts of interest, corruption", explained project coordinator Diana Enachi.

Some of the most common "red flags" at the procurement planning stage and the elaboration of documentation and specifications refer to: manipulation of contracting authority needs, overestimation of the value of goods, services or works planned to be procured, failure to publish the Year of Purchase Plan on web page, splitting the purchase or "adjusting" it to the interests of a person or company.

And how monitoring purchases is not an activity but rather a process, which also involves undertaking measures to mitigate the risks of corruption, the trainers have come up with recommendations for monitors. These relate to the detailed analysis of the awarding documentation, specification, technical specifications, active participation of civil society in the working group for procurement within the monitoring bodies, awareness raising of the public opinion and notification of the control and justice bodies.

The public procurement expert, Serghei Merjan, argues that auctions can be considered unbalanced when the price is low, the high price difference for certain positions in the bids of different participants as well as the manipulation of the procedure (accepting late offers, extending the deadline for submission, not registering tender).

"Monitoring public procurement procedures plays an important role in identifying irregularities and deficiencies in the system. This prevents the ineffective spending of public money, "said Doriana Ion of the NGO" Equal Opportunities for All ".

For further details, please contact the press officer, Victor URSU, at the following address: ursu.victoor@gmail.com or at 069017396.