This paper proposes a method of bid-rigging detection, which allows us to reveal cartels in procurement auctions without any prior knowledge of the market structure. We apply it to data on highway construction procurements in one of the Russian regions and show that five suppliers demonstrated passive bidding behavior, which is consistent with the so called 'rotating bidding' scheme of collusion. The suggested methodology can be potentially used by both researchers and anti-trust agencies for cartel disclosure in various markets.
Detailed fixing of contract terms allows procurers to get a service that fits their interests, but can reduce competition in auctions. We examine which combinations of conditions lead to restriction of entry in public procurement and subsequent increases in price. Using data on public procurement in Nizhny Novgorod region in 2008-2013, we show that the requirement to locate gasoline stations in different districts of the city/region most strongly limits the attractiveness of procurement for potential suppliers. While restrictions are often seen as an instrument of favoritism, we show that they may be used due to the nature of the activities of procurers.
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