Abt Associates is committed to integrity in procurement, and only selects suppliers based on objective business criteria such as price and technical merit. Abt Associates does not tolerate fraud, collusion among offerors, falsified proposals/bids, bribery, or kickbacks. Any firm or individual violating these standards will be disqualified from this procurement, barred from future procurement opportunities, and may be reported to both USAID and the Office of the Inspector General.

Employees and agents of Abt Associates are strictly prohibited from asking for or accepting any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, object of value, or compensation from current or potential vendors or suppliers in exchange for or as a reward for business. Employees and agents engaging in this conduct are subject to termination and will be reported to USAID and the Office of the Inspector General. In addition, Abt Associates will inform USAID and the Office of the Inspector General of any supplier offers of money, fees, commissions, credits, gifts, gratuities, objects of value, or compensation to obtain business.

Vendors responding to this RFQ must include the following as part of the quote submission:

• Disclose any close, familial, or financial relationships with Abt Associates or project staff. For example, if an offeror’s cousin is employed by the project, the offeror must state this.
• Disclose any family or financial relationship with other offerors submitting quotes. For example, if the offeror’s father owns a company that is submitting another quote, the offeror must state this.
• Certify that the price(s) in the offer have been arrived at independently, without any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror for the purpose of restricting competition.
• Certify that all information in the quote and all supporting documentation are authentic and accurate.
• Certify understanding and agreement to Abt Associates prohibitions against fraud, bribery and kickbacks.