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Bunching Below Thresholds to Manipulate Public Procurement

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  • Bedri Kamil Onur Tas

Abstract

I examine a manipulation scheme that public authorities can use to exercise more discretion in public procurement. I propose that regression discontinuity manipulation tests can be implemented to identify manipulative authorities. I investigate the European Union public procurement data set. I find that 10-13% of examined authorities have high probabilities of bunching estimated costs just below thresholds. Manipulative authorities have significantly lower probabilities of employing competitive procurement procedure. The bunching manipulation scheme significantly diminishes cost-effectiveness of public procurement. On average, prices of below threshold contracts are 18-28% higher when the authority has an elevated probability of bunching.

Suggested Citation

  • Bedri Kamil Onur Tas, 2019. "Bunching Below Thresholds to Manipulate Public Procurement," RSCAS Working Papers 2019/17, European University Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:rsc:rsceui:2019/17
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public Procurement; Manipulation; Competition; European Union;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • H57 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Procurement

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