Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Red Flags in Tendering and Contract Award

Procurement is one of the areas most vulnerable to fraud and corruption. This course teaches auditors and investigators to recognise red flags across the tender process: needs assessment, specifications, bidder lists, bid rigging, evaluation manipulation, contract award and variations, and how to test for them.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Tender fraud often hides in plain sight. You will learn to spot warning signs and design effective tests.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Case studies of procurement fraud, red flag analysis exercises, data tests and investigation scenarios.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain procurement fraud and corruption schemes
Recognise red flags at each tender stage
Detect bid rigging and collusion indicators
Identify manipulation of evaluation and award
Use data analytics to test procurement
Report and escalate suspected procurement fraud

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Internal auditors
Fraud investigators
Procurement compliance officers
Anti-corruption officials
Audit managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Red flag recognition
Fraud scheme analysis
Data testing
Investigation awareness
Reporting

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Procurement Fraud

09:00–10:08Schemes and actors
10:08–11:00Case studies
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Case studies (continued)
11:45–12:53Impact
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Pre-Tender Red Flags

09:00–10:08Needs and specifications
10:08–11:00Splitting purchases
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Splitting purchases (continued)
11:45–12:53Bidder lists
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Bid Rigging

09:00–10:08Collusion patterns
10:08–11:00Bid analysis
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Bid analysis (continued)
11:45–12:53Data indicators
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Evaluation and Award

09:00–10:08Evaluation manipulation
10:08–11:00Award and variations
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Award and variations (continued)
11:45–12:53Conflicts of interest
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Testing and Reporting

09:00–10:08Analytics tests
10:08–11:00Evidence
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Evidence (continued)
11:45–12:53Escalation
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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