Developed by TI, the Integrity Pact (IP) is a tool aimed at preventing corruption in public contracting. It consists of a process that includes an agreement between a government or a government department (at the federal, national or local level) and all bidders for a public contract. It contains rights and obligations to the effect that neither side will: pay, offer, demand or accept bribes; collude with competitors to obtain the contract; or engage in such abuses while carrying out the contract. The IP also introduces a monitoring system that provides for independent oversight and accountability.

Bidders should disclose all commissions and similar expenses paid by them to anybody in connection with the contract; and sanctions will apply in cases of violations. These sanctions range from loss of contract, forfeiture of the bid or performance bond and liability for damages, to blacklisting for future contracts on the side of the bidders, and criminal or disciplinary action against employees of the government. Integrity Pacts encourage companies to refrain from bribing by providing assurance that their competitors will also do so. Governments and government officials also have the assurance of a clear framework that protects them from dubious offers. The IP has shown itself to be adaptable to many legal settings and flexible in its application.

• Brief description of the Integrity Pact in English :
• Detailed description of the Integrity Pact, its applications and current status (Status Report 2002):
  i_pact.pdf 1.14 MB