Estrategias para la Identificación y Prevención de Colusiones en Licitaciones Públicas

Abstract

Collusion in public procurement in Colombia represents a serious threat to free competition and efficiency in the administration of public resources. Although the principle of free competition is protected by the Constitution, companies often engage in illicit practices to ensure their position in the market, which negatively affects both competition and the State. Collusion, defined as agreements between competitors to manipulate tenders and awards, is sanctioned by Colombian regulations and constitutes a form of corruption that distorts the market and undermines public confidence in institutions. Despite the existence of a legal framework designed to prevent these practices, such as the Anti-Corruption Statute, their identification and prevention remain a challenge. Research in this area is crucial to develop more effective strategies that protect the interests of the State and citizens. This work proposes an exhaustive analysis of collusive practices and the tools available for their detection, in order to strengthen transparency and equity in public bidding processes in Colombia.