Apr.09.2021
In the latest phase of a case proving that there is no amount of anticompetitive activity too small to escape prosecution, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice is continuing its efforts to thwart anticompetitive activity in public procurements, striking a plea deal with a Missouri individual in connection with rigging bids at online GSA auctions for surplus government equipment. Acting Antitrust Division Assistant Attorney General Richard A. Powers emphasized the focus of DOJ and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force partners on pursuing those who undermine competition in government contracting, stating that “the defendant’s self-serving scheme stole from the government and robbed American taxpayers.” Inspector General Carol F. Ochoa of the GSA, which investigated the matter, echoed Mr. Powers’s sentiment, stating that “[c]ompetition is a fundamental component of any fair auction,” and that the “GSA OIG will continue to investigate allegations of collusive activities that undermine the integrity of GSA [a]uctions and short-change the taxpayer.”