WASHINGTON, July 14, 2017– The World Bank Group announced the debarment of AECOM Asia Company Limited for a period of 18 months for violations of the World Bank’s consultant guidelines that constitute sanctionable practices. The debarment is part of a Negotiated Resolution Agreement (NRA).
A World Bank investigation revealed that AECOM Asia’s predecessor, Metcalf & Eddy Limited, failed to disclose a conflict of interest in its proposal for the Bengbu Integrated Environment Improvement Project. The company also misrepresented the input of key staff during implementation of its contract under the Tai Basin Urban Environment Project. Under the terms of the NRA, AECOM Asia is required to adopt a Corporate Compliance Program consistent with the World Bank Group Integrity Compliance Guidelines.
The World Bank Group also debarred AECOM New Zealand Limited for a period of 6 months as part of another NRA. A World Bank investigation revealed that AECOM New Zealand submitted documents that misrepresented the availability and/or experience of certain experts in its proposal for the Trung Son Hydropower Project in Vietnam.
Both companies are required to cooperate with the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency to support its investigations.
The debarment of AECOM Asia Company Limited qualifies for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions that was signed on April 9, 2010.
