OSAKA -- Documents recently released by a developer engaged in the expansion of Kansai International Airport show that some contractors over the past year have secured projects by submitting quotes nearly identical to the projects' estimated values, leading to suspicions of bid-rigging.
Kansai International Airport Land Development Co. (KALD) has denied the accusations, saying that since the bids came in below the estimated values, there is nothing to contend.
According to documents released by the firm and other evidence, 13 competitive bids have been held since March last year for projects worth between 9.93 billion yen and 25.6 billion yen. The successful quotes came in between 9.87 billion yen and 25.2 billion yen.
The successful quotes covered least 98 percent of the projects' estimated values, with the majority covering at least 99 percent. The total value of the projects quoted came to 155.6 billion yen.
Since the company started expanding the offshore airport in 1999, most of the successful bids have been made by the same large and midsize contractors.