A "corrupt practice" refers to the offering, giving, receiving or soliciting (directly or indirectly) of anything of value to improperly influence the actions of another person. Corruption in the procurement process generally involves a fraudulent act such as bribery or a kickback.

Corruption may occur at any stage in the acquisition process (budget, procurement, contract management, etc.), either with the knowledge and consent of at least some parties in the Organisation or through well-concealed initiatives by a Vendor acting alone.

Ethical Standards for Vendors

The UN shall communicate to Vendors during the registration phase, in the Solicitation Documents and in the Contract documents that all UN Vendors shall adhere to the highest ethical standards, both during the bidding process and throughout the execution of a Contract.

Preventive measures that the UN has in place are:
		Policies and standards for Vendors (the UN Suppliers Code of Conduct), along with sanctions
		Reporting of misconduct or corruption and the vigilance of officers
		Documents addressing Ethics and Compliance
		Other Secretary General's Bulletins/Administrative Issuances/Information Circulars