{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Compliant_RFQ_Contract_Award",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "proeth:description": "City D hired Firm X through a competitive RFQ process to maintain the citywide traffic model and review developer traffic studies, under a contract with annual extension options for up to 10 years.",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "public entity, engineering department",
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
    "Conform with State Registration Laws in the Practice of Engineering"
  ],
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Qualification-Based Selection",
    "Honorable, Responsible, and Fair Conduct"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "City D",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Compliant Firm X Contract in Effect"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Secure qualified traffic engineering services through lawful competitive selection",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Procurement administration",
    "Engineering services evaluation"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Seven years ago",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 1,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "City D hired Firm X seven years ago through an RFQ process to maintain the citywide traffic model and review traffic studies submitted by private developers."
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Compliant RFQ Contract Award"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Compliant_Contract_Awards",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "proeth:description": "City D awarded the first three of five contracts to Firm Z through competitive RFQ processes that attracted on average four submissions per advertisement.",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "public entity, engineering department",
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
    "Conform with State Registration Laws in the Practice of Engineering"
  ],
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Qualification-Based Selection",
    "Honorable, Responsible, and Fair Conduct"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "City D",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Compliant Firm Z Contracts in Effect"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Secure civil engineering services through lawful competitive selection",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Procurement administration",
    "Engineering services evaluation"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "interval",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Over the past six years, first three contracts",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 2,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Records show the first three contracts were awarded through a competitive RFQ process that attracted, on average, four submissions per advertisement."
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Compliant Contract Awards"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Non-Compliant_Contract_Award",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "proeth:description": "The City Engineer awarded the two most recent contracts to Firm Z solely on personal approval, without an RFQ process or City Council authorization, despite dollar amounts exceeding the thresholds requiring both.",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "licensed professional engineer, City Engineer",
  "proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
    "Exclusion of other qualified firms from competing for City D contracts"
  ],
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "City D Engineer",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Procurement Law Noncompliance"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Continue services with Firm Z conveniently based on the longstanding relationship",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Procurement administration",
    "Contract authorization"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "The two most recent contracts, within the past six years",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 4,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "the two most recent contracts were awarded solely on the approval of the City Engineer without an RFQ process, even though their dollar amounts exceeded the threshold requiring City D\u2019s Council authorization and an RFQ process"
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [
    "Conform with State Registration Laws in the Practice of Engineering"
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Non-Compliant Contract Award"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
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    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Violation_Reporting",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "proeth:description": "Engineer B approached Engineer A alleging that City D exclusively awards traffic engineering contracts to Firm X and civil engineering contracts to Firm Z without utilizing the RFQ process, excluding other qualified firms.",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "licensed professional engineer, owner of local civil engineering firm",
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
    "Report Any Alleged Violation of the Code"
  ],
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    "Qualification-Based Selection",
    "Honorable, Responsible, and Fair Conduct"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer B",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Compliance Concern Raised"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Prompt review and correction of City D\u0027s contracting practices so qualified firms can compete",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Knowledge of QBS procurement requirements"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Shortly after Engineer A joined City D",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 7,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer B alleges that City D is exclusively awarding traffic engineering contracts to Firm X and civil engineering contracts to Firm Z without utilizing the request for qualifications (RFQ) process."
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Violation Reporting"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
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    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Compliance_Investigation",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "proeth:description": "Engineer A committed to investigating Engineer B\u0027s concerns and reviewed seven years of City D contracting records, finding Firm X compliant and discovering that Firm Z\u0027s two most recent contracts bypassed required processes.",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "licensed professional engineer, Assistant City Engineer",
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
    "Not Aid or Abet the Unlawful Practice of Engineering",
    "Act as Faithful Agent or Trustee"
  ],
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    "Qualification-Based Selection",
    "Honorable, Responsible, and Fair Conduct"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Noncompliance Discovered"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Verify whether City D\u0027s contracting practices comply with RFQ and QBS requirements",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Records review",
    "Knowledge of procurement law",
    "Engineering department management"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "interval",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Following Engineer B\u0027s approach",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 8,
  "proeth:terminates": [
    "Compliance Concern Raised"
  ],
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer A acknowledges the value of the RFQ and QBS processes in securing engineering services for public entities and commits to investigating Engineer B\u2019s concerns.",
    "Through the investigation, Engineer A discovers that over the past seven years, City D has awarded consultant contracts exclusively to two firms: Firm X and Firm Z."
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Compliance Investigation"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
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    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Findings_Reporting",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "proeth:description": "Engineer A brought the investigation findings to the City Engineer and recommended improvements to address compliance concerns with the contracting process.",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "licensed professional engineer, Assistant City Engineer",
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
    "Act as Faithful Agent or Trustee",
    "Not Aid or Abet the Unlawful Practice of Engineering",
    "Report Any Alleged Violation of the Code"
  ],
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Qualification-Based Selection",
    "Honorable, Responsible, and Fair Conduct"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "City Engineer Notified of Noncompliance"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Prompt corrective action to bring City D\u0027s contracting into compliance",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Professional communication",
    "Knowledge of procurement law"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "After completing the investigation",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 11,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer A brings these findings to City D\u2019s Engineer, a licensed professional engineer, recommending improvements to address compliance concerns with the contracting process."
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Findings Reporting"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Corrective_Action_Refusal",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "proeth:description": "The City Engineer acknowledged that the two most recent Firm Z contracts did not comply with contracting requirements but refused to take corrective action, citing convenience and the longstanding relationship with Firm Z. This omission of required correction is treated as the City Engineer\u0027s conduct.",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "licensed professional engineer, City Engineer",
  "proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
    "Continued noncompliance with QBS procurement law",
    "Continued exclusion of other qualified firms"
  ],
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "City D Engineer",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Unresolved Acknowledged Noncompliance"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Preserve the convenient, longstanding contracting arrangement with Firm Z",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Contract administration authority"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "After Engineer A presented findings and recommendations",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 12,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "City D\u2019s Engineer acknowledges that the two most recent contracts with Firm Z did not comply with contracting requirements but dismisses the need for corrective action, citing the convenience and longstanding relationship with Firm Z as justification."
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [
    "Conform with State Registration Laws in the Practice of Engineering"
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Corrective Action Refusal"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
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    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Event_Threshold_Exceedance",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Non-Compliant_Contract_Award",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.85",
  "proeth:description": "The dollar amounts of the two most recent Firm Z contracts exceeded the threshold that automatically triggers the requirement for City Council authorization and an RFQ process under the procurement rules.",
  "proeth:eventType": "automatic",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "RFQ Requirement Applicable",
    "Council Authorization Required"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "At the time the two most recent Firm Z contracts were priced and entered",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 3,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "their dollar amounts exceeded the threshold requiring City D\u2019s Council authorization and an RFQ process"
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Threshold Exceedance"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
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    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Event_Procurement_Law_Violation",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Non-Compliant_Contract_Award",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.92",
  "proeth:description": "The two most recent contracts with Firm Z were awarded without the required RFQ process and Council authorization, resulting in a violation of state and local procurement law and Code section III.8.a.",
  "proeth:eventType": "outcome",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Procurement Noncompliance",
    "Code Violation State"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Within the past six years, at the time of the two most recent Firm Z contract awards",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 5,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "the two most recent contracts were awarded solely on the approval of the City Engineer without an RFQ process, even though their dollar amounts exceeded the threshold requiring City D\u2019s Council authorization and an RFQ process",
    "City D\u2019s two recent contract awards to Firm Z appear to have violated the procurement law"
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Procurement Law Violation"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
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  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Event_Competitive_Exclusion",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Non-Compliant_Contract_Award",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.82",
  "proeth:description": "Other qualified engineering firms were shut out of competing for City D contracts as a consequence of the exclusive awarding of contracts to Firm X and Firm Z without an RFQ process.",
  "proeth:eventType": "outcome",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Qualified Firms Excluded"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "interval",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Ongoing over the past seven years of exclusive contract awards",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 6,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer B expresses frustration that this practice excludes other qualified firms from competing for City D contracts"
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Competitive Exclusion"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Event_Violation_Discovery",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Compliance_Investigation",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.9",
  "proeth:description": "Through the investigation, Engineer A discovers the seven-year pattern of exclusive contract awards and confirms that the two most recent Firm Z contracts bypassed the required RFQ process and Council authorization.",
  "proeth:eventType": "outcome",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Confirmed Noncompliance Known",
    "Duty to Report Findings Triggered"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "During Engineer A\u0027s investigation, shortly after joining City D",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 9,
  "proeth:terminates": [
    "Unverified Allegation"
  ],
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Through the investigation, Engineer A discovers that over the past seven years, City D has awarded consultant contracts exclusively to two firms: Firm X and Firm Z."
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Violation Discovery"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Event_Compliance_Verification",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Compliance_Investigation",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.85",
  "proeth:description": "The investigation establishes that Firm X\u0027s contract and the first three Firm Z contracts complied with the RFQ process, clearing those arrangements of the alleged wrongdoing.",
  "proeth:eventType": "outcome",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Firm X Contract Compliance Confirmed"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "During Engineer A\u0027s investigation",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 10,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer A was able to establish there were no issues with Firm X or with three of the five contracts Firm Z had with the City.",
    "The work provided by Firm X aligns with the original scope of the RFQ and the resulting contract, with four optional extensions remaining."
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Compliance Verification"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Event_Noncompliance_Persistence",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#Action_Corrective_Action_Refusal",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.8",
  "proeth:description": "After the City Engineer dismissed the need for corrective action, the noncompliant contract arrangement with Firm Z remains unaddressed, leaving the violation in place and requiring further action by Engineer A.",
  "proeth:eventType": "outcome",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Unresolved Noncompliance",
    "Escalation Consideration Required"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "interval",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Following the City Engineer\u0027s dismissal of corrective action",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 13,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "City D\u2019s Engineer acknowledges that the two most recent contracts with Firm Z did not comply with contracting requirements but dismisses the need for corrective action, citing the convenience and longstanding relationship with Firm Z as justification."
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Noncompliance Persistence"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_1",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "However, the two most recent contracts were awarded solely on the approval of the City Engineer without an RFQ process, even though their dollar amounts exceeded the threshold requiring City D\u2019s Council authorization and an RFQ process.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "The two contracts\u0027 dollar amounts exceed the threshold requiring Council authorization and an RFQ process",
      "proeth:element": "Threshold Exceedance",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "City Engineer awards both contracts solely on personal approval without RFQ",
      "proeth:element": "Non-Compliant Contract Award",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "The awards violate state and local QBS procurement laws codified in licensure law",
      "proeth:element": "Procurement Law Violation",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Non-Compliant Contract Award",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "If the City Engineer had followed the RFQ process and obtained Council authorization, no procurement law violation would have occurred",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Procurement Law Violation",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "City Engineer\u0027s decision to award contracts on personal approval alone",
    "Absence of an RFQ process for the two contracts",
    "Contract dollar amounts exceeding the statutory threshold"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "City D\u0027s Engineer",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Awarding above-threshold contracts without RFQ and without Council authorization in a jurisdiction with strong QBS procurement laws"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
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    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_2",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "even though their dollar amounts exceeded the threshold requiring City D\u2019s Council authorization and an RFQ process",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Contract dollar amounts exceed the level automatically requiring Council authorization and RFQ",
      "proeth:element": "Threshold Exceedance",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Contracts nonetheless awarded solely on City Engineer approval",
      "proeth:element": "Non-Compliant Contract Award",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Legal requirements triggered by the threshold are breached",
      "proeth:element": "Procurement Law Violation",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Threshold Exceedance",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "If the contract values had been below the threshold, the sole-approval awards might not have constituted a legal violation of the RFQ requirement",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Procurement Law Violation",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Contract values above the statutory threshold triggering RFQ and Council authorization requirements",
    "Failure to satisfy those triggered requirements"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "City D\u0027s Engineer",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Above-threshold contract values combined with sole-source award without RFQ or Council authorization"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_3",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer B expresses frustration that this practice excludes other qualified firms from competing for City D contracts.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Two most recent contracts awarded to Firm Z without RFQ advertisement",
      "proeth:element": "Non-Compliant Contract Award",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "No public solicitation exists for other firms to respond to",
      "proeth:element": "No Competitive Opportunity",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Other qualified engineering firms are shut out of competing for City D contracts",
      "proeth:element": "Competitive Exclusion",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Non-Compliant Contract Award",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "If an RFQ had been advertised, other qualified firms could have competed, as they did for the first three Firm Z contracts",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Competitive Exclusion",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Sole-source awards to Firm Z without public advertisement",
    "Existence of other qualified firms willing to compete (RFQs historically attracted four submissions on average)"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "City D\u0027s Engineer",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Bypassing the RFQ process for above-threshold contracts, which removed the competitive vehicle through which other firms could submit qualifications"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_4",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer B alleges that City D is exclusively awarding traffic engineering contracts to Firm X and civil engineering contracts to Firm Z without utilizing the request for qualifications (RFQ) process.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Qualified firms, including Engineer B\u0027s, are excluded from competing",
      "proeth:element": "Competitive Exclusion",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer B perceives unfair, non-competitive procurement practices",
      "proeth:element": "Engineer B\u0027s Frustration",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer B approaches Engineer A alleging exclusive awards without RFQ",
      "proeth:element": "Violation Reporting",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Competitive Exclusion",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the exclusionary contracting pattern, Engineer B would have had no violation to allege and no occasion to approach Engineer A",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Violation Reporting",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Engineer B\u0027s awareness of the exclusive awarding pattern",
    "Engineer B\u0027s perception that qualified firms, including B\u0027s own, were excluded",
    "Engineer A\u0027s presence as a newly arrived official to whom concerns could be raised"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer B",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Perceived exclusion from competition combined with Engineer B\u0027s ethical obligation under Code section II.1.f to report alleged violations"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_5",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer A acknowledges the value of the RFQ and QBS processes in securing engineering services for public entities and commits to investigating Engineer B\u2019s concerns.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer B alleges exclusive, non-RFQ contract awards",
      "proeth:element": "Violation Reporting",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A acknowledges the value of RFQ/QBS processes",
      "proeth:element": "Acknowledgment of QBS Duty",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A commits to and conducts an investigation of contracting records",
      "proeth:element": "Compliance Investigation",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Violation Reporting",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without Engineer B\u0027s report, Engineer A, newly arrived, would likely not have known to review seven years of contracting records",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Compliance Investigation",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Engineer B\u0027s report of alleged violations to Engineer A",
    "Engineer A\u0027s authority over department procurement matters",
    "Engineer A\u0027s professional commitment to QBS and the Code of Ethics"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "A credible allegation of unlawful practice presented to an official with both the duty to not aid or abet unlawful practice and the duty to act as a faithful agent of the City"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_6",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Through the investigation, Engineer A discovers that over the past seven years, City D has awarded consultant contracts exclusively to two firms: Firm X and Firm Z.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A reviews seven years of City D consultant contracts",
      "proeth:element": "Compliance Investigation",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Records show Firm X\u0027s contract and three Firm Z contracts complied, while two Firm Z contracts did not",
      "proeth:element": "Records Analysis",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A identifies the two most recent Firm Z contracts as non-compliant",
      "proeth:element": "Violation Discovery",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Compliance Investigation",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the investigation, the non-compliant Firm Z awards would likely have remained undetected within City D",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Violation Discovery",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Engineer A\u0027s review of seven years of contract records",
    "Existence of records showing the award history and approval routes",
    "The underlying non-compliant awards to Firm Z"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "A diligent records review combined with the existence of documented non-compliant awards"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_7",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "In this case, Engineer A was able to establish there were no issues with Firm X or with three of the five contracts Firm Z had with the City.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A reviews all contract records for Firms X and Z",
      "proeth:element": "Compliance Investigation",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Investigation establishes Firm X\u0027s contract and the first three Firm Z contracts complied with procurement law",
      "proeth:element": "Compliance Verification",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A can in good faith report to Engineer B that there are no issues with Firm X",
      "proeth:element": "Good-Faith Reporting Back",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Compliance Investigation",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the investigation, Engineer B\u0027s blanket allegation against both firms would have stood unverified, potentially unfairly implicating Firm X",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Compliance Verification",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Examination of Firm X\u0027s original RFQ, scope alignment, and extension options",
    "Examination of records for the first three Firm Z contracts showing competitive RFQ processes"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Records review confirming Firm X\u0027s work aligns with the original RFQ scope and that the first three Firm Z contracts attracted an average of four submissions each"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_8",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer A brings these findings to City D\u2019s Engineer, a licensed professional engineer, recommending improvements to address compliance concerns with the contracting process.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A identifies two non-compliant Firm Z contract awards",
      "proeth:element": "Violation Discovery",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A brings findings to the City Engineer and recommends compliance improvements",
      "proeth:element": "Findings Reporting",
      "proeth:step": 2
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Violation Discovery",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the discovered findings, Engineer A would have had nothing substantive to report or any basis to recommend improvements",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Findings Reporting",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Discovery of the non-compliant Firm Z contracts",
    "Engineer A\u0027s ethical duties to not aid or abet unlawful practice and to act as a faithful agent of the City",
    "The City Engineer\u0027s position as the relevant supervising authority"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Verified findings of noncompliance in the hands of an engineer ethically obligated to notify relevant parties within approved channels"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_9",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "City D\u2019s Engineer acknowledges that the two most recent contracts with Firm Z did not comply with contracting requirements but dismisses the need for corrective action, citing the convenience and longstanding relationship with Firm Z as justification.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A presents noncompliance findings and recommends improvements",
      "proeth:element": "Findings Reporting",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "City Engineer admits the two most recent Firm Z contracts were non-compliant",
      "proeth:element": "Acknowledgment of Noncompliance",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "City Engineer dismisses corrective action, citing convenience and the longstanding relationship",
      "proeth:element": "Corrective Action Refusal",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Findings Reporting",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the findings being reported, the refusal decision would not have arisen, but the noncompliance itself would still have persisted undetected",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Corrective Action Refusal",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Presentation of the findings to the City Engineer, creating the decision point",
    "The City Engineer\u0027s prioritization of convenience and the relationship with Firm Z over legal compliance"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "City D\u0027s Engineer",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "The City Engineer\u0027s volitional choice to dismiss corrective action despite acknowledging noncompliance; the reporting only occasioned the choice"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/6#CausalChain_10",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "City D\u2019s Engineer acknowledges that the two most recent contracts with Firm Z did not comply with contracting requirements but dismisses the need for corrective action, citing the convenience and longstanding relationship with Firm Z as justification.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "City Engineer dismisses the need to correct the noncompliant Firm Z arrangement",
      "proeth:element": "Corrective Action Refusal",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "No corrective steps are initiated within City D\u0027s approved channels",
      "proeth:element": "No Internal Remedy",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "The noncompliant contract arrangement with Firm Z remains in effect",
      "proeth:element": "Noncompliance Persistence",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Corrective Action Refusal",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "If the City Engineer had taken corrective action, the noncompliant contract arrangement would have been remedied rather than persisting",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Noncompliance Persistence",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "The City Engineer\u0027s dismissal of corrective action",
    "The City Engineer\u0027s authority over the contracting arrangement",
    "Absence (so far) of escalation to the City Manager, City Attorney, or state licensure board"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "shared",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "City D\u0027s Engineer",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Refusal by the official with authority to correct the arrangement, combined with no completed escalation, allowing the noncompliant arrangement to continue"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}