Which statement describes fair procurement practice?

• A. Favor a bidder based on personal relationship
• B. Reject all bidders and redesign the procurement
• C. Advise fairly and document, but not favor bidders
• D. Manage procurement reviews and select based on experience

Answer: (C)

Fair procurement practice centers on treating all bidders equally, applying defined criteria, and keeping thorough records of decisions so the process is transparent and auditable. The best choice embodies this by advising all bidders fairly and documenting the evaluation, ensuring no favoritism and that decisions are based on objective criteria. This approach reduces bias, builds trust, and provides a clear trail if questions or disputes arise.

Favorable personal relationships undermine fairness by introducing favoritism. Rejection of all bidders and redesigning the procurement is wasteful and inappropriate for maintaining a competitive process. Relying on experience alone can be part of decision-making, but without clear, documented criteria and impartial application, it risks bias and a lack of transparency.