Which of the following is NOT part of the Fair and Open process?

The Fair and Open process is designed to ensure transparency and fairness in the procurement of goods and services by government entities. This process is governed by specific rules and regulations that promote open competition, equal opportunity, and public involvement.

The absence of private negotiations in the Fair and Open process is significant. The process necessitates that all potential vendors have access to the same information and opportunities to submit proposals or bids, thereby eliminating any advantage that could arise from behind-the-scenes discussions. Public activities, such as announcements, resolution approvals, and bidding, allow for open participation and accountability, which are core tenets of the Fair and Open process.

Public announcements serve to inform potential bidders about available procurement opportunities, while resolution approval is a formal step in the process demonstrating the governing body's commitment to a transparent procurement procedure. Public bidding provides a platform for vendors to compete on an equal footing, ensuring that the selection process is based on merit rather than favoritism.

In contrast, private negotiations would undermine these principles by potentially allowing an unfair advantage to certain bidders over others, thus creating a lack of transparency and fairness that the Fair and Open process seeks to prevent.