How must bids be opened during the Fair and Open Process?

During the Fair and Open Process, bids must be opened in public and advertised to all interested parties to ensure transparency and fairness in the procurement process. This approach not only encourages participation from a broader range of vendors but also fosters trust in the procurement system by allowing stakeholders to witness the bid opening firsthand.

The public opening of bids ensures that no favoritism or misconduct occurs, as the process is conducted openly, allowing for accountability. Interested parties being informed about the bid opening promotes competition and can potentially lead to better pricing and services for the agency involved.

In contrast, other methods such as private openings or those conducted solely at the discretion of the purchasing agent would undermine the principles of fairness and transparency mandated by regulations governing public procurement. This is why the practice of opening bids publicly is considered essential in a fair and open process.