What is the preferred method of procurement in public purchasing?

The preferred method of procurement in public purchasing is competitive sealed bidding. This method is widely used because it promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability in the procurement process. When public entities engage in competitive sealed bidding, they invite multiple vendors to submit sealed proposals that are evaluated based on predefined criteria, ensuring that all bids are considered equally and that the best value is obtained for the public entity.

Using competitive sealed bidding helps to foster a competitive environment where suppliers can compete on both price and quality, leading to better outcome for public projects. Additionally, this method is often regulated by law, requiring public entities to follow specific procedures to ensure that the process is conducted fairly and that all potential conflicts of interest are managed. This not only protects public funds but also builds public confidence in government purchasing decisions.

Overall, competitive sealed bidding is favored because it aligns with the principles of transparency and competition necessary in public procurement, making it a cornerstone of public purchasing practices.