Which aspect is NOT included in the Fair and Open Process for contracting?

The Fair and Open Process for contracting is designed to ensure transparency, competition, and fairness in the public procurement process. Each element of this process is structured to promote equal opportunity for all potential contractors.

Confidential proposal submissions do not align with the principles of the Fair and Open Process, which emphasizes transparency and public scrutiny. In this context, the process is characterized by sufficient public advertising to ensure that a wide range of bidders are alerted to the opportunity, advanced notice of contract awards to allow bidding firms to prepare and engage effectively, and public solicitation of proposals to encourage competitive bids.

Each of these elements contributes to a fair playing field where all potential contractors can participate in a knowledgeable manner, fostering competition that can lead to better services and products for the public sector. In contrast, the confidentiality of submissions can limit transparency and hinder the ability of other stakeholders to understand the award process, which is inconsistent with the openness the Fair and Open Process seeks to uphold.