Which of the following describes the 'Fair and Open Process'?

The 'Fair and Open Process' is designed to promote transparency and competition in the awarding of public contracts. This process specifically mandates that contracts must be publicly advertised, ensuring that all interested vendors have an opportunity to compete for the contract. Public advertising helps eliminate biases and ensures that the selection process is fair and accessible to a wider range of potential bidders, thereby fostering a competitive marketplace.

This open nature is crucial in maintaining public trust and accountability in government contracting, as it allows any qualified vendor to submit their proposals, ultimately leading to better value and service for public funds. This requirement is aligned with various laws and regulations that govern public procurement, which prioritize fairness and openness.

The other options describe practices that do not align with the principles of the 'Fair and Open Process'. For example, awarding contracts based on referrals undermines the competitive aspect intended by this process. Similarly, allowing proposals to be submitted anonymously would reduce transparency, and having decisions made solely by local authorities could limit broader participation and accountability.