How should conflicts of interest be addressed in procurement?

• A. Disclosures, avoidance of conflicts, prohibitions on self-dealing, and documentation of mitigation
• B. Ignore conflicts if cost is lower
• C. Only disclose after award
• D. Conflicts are not relevant to procurement

Answer: (B)

Managing conflicts of interest in procurement means making potential personal or financial interests visible, avoiding situations where those interests could sway decisions, and keeping thorough records of how any conflicts are handled. Disclosures ensure transparency so others can assess risk and safeguard integrity. When a conflict could influence a decision, the prudent course is to avoid it entirely or recuse the involved individual. Strong prohibitions on self-dealing prevent awarding contracts to oneself, relatives, or closely tied entities. Documentation of mitigation creates an audit trail showing exactly what steps were taken to neutralize the conflict and why those steps are sufficient. This approach preserves fair competition, protects public trust, and helps meet legal and policy requirements. Treating conflicts as something to ignore or to address only after a contract is awarded undermines integrity and can lead to biased outcomes and accountability gaps.