What procurement method involves sealed bids and awarding the contract to the bidder with the best price and terms?

• A. OPEN COMPETITION
• B. DIRECT PURCHASE
• C. NEGOTIATED CONTRACT
• D. COMPETITIVE BIDDING/SEALED BIDS

Answer: (D)

The concept here is a procurement method that uses a sealed-bid process to ensure fair competition and then awards the contract to the bidder offering the best price and terms that meet the requirements. In competitive bidding, all bidders submit their bids in sealed envelopes or secure digital formats, which are only opened at a specified time, preventing any last‑minute influence. The awarding decision focuses on price plus the terms and compliance with the contract requirements, so the seller with the most favorable overall offer wins. This approach promotes transparency, fairness, and competitive pricing for well-defined purchases.

Other options don’t fit because they don’t emphasize sealed bids and a competition based on price and terms: open competition implies broad competition but not necessarily the sealed-bid process; direct purchase is typically a noncompetitive, often informal buying method; negotiated contract relies on bargaining with one or more suppliers rather than awarding strictly on sealed bids to the best price and terms.