What should procurement professionals consider regarding bidders' information?

Procurement professionals should consider informing bidders in advance about the evaluation criteria because transparency in the bidding process is essential for fostering trust and fairness. When bidders are aware of the evaluation criteria, they can submit proposals that are tailored to meet the expectations and needs of the procurement organization. This not only enhances the quality of the bids received but also allows for a more informed competition among bidders, as they understand how their submissions will be assessed.

Providing this information aligns with best practices in procurement, promoting an open and competitive environment where all potential suppliers can engage effectively. It also helps mitigate misunderstandings or dissatisfaction that may arise if bidders feel their proposals were evaluated on criteria they were not aware of.

In contrast, the other choices may lead to less favorable outcomes. For instance, keeping evaluation criteria confidential could lead to confusion and mistrust among bidders. Inviting all bidders to negotiate might not be practical if there are a large number of proposals, and only communicating with the lowest bidders could undermine the value of considering a wider range of proposals that might offer better overall solutions.