What is the purpose of the Code of Silence in the context of RFPs?

The purpose of the Code of Silence in the context of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) is to prevent disclosure of RFP-related information. When an RFP is issued, the Code of Silence establishes a period during which communication between the organization issuing the RFP and the bidders is restricted. This aims to ensure that all proposers have equal access to information and that no unfair advantages are granted to any particular bidder.

By enforcing this silence, the integrity of the bidding process is maintained, as it minimizes the risk of collusion, bias, or the influence of external factors on the proposals submitted. This practice promotes fairness and transparency, ensuring that the selection process is based solely on the merits of the proposals rather than other, potentially unethical, influences.

In contrast, the other options either imply practices that would undermine the fairness of the process or don’t align with the established purpose of the Code of Silence in procurement.