Ethical standards for negotiations

1. When discussions or negotiations are contemplated after the receipt of proposals that are expected to lead to the revision of proposals or to best and final offers, fair and equitable treatment of competitors dictates that negotiations be conducted in accordance with ethical business standards. 2. Auction techniques are prohibited in discussions with offerors under the competitive sealed proposal method. 3. Prices; technical solutions; unique technologies; innovative use of commercial items, design, construction, or operating techniques; or other aspects of proposals submitted by one offeror must not be disclosed to competing offerors pursuant to North Dakota Century Code section 54-44.4-10. 4. Safeguards against abuse in the conduct of negotiations must be strictly observed to maintain the essential integrity of the process.