Program Management Professional (PgMP) — Question 133

A request for proposal (RFP) yields a bid with a better delivery schedule and a lower cost, but originates from a vendor not on the prequalified vendor list. During the final review of the RFPs, the program manager is informed that the new bidder is a relative of the project manager. Although the bid meets all company policies, the program manager is concerned about a conflict of interest.
What should the program manager do?

Answer options

• A. Select the best bid from the prequalified vendor list.
• B. Accept the bid from the new vendor and document the decision.
• C. Advise the sponsor of a possible conflict of interest prior to awarding the bid.
• D. Add the new vendor to the prequalified list and replace the project manager.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct choice is C because it ensures transparency and allows the sponsor to make an informed decision regarding the conflict of interest. Option A disregards the potentially superior bid without addressing the conflict. Option B fails to acknowledge the ethical implications of the relationship, and option D does not address the immediate issue of the conflict and could disrupt the project team unnecessarily.