What must be completed and signed before delivering restricted contractor bid information?

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) must be completed and signed before delivering restricted contractor bid information because NDAs are designed specifically to protect sensitive and confidential information shared between parties. When contractors provide their bid information, it may contain trade secrets, pricing strategies, or proprietary techniques that, if disclosed, could give competitors an unfair advantage.

By having the contracting parties sign an NDA, the disclosing party ensures that the recipient is legally bound to keep the information confidential and not to use it for any purpose other than the intended one — which, in this case, is to evaluate the contractor’s bid. This legal framework is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the bidding process and preventing unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.

The function of a Non-Compete Agreement is different, as it primarily restricts one party from engaging in similar business activities that would compete directly with the other party. A Confidentiality Waiver typically does not impose obligations, as it allows information to be shared freely. A Release of Claims is unrelated to confidentiality and addresses the relinquishing of legal rights rather than protecting sensitive information. Thus, the most appropriate and effective instrument to safeguard contractor bid information is the Non-Disclosure Agreement.