Which of the following actions is a violation related to procurement practices?

Giving misleading information to certain vendors is a violation related to procurement practices because it undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and integrity that are essential in the procurement process. Misleading information can create an uneven playing field, disadvantaging honest vendors and leading to decisions that do not reflect true competition or the best interests of the organization. Transparency and fairness are foundational elements in procurement, as they help maintain trust among all stakeholders, including vendors, the organization, and the public.

In contrast, encouraging open vendor participation, ensuring transparency in the bidding process, and maintaining firm contracts with preferred vendors are actions that support ethical procurement practices. Open vendor participation enhances competition and innovation, transparency in the bidding process fosters trust and accountability, and maintaining firm contracts ensures that procurement obligations are met and fosters reliable supplier relationships.