E.2.4  Protecting Intellectual Property

Particular care must be taken by the state project team to protect each bidder's commercial-in-confidence material and intellectual property as these elements can provide a competitive advantage and often have a commercial value. Ideas from one bidder cannot be communicated to other bidders.

To the extent that bidders choose to provide information on their proposals to government to seek feedback, the project team should be careful about the circulation of this material among team members.  Circulation should be on an 'as needs' basis only.  The use of an online data room, with restricted access, may be a better option in this regard.  Provisions should also be made for securely isolating and storing this material once it has been reviewed.