Which of the following is a competitive procedure for fulfilling the requirement for full and open competition?

Sealed bids represent a competitive procedure designed to ensure full and open competition in the procurement process. This method allows multiple bidders to submit their proposals in a sealed format, which are then opened at a specified time. This process guarantees that all potential suppliers have an equal opportunity to compete for a contract, promoting transparency and fairness in procurement.

This method is often used in government contracting as it complies with regulations that mandate open competition, thereby eliminating favoritism and ensuring that the best value is obtained. By requiring that bids be submitted in sealed envelopes, it prevents any pre-opening discussions or alterations, ensuring that the selection is based solely on the submitted proposals.

In contrast, the other options, such as direct negotiations, single source contracts, and private negotiations, do not provide the same level of competitive participation and may not fulfill the requirements for full and open competition. These methods can lead to a lack of transparency or restrict the pool of competitors, potentially resulting in suboptimal outcomes for the procuring entity.