You are working on a project to construct a new water treatment plant and are waiting on consents required from the government before you can proceed with the work. During a meeting with a government employee to discuss the required consent, the employee mentions that the consent can be processed faster if you are willing to pay a processing fee. What is your BEST course of action?

A: Walk out of the meeting and notify your project sponsor.

B: Explain that you are not permitted to pay bribes.

C: Pay the fee if your project budget has allowed for it.

D: Ask the employee if he will accept goods instead of cash so you can hide the transaction better.