Using this Class Discussion Forum, post your answers to the two multiple$-$choice questions, below. In addition to posting your answer, provide a brief explanation on why you feel that your selection is the correct answer to the question. Also, provide at least one response to an answer$/$explanation from one of your fellow classmates.

Question $1$:

The Buyer issues an RFP to $3$ suppliers that states $$Proposal must be received by the Buyer no later than June $7$th$,2023(3$ weeks$).$ One day after this deadline date, the Buyer$$s executive boss requests that a $4$th$$supplier be given a chance to bid and is to be added to the process. What next step mitigates the$$MOST$$risk for the Buyer?

Allow the $4$th supplier to participate but state the same mandatory criteria, including a $3$ week turn$-$around $($June $29$th$).$ After the $4$th$$supplier submits the proposal, then evaluate everyone at the same time.

Have the $4$th$$supplier submit a proposal but evaluate it outside of the RFP process and ensure the $4$th$$supplier is not awarded a contract.

Cancel the RFP and re$-$issue a new RFP$,$ this time with all $4$ suppliers$$ participating in the process at the same time.

Simply extend the deadline from June $7$th$$to a timeframe that would allow the $4$th$$supplier to prepare and submit a proposal. Ensure the other $3$ suppliers have the same extension available to them. Question $2$:

Jill Smith was asked by her director to very quickly obtain pricing $($on a $$1$M year project$)$ and other related information from multiple suppliers. A quick turn around was critical, so much that Jill was instructed to bypass Procurement in order to meet the timeline. Jill wrote up a comprehensive email that outlined her service requirements as well as a request pricing. This email was about to be sent to suppliers for a proposal. Just prior to releasing the email, Jill contacts you and asks a few simple questions about the Procurement process. What should you do$?$

Answer the questions and tell her $$good luck$?$

Inform Jill and her director of the risks associated with releasing the email and request that Procurement$$s std RFP document be the source of soliciting pricing? Seek to provide Jill with support on this initiative?

Because of the tight timeline, answer her questions and seek to obtain her willingness to work with you to negotiate the final deal on your standard documents?

Any one of the above is fine so long as you ensure that Jill is aware that you are there to support if needed?