As an engineer receiving bids from contractors, what is the appropriate action when a former employer is involved?

When faced with a situation where a former employer is involved in bids you are reviewing as an engineer, the appropriate action is to inform your current employer of the relationship. This action is important for several reasons.

First and foremost, transparency is a fundamental ethical principle in engineering practice. By disclosing the past relationship, you are ensuring that any potential conflicts of interest are managed appropriately. This helps to uphold the integrity of the bidding process and fosters trust within your current organization.

Moreover, by informing your current employer, you allow them to evaluate the situation effectively and decide how to proceed. They might have policies in place regarding former affiliations that can aid in handling the bid review fairly. This step can prevent any perceived favoritism or bias that could arise from the relationship with the former employer, thereby protecting your professional reputation and that of your current employer.

The other responses do not adequately address the ethical considerations involved in managing potential conflicts of interest. Ignoring the past relationship fails to acknowledge the implications it may have on decision-making, while favoring a former employer's bid undermines the competitive bidding process and could lead to ethical breaches. Withdrawing from the bidding process might also be unnecessary if the current employer can manage the conflict through proper disclosure and transparency.