For obvious reasons, the integrity of the proposal, bidding and evaluation process must be free of favoritism and bias.
Thus, Arizona has adopted a conflict of interest statute, A.R.S. § 38-503. With certain exceptions “any public officer or employee of a public agency who has, or whose relative has, a substantial interest in any contract, sale, purchase or service to such public agency shall make known that interest in the official records of such public agency and shall refrain from voting upon or otherwise participating in any manner as an officer or employee in such contract, sale or purchase.” Contracts entered in violation of this section may be protested by anyone affected by the decision and the public agency may cancel the contract without paying for any services rendered under the contract.
Maucher v. City of Eloy 145 Ariz. 335, 701 P.2d 593 (Ariz.App.,1985).