What should be done if an external consultant evaluating a proposal has a conflict of interest?

When an external consultant evaluating a proposal has a conflict of interest, disqualifying the consultant from the evaluation process is the most appropriate action. A conflict of interest can impair the consultant's objectivity and may lead to biased evaluations, undermining the integrity of the decision-making process.

By disqualifying the consultant, the organization ensures that the evaluation remains fair and impartial, thereby maintaining the credibility of the selection process. It is essential to uphold ethical standards and prevent any situations where decisions could be swayed by personal interests, which could ultimately harm the organization's reputation and lead to poor outcomes.

Other options, such as ignoring the conflict, allowing the consultant to proceed with the evaluation, or consulting with management, do not adequately address the risk of bias and compromise the integrity of the evaluation process.