Which of the following is NOT a type of contract method used in government contracting?

Open-bid contracts are not considered a legitimate type of contract method in government contracting. The common methods of contracting include various types that structure the obligations and risks between the government and contractors, such as fixed-price contracts, cost-reimbursement contracts, and time-and-material contracts.

Fixed-price contracts provide a set price for the goods or services specified, which places the risk on the contractor, as they must complete the work within that cost. Cost-reimbursement contracts allow for payment of allowable incurred costs, providing the contractor with more flexibility, but also imposing greater risk on the government. Time-and-material contracts are a hybrid approach where the contractor is paid for materials and labor at established rates.

Open-bid contracting refers instead to the process of soliciting bids from multiple vendors, often characterized by a competitive bid process. However, it does not constitute a specific contract method or type. Therefore, recognizing that open-bid is associated with a procurement process rather than an established contract type clarifies its distinction from the other options.