Which statement best summarizes conflict-of-interest laws?

The statement that conflict-of-interest laws promote transparency and ethical behavior in contracting accurately captures the primary purpose of these laws. Conflict-of-interest laws are designed to prevent situations where personal interests could compromise the integrity of decision-making in government contracting. By ensuring that employees and contractors disclose any potential conflicts of interest and adhere to ethical standards, these laws help maintain public trust in the procurement process.

This focus on transparency enables officials to make impartial decisions that are in the best interest of the government and taxpayers. The ethical framework provided by these laws discourages favoritism, corruption, or any actions that could undermine the contract's fairness and competitive integrity. By promoting transparency and ethical behavior, these laws ultimately contribute to the effective and efficient functioning of government contracting processes.