The Contracting Officer or designated forest officer shall offer advertised sales of special forest products through sealed bid or sealed bid followed by oral auction. The method selected shall:
(a) Ensure open and fair competition;
(b) Ensure that the Federal Government receives minimum rates or appraised value, whichever is higher;
(c) Be consistent with the National Forest Management Act and other applicable federal laws;
(d) Require, as a prerequisite to participation in an oral auction, that a bidder submit a written sealed bid at least equal to the minimum acceptable bid price(s) specified in the prospectus. The Forest Service shall not accept a bid at oral auction that is less than the bidder's initial sealed bid; and
(e) Specify the use of sealed bids or a mix of bidding methods in the affected area where there is a reasonable belief that collusive and/or abnormal bidding practices may be occurring.