“I have worked in procurement for close to 30 years.”
DOD/FedGov procurement?
Been forced to sole-source purchases from a certain Cong./Sen.’s district/State?
Private vs.”Public” procurement procedures widely vary...
Taking kickbacks don't. If the President of my company (private firm) forced me to procure from a source I didn't agree with I would have not felt guilt as I need my job to support my family and I took nothing.
I no longer work for a large oilfield firm because I simply would not do this very thing.