Applications for a franchise submitted in response to a request for proposals shall be sealed at the time of submission by an applicant. Prior to the deadline for submission of applications, it shall be unlawful for any applicant and any officer, agent, or employee thereof to, whether directly or indirectly, exchange information concerning proposals, enter into any agreement or understanding, or take any other action for the purpose of reducing or eliminating competition among applicants in the selection process. (Prior code § 20.03.206)