Episode Details

A betrayal of trust destroys credibility

By Ron Ciancutti 

I do some consulting work regarding the completion and structure of bid documents and contracts. Unlike my previous career in government work, these private-sector clients can make decisions based on emotion and preference. In the public work, agencies were obliged to research bids to determine if the lowest bidder was really of the best overall value. If, indeed, that bidder is “lowest and best,” Ohio law requires we engage that contractor. This requirement is intended to save taxpayer money and allow new companies to break into a competitive market by finding a way to offer a lower bid. It’s capitalism at its finest.