Abstract
Question:-Why is the low bidder system a sacred cow? If contractors understand, by specifications, that the second low bidder will be awarded the contract all bidders will do their best to provide 100% performing equipment. If corners are cut, that will produce a low bid which will not be awarded the contract.
Case histories are delineated indicated how low bidders by cutting quality, caused facility many times greater losses in dollars than the difference between the low bid and the second low bid.
Changing the established low bid system, takes on the task of being Don Quixote. Nobody listens.
Burger, R. (1995). Cooling Towers Make Money. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu). Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /91349.