There has been numerous postings regarding Haliburton's no bid contracts in Iraq (and Bosnia). It is generally assumed that a "no bid" contract is evil and is proof positive of wrong doing. Is that always the case however? For example, is awarding a contract based on lowest price always a good policy. What if lower price means inferior workmanship? Or less service? What if the "lower price" was a low ball with a provision in the contract that the price can be increased if circumstances warrent?

I run a transportation data base management company. Very seldom do I get new clients based on price alone. For example, one of our largest clients is a national railroad. We acquired this account at a higher price than they were paying their former provider because we were able to offer services they were not and were unwilling to invest in developing. Obviously, the railroad, having used the former company for over 10 years, could have functioned without the new service but not as effectively or efficiently.

We have maintained some clients even though they have been offered lower rates from competitors because of the history we have with the client and our committment to service. Why should the government act any differently than private companies? If Haliburton can, at a reasonable price, provide the services required of the government and has a history of doing so why is a "bid" contract really necessary?
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Haliburton get theirs because with them it is 'one stop shoping.' They can provede trucks, drivers, cooks, buildings, security, mechanics, road building equipment, engineers, and medical people.
I also prefer to deal with contractors who can provide EVERYTHING. Sometimes price isn't everything.

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No bid Contracts are one of the items that will go back to the business as usual status when/if a democrat is elected pres.
There wasn't a lot of outcry about the no-bids awarded in Nola. That was "different."
Ideally, I would like to see less no-bid stuff in the govt area. It does seem to lead to some really bad scams. But it is sometimes the best way.
One stop shopping is one advantage with some companies. Other areas would be specialty tools and equipment and the skills required for their use.
I would prefer a more competitive bidding process providing there is ample time and sufficient safeguards are included to insure the minimal qualifications are met.

Well, I am not sure wether no bid is bad or not, but it has been in use for some time by both parties in DC.

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Because of governmental instigation involved in WBE and other soliticing measures and forces in contracting...
Perhaps this no-bid contract is a method to the madness?
hmmmm, I didn't post this with better articulation, but I am making a simple point and will indulge further later...MWBE Certification - Minority Business Applications, Womens Business Applications, MBE Certification , WBE Certification, DBE Certification, 8a Application

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