Three quotes were taken. The specification was written by the incumbent.

A competitive tender that the incumbent always wins is not a test of the market. It is a receipt, and it costs more than it saves.

By Steve 5 min read
Abstract bridge artwork for Three quotes were taken. The specification was written by the incumbent.

A purchase comes up for renewal. Policy says three quotes. Three quotes are obtained, the incumbent comes in lowest or near enough, and the file is closed with a note saying the market was tested. Everyone has behaved correctly. Nothing has been learned. The reason is usually buried a step earlier than the quotes. Somebody had to write down what was being bought, and the person who knew the requirement best was the supplier already meeting it. The specification that went out to three bidders was, in substance, a description…

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