Which of the following accurately describes bid shopping?

Bid shopping is accurately characterized as an unethical practice where a contractor solicits lower bids from subcontractors after the contract has already been awarded. This practice typically occurs after the general contractor has won the project, and it puts subcontractors at a disadvantage, as they may have already submitted their best and final offers. It undermines the integrity of the bidding process by encouraging competition on price in a manner that is not transparent and can lead to quality compromises, strained relationships among contractors and subcontractors, and a general erosion of trust within the industry.

Bid shopping is not a method for ensuring fair competition; rather, it distorts competition by leveraging contractual power post-award in a way that is fundamentally flawed. Similarly, it is not a standard procedure or accepted practice during the bidding process, nor is it a tactic aimed at enhancing contractor visibility. Instead, it is a practice that can damage reputations and inhibit effective collaboration in future projects. Understanding bid shopping’s implications is vital for maintaining ethical standards in contracting practices.