While competitive bids are usually needed on projects; picking the lowest price, often awards the project to a vendor. Vendors who are not part of a collaborative team will often live up to the tenants of the contract and do no more.
If, the bid process is not based solely on price but rather to view the full array of offerings; the client team can make a more informed decision. This is the beginning of the team building process that will produce a sustainable partnership and insuring value added skills and resources to any project.
The lowest bidder knows what their products and services are worth. Be informed and make sure your team also knows what a true partnership is worth.