Unless a properly written, detailed audio-visual specification forms part of the bid package, the bidders are not bidding on the same basis and bids cannot be compared . In the complete absence of a specification, you do not really have bids, but, rather, a series of proposals from the various bidders. These are based on vague requirements and assumptions, and will differ widely from each other. In this situation, not only is a comparison of the bid prices meaningless, but there is no guarantee that any bidder's proposal will actually meet the needs of the project. Installation Pitfalls 6.
Contractor continually demands extras.
As the installation progresses the contractor keeps bringing up problems, claims they are fixable for an extra fee, but that they don't fall under the original scope of work. The lowest bidder may be the lowest bidder not because of competitiveness, but because they overlooked or underestimated something. Unless a detailed technical specification exists clearly defining the scope and quality of work, you have no ammunition against this practice. Dispute over function and intent of system. During the installation, it becomes evident that the system being installed is not what was expected .