[Skunk]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: If it's not a scam or a sham, it's mismanagement. A pretty bad mark against a company that wasn't even required to participate in MANDATORY bidding for government contracts as set forth by the law. And, i every other instance, these "fair bidding" rules are taken very seriously. I know, because I've managed such bidding for municpal entities purchasing fire trucks. One mis-step in the bidding process usually VOIDS the contract between the government and a contractor.

Since contractors are always expected to eat any cost over-runs unless specifically provided for in the contract (rare, and usually only as a result of changes made by the purchaser), I see nothing immoral or wrong with these figures.

If I contract someone to supply me with pencils at $2000 dollars each, it's not the fault of the supplier that the prices are so high - he would be doing nothing wrong in supplying them at that cost if I had agreed to it. I would be the one guilty of incompetence and mismanagement - not him.

And therein lies the problem. It is the incompetent government that agreed to such a foolish contract that needs to be targeted for criticism, not the company that is simply fulfilling the agreed contract.