"Do you propose they tell the competition how much they have allowed for individual components then go deal with them on a price? lol"
Can't see that as a problem. After all they would be going on quoted prices or the current costs of the same in any case.
They'll get gouged out in any case ... it's a government project and the we all know what happens when they spend money. Waste and poor value is a given. History proves as much.
