[Rocket]

Warning, RANT!

I don't think ignoring the "low baller" is a good approach. What needs to found out is how they are doing it. Are they more efficient? Have they worked out deals with vendors to lower costs? Do they have less overhead? The assumption with many is that a "low baller" is doing something sneeky or worse illeagal. I'm not saying it is or not but it should be a part of the conversation and that conversation needs to be had at several levels, including political. If the "low baller" is doing something better, take it and use it.

Also, client expectations (not demands) have been lowered for services and products overall. It is prevalent throught U.S./American society. There are a great many texts on it. There are companies that have been able to succesfully capitalize on it too. I don't think anyone is going out there to do a poor job but our society has willingly established these standards and lives by them daily.