Which of the following is not a red flag in bid tailoring, according to the listed indicators?

• A. A contract is not rebid even though fewer than the minimum bids are received.
• B. There are unusually broad specifications for the type of goods or services being procured.
• C. Only a few bidders respond to bid requests.
• D. Competitive awards vary among several suppliers.

Answer: (D)

In bid tailoring, the aim is to avoid shaping the process to limit competition. Red flags show up when the process seems to be steered toward a preferred bidder or when competition is unintentionally or intentionally weakened.

Not rebidding when fewer than the minimum number of bids are received signals a problem. It suggests the buyer may be trying to force a result rather than genuinely seeking competitive bids, which undermines fairness and value.

Having unusually broad specifications for the goods or services being procured is another warning sign. Vague or overly broad specs can mask the true requirements and make it easier to justify selecting a particular supplier, reducing meaningful competition.

If only a few bidders respond to bid requests, that indicates restricted competition. The lack of broad interest can point to barriers to entry or biased solicitation practices that tailor opportunities to a narrow set of bidders.

On the other hand, awards that vary among several suppliers reflect a competitive process where different bidders win based on how well they meet the stated requirements and offer competitive value. This diversity in winners is consistent with a healthy, open procurement, not a red flag.