competitive bidding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competitive bidding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to procurement, auctions, or any situation where multiple parties submit offers to win a contract or purchase. Example: "The company decided to use competitive bidding to ensure they received the best price for the construction project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Competitive bidding proceedings.

Cornell University

§ 95.1916 Competitive bidding proceedings.

Cornell University

One example is competitive bidding.

The New York Times

There was no competitive bidding.

The New York Times

§ 90.1021 Definitions concerning competitive bidding process.

Cornell University

47 CFR § 95.1916 - Competitive bidding proceedings.

Cornell University

Has competitive bidding reduced program costs?

Ecological Economics

Competitive bidding either works or it doesn't.

The Washington Post

Medicare's competitive bidding efforts got off to a rocky start.

The New York Times - Health

And competitive bidding doesn't take these subsequent costs into account.

The New York Times

Competitive bidding could become a bigger part of Medicare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "competitive bidding" process, clearly outline the criteria used to evaluate bids to ensure transparency and fairness.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on the lowest bid in a "competitive bidding" process. Consider factors like quality, experience, and long-term value to ensure the best overall outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competitive bidding" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically describes a process or method used in procurement or auctions, as shown in Ludwig, where it's used to refer to proceedings and processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competitive bidding" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe a procurement method where vendors submit bids to win a contract. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and business contexts. While generally professional in tone, it's important to consider factors beyond price when evaluating bids. Alternative phrases include "open tendering" and "request for proposals". Remember to outline clear evaluation criteria and avoid solely focusing on the lowest price. When questions arise, consider whether alternatives such as "negotiated procurement" could be superior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open tendering

Focuses on the openness and transparency of the bidding process.

auction process

Highlights the auction-like nature of the bidding.

request for proposals

Emphasizes the formal solicitation of bids.

tendering process

A more formal term for submitting bids.

bidding war

Implies intense competition among bidders.

reverse auction

The buyer sets the price, and sellers compete to offer it.

strategic sourcing

Broader term encompassing various procurement methods.

best value procurement

Focuses on selecting the bid that offers the best combination of price and quality.

e-procurement

The use of electronic methods in procurement.

multi-sourcing

Involves using multiple suppliers for a particular product or service.

FAQs

How is "competitive bidding" used in government contracts?

Government entities often use "competitive bidding" to ensure fairness and cost-effectiveness when awarding contracts. It involves soliciting bids from multiple vendors and selecting the one that best meets the specified criteria.

What are the advantages of using "competitive bidding"?

The advantages include lower prices, increased transparency, and a wider range of options. It can also encourage innovation among bidders striving to offer the best value.

What are some potential disadvantages of "competitive bidding"?

Potential drawbacks include a focus on short-term cost savings at the expense of long-term quality, the risk of selecting inexperienced bidders, and the administrative burden of managing the process. Consider alternatives like "negotiated procurement" if appropriate.

What can I say instead of "competitive bidding"?

You can use alternatives like "open tendering", "auction process", or "request for proposals" depending on the specific context.