Bid Shopping is best described as?

Bid shopping is best described as a contractor seeking lower offers from subcontractors who did not bid. This practice typically occurs after the initial bidding phase when a contractor has received bids from subcontractors. If the contractor finds that the accepted bid exceeds their budget or if they believe they can obtain a more competitive price, they may reach out to subcontractors who did not initially submit a bid to see if they can secure a lower offer.

This practice can create tension within the contractor-subcontractor relationship, as it may undermine trust and may lead to unethical competitive practices within the bidding process. Understanding this concept is crucial as it reflects the dynamics of negotiations and pricing strategies in construction contracting.

The other options describe different interactions or scenarios relating to bidding but do not accurately capture the essence of bid shopping as defined in industry practices.