Was It Wrong to Ask Ex-Colleague for The Winning Bid In a Tender That My Relative Was Unsuccessful in?

meantolive on 31/01/2019 - 13:34
Last edited 31/01/2019 - 14:40 by 1 other user

Hi OzB Community,
Just wanting to get a general view of what people think out there.

The story flow is as follows:
1) I heard that my ex-company was planning to perform major renovation works and I know a relative who owns a company that does renovations.
2) I introduced my relative to the company and he was invited to tender for the renovations works. Unfortunately, he did not get shortlisted.
3) In order to help my relative out. I asked my ex-colleague to whom the contract was awarded to and at what price (renovations work already completed). My relative could then know his competition and if he priced too high.
4) My ex-colleague politely refused with no reason.

Notes to consider about my ex-colleague.
One of the closer colleagues of a small group that had lunch together nearly everyday.
Accounts department that makes the invoice payments. Not part of the decision making committee.

Why do you think my ex-colleague politely refused to let me know? Was it ethically wrong to give this information? Would my ex-colleague get in trouble if found?

Thanks in advance!

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    meantolive on 02/02/2019 - 22:59

    +2

    It wasn't my intention of putting somebody in a difficult spot. But I should apologise as im sure he feels the way you folks have been describing.

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      ankor on 02/02/2019 - 23:08

      +1

      Good on you. :)

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      ThadtheChad on 03/02/2019 - 09:03

      Good man!

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  lainey13 on 02/02/2019 - 12:43

  You know, once I asked someone a very rude question without knowing it was rude. I asked them what their bnb's occupancy rate was. They very politely told me it was a rude question and they weren't comfortable answering it. I learnt my lesson and never asked that question again. OP on the other hand…

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  The Gent on 02/02/2019 - 14:27

  I think it's illegal to give out that information - that's why real estate agents are so cagey.

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  ChronoSphinx on 02/02/2019 - 15:33

  Instead of asking what the winning price was, ask if you were in the ball park. You can always ask for feedback. Many tenderers expect price to be the main factor, and forget to write in the tender value adds or show real understanding or client management etc. When asked the question I either give the answer "you were not price competitive" or a simple "the submission was not deemed to demonstrate technical understanding" or something vague.

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  tallkid123 on 05/02/2019 - 08:49

  Damn it. First post I see related to my line of work and everyone else has already thoroughly answered.

  As for OP, your conduct is the reason businesses go through a formal tender process in the first place.

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