Bid Shopping
Company X solicits competitive bids on the design and construction of a palm oil processing factory facility. All bidders are requested to include in their proposals the automation/processing facility used to produce the specified post-processed palm oil product.
The process generally is one which has been in common use for several years. All the bids are generally similar in most respects from the standpoint of technology.
A few days later, contractor A submits the highest bid price but the contractor includes a newly-invented automation/processing facility in the proposal. The innovation is checked and proven to be feasible.
Company X then requested contractor B who submits lower bid price, to amend and bid on new design. The replies all are disclosed during the process.
Is the action of Company X permissible?