Dear Mr. Ethics,
 
I was just hired as an estimator.  I was reviewing an estimate I prepared for a small strip mall project with the senior estimator.  When we got to the mechanical portion of the project my boss said I could not use a bid I had received that was pretty competitive.  I was told that the submitting subcontractor was on our company’s “No Bid” list.  I thought the list represented subcontractors that had previously not performed well for us.  I have since found out the list represents subcontractors that are considered to be “troublemakers” because they want to do everything by “the book.”  They apparently point out safety; prevailing wage; and hiring issues throughout project thus causing us trouble.  I like the bid from the “listed” mechanical contractor. How can I convince my boss that using their bid would benefit us financially despite their “trouble making” ways.
 
Very truly yours, List Restricted
 

Dear List,
 
The issue is not whether you can benefit from the subcontractor’s bid but whether your company’s list is appropriate.  I can see barring someone because they do shoddy work or are unreliable.  But barring someone because they are concerned with job safety and meeting hiring and payment goals is simply unethical.  My recommendation is to tell your boss that maintaining the list is unethical.  Maintaining the list may be discriminatory and lead to legal being taken against your company.   More importantly it will likely lead to your company developing a reputation of being unethical and not concerned about meeting safety and hiring requirements and goals.  Unless your company gets rids of its lists your company will be barred from bidding projects.
 
Regards, Mr. Ethics.
 

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