I believe it was John Ruskin who said "there is not a product or service that cannot be done cheaper by someone....and those who consider price only are this mans' lawful prey."
Asking for bids is often asking for trouble. The first challenge is comparing apples to apples; it is amazing how different are the concepts that can come from one set of plans!
The first step for the customer is knowing what they want. If you want a certain brand panel, say so. If you want expensive switches, say so. If you expect to make additional changes next year (to what is installed today), say so!
Be clear as to what will happen after the job is complete. Will you call the same guy for service- or have your own maintenance guys do it?
A different approach is to invite different contractors to submit designs, given the proposed final room and equipment layout of the job. See what they come up with; one might try to tie into existing circuits, while another will set a sub-panel.
You're not looking for price here, as much as a mind-set, an understanding of your needs by the contractor. You probably won't like the design put forth by the low bidder!
Both Deming and Tom Peters have documented the advantages of long-term relationships between a customer and a vendor. The arguments also apply here....you are most likely to get what you want when you and the contractor are operating from the same premises, have open communication, and an interest in what happens tomorrow. Asking for bids defeats this whole happy arrangement- instead making every job appear as a one-shot deal, or game-playing by the customer. Ironically, the result of this is often a greater expense for the customer.
