Which of the following is NOT considered a red flag for bid tailoring schemes?

The identification of red flags in bid tailoring schemes is essential for detecting potential fraud involving unfair procurement practices. In this context, the correct choice highlights a scenario that is not typically indicative of bid tailoring.

When multiple submissions come from diverse contractors, it suggests a level of competition that is generally favorable in the bidding process. Such diversity can indicate a healthy market where various suppliers are vying for contracts, which is in contrast to environments where bid tailoring is prevalent. In these instances, one might expect to see fewer, less competitive bids, or bids disproportionately weighted towards a single supplier, reflecting potential collusion or prior arrangements to favor one bidder.

Options that do raise concerns typically include scenarios like having only one bidder respond to a request, which raises questions about the competitiveness and fairness of the bidding process, or having weak controls during the bidding process, where the potential for manipulation is greater. A high number of competitive awards to one supplier also serves as a red flag because it could indicate favoritism or collusion if one supplier consistently receives contracts over others without clear justification.

Thus, the presence of diverse contractors submitting bids is not a red flag for bid tailoring schemes and signifies an open and competitive bidding environment, making it the correct answer to identify as not being a red flag