Rob,
Thanks, I think it's meant to keep things competitive from clients point of view, so they get a few prices.
But of course if you never win you would get ticked off.
Up to client I suppose to balance things out, but annoying if you are less expensive due to your better buying power or efficiency.

Ownership could be that you company looks after plant exclusively & takes pride in work backs up work.
If everyone has a go, harder to keep interest.
You notice something no one else has report it, then have to quote for it, why not let it crap itself, then hopefully get the call & have to fix it on the spot.

Just winging I suppose.