28th November 2008, 01:14 PM
There is nothing wrong with competition. I see the real problem as being quality control by the Planning Archaeologists. Anyone who spreads thier wings further than a few miles knows how conditions vary between counties. In my opinion some don't ask enough, others ask the rediculous and the best gauge it about right. The main problem is the two extremes. If their is a spineless PA then you will get bad units puting in a low quote, doing a below par job and getting away with it becuase the PA does not question the site work/final reporting. If the PA is mr/ms seld important it annoys the client as well as puts projects under risk of making a loss. I have met PA's at both ends of the scale but fortunatly the PA in my direct area generally finds the balance well. My main point really though is the standard/quality of work required at both fieldwork and PX level needs to be more rigid in oder to let companies compete fairly for work. I for one do not want to have to start drastically letting standards go in order to bring in work.