In a message dated 10/17/2006 2:36:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Well, some of the people here argue that, if their competitors could read their reports, they would get a good idea of how they're undercutting each other's prices & winning contracts... Other than that, in a lot of cases you have to show some reason for why you should be allowed to see the reports; public curiosity is not considered a valid excuse There are two good reasons for tracking down all previous reports. First, in order to assess the progress made on addressing regional research designs. Second, to ensure that data recovered in a survey/test/ or major recovery program actually contributes to the cumulative body of data on the research topic. If the lead agency professionally reviews the work and makes sure everyone is on the same page with regards to acres surveyed, distance between surveyors, quantities tested or recovered, and the research design demonstrates equal understanding of what has been investigated up to that point, then there should be no room for undercutting (ie. lowballing) in proposals. If they are all on the same page, then it should come down to hiring less expensive help or taking deeper cuts in the overhead or profit margin of the contract. Ron May Legacy 106, Inc.