Which of the following practices is considered unethical in the bidding process?

Bid shopping is considered unethical in the bidding process because it involves a contractor revealing the bids submitted by subcontractors to other potential bidders with the intent to negotiate lower prices. This practice compromises the integrity of the bidding process by undermining the trust and confidentiality that are essential components of fair competition. Subcontractors invest time and resources in preparing their bids, and discovering that their confidential pricing strategies have been disclosed can discourage them from participating in future projects or affect their willingness to offer competitive prices.

By engaging in bid shopping, the contractor is not only violating ethical standards but potentially also legal requirements designed to foster fair competition and protect all parties involved. This behavior can lead to legal disputes, damage relationships between contractors and subcontractors, and ultimately harm the industry's reputation.

The other practices, such as open proposal submission, competitive pricing, and transparent communication, are generally viewed as ethical and can promote a fair and competitive bidding environment. Open proposal submission allows for transparency, competitive pricing fosters healthy competition, and transparent communication fosters trust and collaboration among all parties involved.