Final answer:
True, public design contracts are usually awarded through a competitive bidding process. This promotes fairness and value for public funds, and is a common approach to mitigate corruption and favoritism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether public design contracts are awarded through competitive bidding. True, public design contracts are often awarded through a competitive bidding process to ensure fairness and to obtain the best value for public funds. The referenced study, 'Auctions for conservation contracts: an empirical examination of Victoria's BushTender trial', suggests that auctions, which are a form of competitive bidding, can play a significant role in public contracts, particularly in the context of environmental conservation.
Competitive bidding for public contracts involves inviting various firms to submit their proposals in response to a contract offer. The bids are evaluated based on criteria set by the awarding agency, which may include price, quality, and the contractor's ability to deliver the services. The goal is to create an open and transparent process that mitigates the risk of corruption or favoritism and maximizes value for the public.
While the competitive bidding process can vary by jurisdiction and the specific nature of the contract, it is generally regarded as a standard approach for awarding public design contracts.