I think it all stinks to high heaven. As far as I am concerned, if someone puts in a bid to do a "government" job, that is what it should cost us, the taxpayer. If they quote 2 billion, that is what they should be paid. Not one penny more.
Their quotes are based on their shareholders or directors making a large element of profit. When they "double" the costs, you can guarantee that the percentage of the total taken for profit doesn't decrease.
These so called increases are just blackmail - if the government refused to pay up, we wouldn't see these sort of price hikes happening. Threaten to take the cost of building out of the directors pockets and give it to someone who will do the job for the original quote.
If they complain send them to gaol for fraud and extortion.
Am I being unreasonable? I think not.
Quack!
GtD.