" Commissioner Meadows made the recommendation due to their close proximity and familiarity with the area even though their bid was approximately $40,000 more than the other company in competition, Architectural Graphic & Designs. "
It sounds like just one other company. I wasn't able to make it to DeFuniak for the meeting so I can't give first hand info.
I do know if they keep awarding contracts in this manner nobody will bid. It costs companies time/money to create bids. Why would they go to the trouble, if they can't win on legitimate consideration?
I didn't catch that part in bold. You're right, people will quit bidding and the bidding process will become meaningless...if not already if this case is a common example.