In competitive bidding situations, the lowest bi-d isoften the winner. The difference between the winner’s priceand the second bid price is called ”The money left on thetable” (M.L.T.). The literature of this subject has beencritically reviewed. The data from 917 bids were collected,organised and analysed. These data were then used toinvestigate and analyse the following: ,- The quantification of the money left on the table.- The factors affecting the (M.L.T.) and the consequence.- The relationships between the lowest, the average and thehighest bid prices.- The variations that exist among all bids submitted for atender.The data were also used to study the relationshipsbetween the money left on the table and some factors, such as:Type of projects, number of competitors, contract valueetc. The relationships between the variation of bids and thefactors affecting this variation were also studied.The results showed that the average money left on thetable was 9.91\ from the lowest bid price. The average numberof competitor per tender Is 5.5. The lowest bid price was 77%of the average bid pr ice, whi le the highest bid pr ice was· 29%higher than the average bid price. Consequently, the highestbid price was 1.7 times the lowest bid price. The results alsoshowed that the average coefficient of variation was 14.5%.This study would be of benefit for both contractors andowners. It highlights the mechanism of competitive bidding forthe construction managers of all levels, and helps them toevaluate the situation of their companies, competitors, or ofthe construction industry as a whole.