Discusses techniques of lowest cost procurement against best practice and best value. Points out that construction best practice is concerned with providing the best working environment with the best construction process, that generates the lowest cost with the highest quality. This means obtaining the highest value over cost ratio. In tendering an estimated unit-rate can only be justified and reviewed upon completion of a project. Consequently a large time gap can exist whilst the estimate is being used for tendering other projects and the contractor or supplier could be using the wrong rate. E-bidding can help shorten the time gap and increases the periodic reviews of rates to reflect market conditions. Concludes that online bidding can be a simple, speedy and effective procurement means for securing subcontractors and suppliers, but this is when it is subject to pre-qualified partnering, when quality and safety can be guaranteed.