but I suspect that foreign competition bids are revealed to British companies before the decision is made, giving the British company the opportunity to undercut the competition.
Not sure how common this is but I know of examples. What I said above. Define "British".
if it goes to tender it will be to the lowest bidder.
Same again. A procurer could possibly comment but the need for an absolutely perfect, watertight requirement crosses my mind. Surely this should be something like "lowest bidder who is compliant with a valid requirement."