What makes American Municipal contractors think they deserve a 400-1000% markup for their services?

unfortunately, it is a widely accepted practise amongst building contractors, to charge more for municipal works. if you did a little investigation, you may discover that the majority of contractors are operating a cartel. where work and quotes are shared amongst themselves. the highest bid normally indicates to the rest that the coast is clear for the others to feast at the taxpayers expense. this practise is not new, and the architect should not feign ignorance