By most measures, the Charleston, S.C., school construction program is a resounding success. Two years ago the district adopted "big project" protocols for its growing $365-million building program and hired a 27-year ex-Navy construction chief to run it. William H. Lewis brought with him the military's "toolbox" of alternative contracting methods that includes prequalification of bidders on difficult or time-sensitive projects and use of large program and construction managers. The district's jobs are coming in on time and within budget. "It's been such a positive thing for this community," he says.

But not all Carolina contractors feel like welcome members of that community. To some small firms that have traditionally bid on local school and other municipal jobs, "RFP" now might just as well stand for "regrettable flawed practices" as it does request for proposals.