Petersburg is not exactly known for their winning school system.

Yes that is the vast majority but not the bigger players. and or the bigger players will have a combination of brokered funds and their own funds. 

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" - by Dale Carnegie. 

I did however send a follow up email explaining that I am wanting to create win-win situations for the both of us along with helping out if possible with whatever the issue is or may be.

Then, the only really important thing is to know your strike price and not get caught up in the heat of the moment and try to "win".

Under his leadership and guidance, MADE SPA, an organization established in the 1800s by his forefathers, continues to win construction contracts both in the private and the public sector.

that was quite accurate depiction of some of the bad players in the industry through those troubling times.I know even before the melt down when I was super active in courthouse steps buying.I dealt with personally the trustor that swore up and down they made a payment they are being screwed. etc etc... was some tough situations.I had one attempted suicide and one that was successful .. was not for the faint of heart.

getting a quick win is very motivating. 

Expansion and contraction is a key player in the key playing against you.

In my experience construction contracts do several things in summary: list the players (client, contractor, design professional), outline the scope of the work and the costs (whether they be fixed or variable), how the project will be carried out, and what to do if things go wrong.