Is Indy guy planning on pulling permits? Also, for that kind of money you might want to join Angies list to check them both out. Finally if big guy is micheals - they're over priced, but the work is done right imho
The big guy is John C. Flood. We used them before to replace a water heater.
Neither contract discusses permits, but honestly we've not been sticklers for permits in the past, more concerned about them being bonded and insured.