Bidding

Question 1

What is included in the bidding or procurement documents?

Answer 1

Project manual
Contact drawings
Addenda

Question 2

What is included in the project manual?

Answer 2

All written instructions for a bidding or negotiating and completion of the project. Includes:
A101 and A201
supplementary conditions if applicable
Instructions to bidders A701
Contractors qualification statement A305
Construction bid firm
Specifications
Geotechnical reports and Environmental reports

Question 3

What is included in specifications?

Answer 3

Specific product
Desired qualities (e.g. grade it color)
Required submittals
Required testing standards
Installation requirements

Question 4

What is included in the contract drawings?

Answer 4

Show size and scope of project
Show arrangement of different material and systems
Used by bidders to determine material quantities and requirements

Question 5

Proprietary or closed specifications

Answer 5

Lists exact manufacturer and product name required
Not allowed on publicly funded projects
Substitutions or alternatives not allowed

Question 6

Open specifications

Answer 6

Allows for alternates or substitutions
Three types: descriptive, performance, reference

Question 7

Descriptive specifications

Answer 7

When an exact product is not required

Question 8

Performance specifications

Answer 8

Declares the performance criteria a product should meet as opposed to listing certain acceptable products

Question 9

Reference specifications

Answer 9

Provide criteria as established in a reference standard such as ANSI

Question 10

Information submitted by the contractor to the owner for pre-qualification are:

Answer 10

Financial qualifications
Personnel
Experience
References
Size of firm
Bonding capabilities
Any special qualities that make them particularly suited for the project under consideration

Question 11

Advertisement for bids should include:

Answer 11

The fact that a call for bids is being made
The project name and location
The names and addresses of the owner and architect
A brief description of the project, including building type, size, principal construction materials and systems, and other pertinent information
When and where bidding documents can be obtained and the deposit required, if any
Where bid documents may be viewed
The type and amount of bid bonds required
The procedures for submitting bids
Whether of not the bids will be opened publicly
Other information as needed, such as the owners right to waive irregularity of the bidding process or to accept bids other than the lowest

Question 12

What to consider when selecting a contractor

Answer 12

Previous experience in the project type being built
Reference from past clients
Experience of personnel
Sufficient personnel to complete the project
Financial qualifications, including responsibility and past experience
Bonding capacity for types of bonds required
Ability to obtain the insurance required by the project
History of past claims or other types of disputes
History of work with subcontractors and vendors
History of ability to complete jobs on time and on budget
Knowledge and experience with special construction methods, if required
Possession of special licensing or certification if required by the project

Question 13

The price a contractor is willing to submit to an owner is dependent on the following variables:

Answer 13

Actual cost of subcontractors bids
Cost of the contractors own labor and materials
Cost of equipment rental
The contractor indirect costs
Overhead
Profit

Question 14

Allowance

Answer 14

An amount of money or quantity of materials identified by bidders for work that is not completely defined in the procurement documents

Question 15

Bid alternate

Answer 15

A portion of the work defined in the procurement documents for which separate pricing is to be identified in bidders proposals

Question 16

Base bid

Answer 16

The construction cost proposed by the contractor for the full scope of the work without any bid alternate pricing

Question 17

Payment bond

Answer 17

A labor and materials payment bond, an amount of money guaranteeing that the contractor will pay subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers for their work. Protects owners against potential mechanics liens and construction delays

Question 18

Performance bond

Answer 18

A guarantee by an entity which ensures that, should the contractor default during construction, there are sufficient funds to complete the project

Question 19

Qualifications based selection

Answer 19

The owner selected the contractor solely on the basis of the contractors qualifications

Question 20

Responsible bidder

Answer 20

One who can demonstrate financial capacity to perform the contracted work

Question 21

Value based selection

Answer 21

The owner selected a contractor based on the weighted values of multiple criteria, including construction cost or fee and proposed schedule, as well as qualifications based criteria such as past experience on similar projects and proposed personnel