Chapter 9: the bidding phase

Question 1

At what phases in a project can “value engineering” take place?

Answer 1

The Design Phase and the construction phase

Question 2

What are some of the benefits of construction phase value engineering?

Answer 2

The contractors expertise is utilized in the design

Question 3

Describe some of the information that a notice to bidders typically includes:

Answer 3

• Nature or type of project
• Location of project
• Type of contract for construction
• Bonding requirements
• dates in which to perform work
• terms of payment
• estimated construction cost
• time,manner and place to submit bids
• location to obtain bid documents
• deposit required on bid documents
• owners right to reject any and all bids
• requirements regarding wage rates

Question 4

What are some of the benefits of the design-bid-build process? (ie. the gc method)

Answer 4

• the owner benefits from a competitive marketplace
• the owner has the appearance of being impartial
• the process fully embraces the fundamentals of a free market system
• it may be the only viable method available for some governmental agencies

Question 5

What is prequalification?

Answer 5

A requirement imposed by owners to restrict bidding to firms that have been prequalified. In the prequalification process, firms must demonstrate that they have the necessary abilities to perform the required work. Firms that demonstrate this ability are then placed on a select bidders list (also known as a short list)

Question 6

When does the bidding period begin?

Answer 6

Once plans and specifications have been completed. (Ie. at the end of the design period)

Question 7

Who is responsible for the accuracy of bidding information?

Answer 7

Unless stated otherwise, the owner is responsible for any errors in the bid documents.

Question 8

What types of things could an addenda be issued for?

Answer 8

Owners and designers could identify changes to the design documents, contractors could notice an error or incongruency in documents.

Question 9

What is one way for a public agency to present an image of being fair when requiring alternates on a bid?

Answer 9

The owner should try to stipulate the priority of each alternate on the bid. They should also outline the criteria to be utilized in determining a low bidder