HOW TO SUCCEED AT BIDDING & ESTIMATING
There is also a Request for Proposal ( RFP ), which , according to Lowery , is typically done early on in the project . This approach to contracting occurs when the agency isn ’ t certain about what it wants and is looking to the contractor to develop a solution and cost estimate . In addition to the standard forms that the government provides , contractors will have to submit their own proposal with the necessary management plans , drawings , personnel information , and any other documents that will demonstrate the firm ’ s capabilities to complete the contract . “ They want to get competitive prices […] to make sure they can get it within their budget before they go out to an invitation to bid .”
Another type of proposal described by Lowery is the Request for Quote ( RFQ ). This type of solicitation is frequently used to determine current market pricing . The quote a contractor submits is not a binding offer and cannot be accepted by the government . A Standard Form 26 , which requires the signatures of both the contractor and the contracting officer , would be needed to make the offer binding .
Contractors should also be aware of the construction contract types , which are : lump sum , unit price contract , cost plus contract , guaranteed maximum price contract , negotiated contract , CMAR / GCAR , and P3 . will be no change orders unless the owner or design team will make changes . If you try to lowball on the lump sum , that is a risk that you are taking ; don ’ t come back to the owner and ask for more money .”
Lowery pointed out that in terms of estimating and scheduling , there are several programs that will help contractors with this task , such as Project , Excel , PlanGrid , Fieldwire , Procore , P6 and Monday . com . He suggested that the items you should include in your schedule as “ long-lead time items ” are the preconstruction phase , construction , closeout , submittals , and shop drawings .
“ You need to know when your true end date is ,” Lowery advised . “ There is also a process with submittals and shop drawings — once you get submittals , you have to stamp them and submit to the architect of record for them to review and approve , which usually takes three days . You have to dissect everything so that your schedule is accurate .”
Contractors are encouraged to reach out to the Contractor Development Program with questions , or if one-on-one bidding and estimating coaching is requested . We may be reached at cdp @ imwis . com or ( 415 ) 986-3999 .
“ Lump sum is what you ’ re going to see the majority of the time ,” said Lowery . “ There
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