Contributed by Donald Bartholomew, LEED AP
Chief Estimator at North Georgia Estimating Services & STACK Software Expert
There are many aspects of a subcontractor bid proposal, that are incredibly important to general contractors. Of course, price is ultimately what they want, but it’s not the only thing in a construction project bid that stands out. Be sure to include these easy–to-overlook elements to ensure your proposal isn’t lost in the crowd and to give yourself the best opportunity to win the work.
Be Crystal Clear.
Making sure the project information in your proposal is clear should be priority #1. Provide a precise description of the project by name and location and be sure to include the general scope of work. This basic information is commonly provided by the general contractor to the subcontractor with the invitation to bid [ITB]. Consider who you want to see your bid and be sure to include a line to address that (Attn: Bid Contact). More often than not, there will be a specific pre-construction manager receiving proposals for specific divisions or scopes of work. If you don’t know who that manager is by name it may be a good idea to call and inquire.
Detail Your Scope.
The person reviewing your bid should quickly know the scope of work you will be providing. List each division for which you are providing a quote (Concrete, Masonry, Stucco etc) and take the time to provide a detailed