🎯 Learning Objectives

• Assemble a compliant submission: bid forms, addenda, bonds, insurance.
• Build a bid-day plan: portals, timestamps, alternates, unit prices.
• Use clear proposal language: scope narrative, clarifications, inclusions/exclusions.
• Navigate negotiation & change orders without giving away profit.
• Run a win/loss review to improve hit rate.

📝 Bid Forms, Bonds & Compliance Matrix

Public and private bids require specific documents. Use a quick compliance matrix to prevent disqualification.

🏛️ Bonds, Insurance & Financial Guarantees

• Bid Bond: typically 5–10% of bid; assures you’ll enter contract if selected.
• Performance & Payment Bonds: guarantee completion and payment to subs/suppliers.
• Insurance: GL/Auto/Umbrella/WC; confirm required limits and endorsements before bid.

🏛️ Public vs Private Bidding

• Public: strict forms, bonds, deadlines, prevailing wage; noncompliant = rejection.
• Private: more flexible, emphasis on relationships and value engineering options.
• Both require on-time submission in the requested format (portal/email/hard copy).

📤 Submission Channels & Bid-Day Checklist

• Portals: upload early; verify file types/size, required fields, and confirmation emails.
• Email: one PDF with bookmarks; CC self; use read receipt; subject: job#/trade/company.
• Hard Copy: sealed, labeled, signed originals; verify delivery route/time.

🖨 Proposal Package & Scope Narrative

Use clean formatting and plain language. Keep alternates and allowances separate from base.

Project: {{Project Name}}  ·  Bid #: {{ID}}  ·  Date: {{MM/DD/YY}}
To: {{Owner/GC}}
We propose to furnish all labor, equipment, disposal, and incidentals to complete the demolition work per plans/specs and addenda {{#}}.
Base Bid: ${{Amount}}   Alternates: See attached schedule   Unit Prices: See attached.
Inclusions: legal disposal with weight tickets, protection per plans, traffic control allowance as noted.
Exclusions: hazardous materials abatement unless noted, utility relocation by others, off-hours premiums unless accepted alternate.
Schedule: {{X}} calendar days from NTP.  Price valid {{30}} days.  We appreciate the opportunity to bid.
Sincerely, {{Company · Contact · Phone · Email}}
        

🔄 Scope Negotiation & Change Orders

• Prepare a VE list (methods/equipment/phasing) with price/time impacts.
• Keep unit prices ready for common adds/deducts (SF drywall, CY concrete, ton debris).
• Written authorization only for extra work; capture T&M with photos, tickets, sign-offs.

📣 Communication Templates

Subject: Clarification – {{Project}} – Demo Scope
Per our review, we include items A/B/C and exclude X/Y as not shown in demo plans.
Please confirm acceptance for pricing basis. Thank you.
          

Subject: Post-Bid – {{Project}} – Demo Proposal
Thanks for the opportunity. We’re available to review scope, alternates, and schedule impacts.
Please advise next steps or requested revisions.
          

📊 Win/Loss Review & Pipeline

Capture lessons to raise your hit rate over time.