Electrical Estimating 2025

📨 Module 8: Bidding & Proposal Submission

Turn your finished estimate into a clear, compliant proposal that wins work and protects your scope. Use the tools below to align with client instructions, package alternates/units, and submit professionally.

📋 Key Takeaways

Mirror the client’s bid form and numbering—avoid disqualification.
Document inclusions, exclusions, alternates, unit prices, addenda.
Submit exactly how/when they require; log timestamps + confirmations.
Protect margin with clear assumptions, schedule notes, and lead-time disclosures.

🔑 Quick Glossary

Bid Form Alternate Unit Price Addendum Ack. Cover Letter

🧰 Proposal Builder (Fill & Copy)

Cover Letter Generator

✅ Copied!

—

Tip: attach clarifications, alternates, unit prices, addenda acknowledgment.

Bid Form Mapping (Mini)

Bid Form Section	Your Cost Line(s)	Amount $
Base Bid – Electrical	All Div 26 DC + Cont + OH + Profit	$________
Allowances	Lighting controls commissioning; Core drilling	$________
Unit Prices	EMT adds; device adds; branch adds	—

Match the client’s exact labels & numbering.

🔀 Alternates

Alt #	Description	Add/Deduct ($)
ALT-1	LED fixture type change	($12,400)
ALT-2	Add occupancy sensors	$9,800

Tip: Clearly state if alternates include controls, programming, or permits.

📏 Unit Prices

Item	Unit	Price/Unit	Notes
3/4" EMT add (wire+labor)	lf	$___	Exposed, ≤12' AFF
Branch circuit device add	ea	$___	Single gang
Core drilling 4” slab	ea	$___	Normal hours

Keep scope notes consistent with drawings/specs.

📑 Addenda Acknowledgment & 📬 Submission Log

Addenda Acknowledgment

Addendum #	Date	Summary	Ack
1	____	Fixture schedule revision	☑
2	____	Panelboard circuiting update	☑

Submission Log

Method	Timestamp	Recipient/Portal	Confirmation
Email	____	estimator@client.com	Auto-reply received
Portal	____	BuildingConnect Bid #12345	Upload success #ABC789

Reminder: Save PDFs, quote logs, and proof of receipt in the job folder with a version stamp (Rev A, Rev B).

🧮 Bid-Day Helpers

⏳ Countdown to Bid

Due (local date & time)

—

🧮 Price Sanity Check

Subtotal (DC + CT): —

Break-even (+ OH): —

Final Price (w/ margin): —

Profit Dollars: —

Formula: Price = (DC×(1+CT)×(1+OH)) ÷ (1−Margin)

✉️ Email Subject Generator

✅ Copied!

Subject: —

Body opener:

—

📄 Template Bank

Proposal Cover Letter (click to expand)

Subject: Proposal –  – Division 26 Electrical – 



Attention: Estimator/PM


Thank you for the opportunity to bid . We propose to furnish and install the complete electrical scope per drawings and specifications, including all addenda acknowledged below.

Base Bid: $
Alternates: See attached schedule
Unit Prices: See attached schedule
Schedule: Substantial completion per contract; long-lead equipment per vendor quotes

Inclusions: Submittals, permits/fees, coordination, testing, as-builts, warranty per spec
Exclusions: Patch/paint, structural supports beyond spec, hazardous abatement, overtime unless noted

Clarifications/Qualifications:
1) Price valid 30 days; escalation beyond 60 days by mutual agreement
2) Outages/shutdowns coordinated with owner; night work premium excluded unless specified
3) Equivalent products per spec substitution requirements

Please see the attached bid form, clarifications, alternates, unit prices, and quote log.

Sincerely,
, 
<Your Company> • <phone> • <email>
        </div>
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${owner||'<GC/Owner Name>'}
Attention: Estimator/PM
${proj||'<Project Name / Number>'}

Thank you for the opportunity to bid ${proj||'<Project Name>'}. We propose to furnish and install the complete electrical scope per drawings and specifications, including all addenda acknowledged below.

Base Bid: $${baseTxt}
Alternates: See attached schedule
Unit Prices: See attached schedule
Schedule: Substantial completion per contract; long-lead equipment per vendor quotes

Inclusions: Submittals, permits/fees, coordination, testing, as-builts, warranty per spec
Exclusions: Patch/paint, structural beyond spec, hazardous abatement, overtime unless noted

Clarifications/Qualifications:
1) Price valid 30 days; escalation beyond 60 days by mutual agreement
2) Outages/shutdowns coordinated with owner; night work premium excluded unless specified
3) Equivalent products per spec substitution requirements

Please see the attached bid form, clarifications, alternates, unit prices, and quote log.

Sincerely,
<Name>, <Title>
${co} • <phone> • <email>`;
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Included: signed bid form, cover letter, clarifications, alternates, unit prices, quote log, addenda acknowledgment.
Please confirm receipt. Contact me with any questions.

Best regards,
<Your Name>
${co}
<phone> • <email>`;

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Electrical Module 8