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
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ____ | 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
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🧮 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
Subject: —
Body opener:
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📄 Template Bank
Proposal Cover Letter (click to expand)
Subject: Proposal – <Project Name> – Division 26 Electrical – <Your Company>
<Date>
<GC/Owner Name>
<Attention: Estimator/PM Name>
<Project Name / Number>
Thank you for the opportunity to bid <Project Name>. We propose to furnish and install the complete electrical scope per drawings and specifications, including all addenda acknowledged below.
Base Bid: $<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,
<Name>, <Title>
<Your Company> • <phone> • <email>