Division 00: Procurement & Contracting Requirements
Understand how to interpret bid forms, bonding, insurance, general conditions, and contracting procedures in this foundational division of the MasterFormat.
🎥 Must-Watch: 5 Key Takeaways from Division 00
Before you submit another bid, watch this short breakdown on what every estimator and PM should catch in Division 00 — and what might cost you the job if you miss it.
🧠 Quick Recap of the 5 Takeaways:
- Know the documents that become part of the legal contract.
- Understand Instructions to Bidders so your pricing aligns with what's expected.
- Review bonding and insurance — they affect your bid total.
- Highlight all key dates including bid due dates and walkthroughs.
- Use the correct forms for RFIs and substitution requests — or risk rejection.
📄 Cheat Sheet
Download our Division 00 quick-reference PDF for key definitions and document outlines.
Download Cheat Sheet(Click to open or right-click to save your copy.)
💡 Instructor Insights
- Understand which documents become part of the contract.
- Know what the Instructions to Bidders section means for your pricing.
- Review bonding and insurance requirements — they often impact your total bid.
- Check the calendar for bid submission dates and pre-bid walkthroughs.
- Make sure you're following the right forms for RFI and substitution requests.
📥 Quiz & Resources
Test your understanding of Division 00 with these 5 quick questions. Answers are included below so you can self-review.
- What types of documents are typically included in Division 00?
Answer: Invitation to Bid, Instructions to Bidders, Bid Forms, Agreement Forms, Bonding Requirements, General and Supplementary Conditions. - Why should you carefully read the Instructions to Bidders?
Answer: Because they define how your bid must be formatted, submitted, and what is or isn’t included (e.g. taxes, alternates, unit pricing). - How do bonding and insurance affect your estimate?
Answer: These are real costs that must be included in your bid — typically as overhead or line items. - What are two dates in Division 00 you must never miss?
Answer: Bid submission deadline and pre-bid walkthrough (if mandatory). - What happens if you use the wrong form for an RFI or substitution?
Answer: Your request could be rejected or cause delays — always follow the required format in Division 00.
Division 00 Class – What You Need to Know Before You Bid
This lesson focuses on the front-end of every construction project — the legal and procedural documents that set the tone and rules for everything that follows.
1. Understand Which Documents Become Part of the Contract
Division 00 includes the documents that become legally binding once the contract is awarded — including the bid form, instructions, agreements, bonding, and general/supplementary conditions.
2. Know What the Instructions to Bidders Mean for Your Pricing
This section tells you how to submit your bid — whether it includes alternates, unit prices, lump sum, taxes, or scheduling conditions. Make sure these instructions are factored into your estimate.
3. Review Bonding and Insurance Requirements
Bonding and insurance aren't optional — they’re required and must be priced into your bid. This can include bid bonds, performance bonds, and liability insurance that protect all parties involved.
4. Check the Calendar for Submission Dates and Walkthroughs
Division 00 contains all the key dates — bid deadlines, delivery methods, and mandatory pre-bid meetings or walkthroughs. Missing one of these may disqualify you from bidding entirely.
5. Use the Right Forms for RFI and Substitutions
Look out for required formats in Division 00 for submitting RFIs and product substitution requests. Using the wrong form or process can delay approvals or disqualify your submittals.