Bid More.
Win More.
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A Solution For Every Need
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Submittals / Transmittals & Specifications
Once you have WON the bid; the submittal and specification requirements can be overwhelming. Allow Pretty Pretty Precon to assist from simple transmittal/submittal creations to full turnkey specification submission for the architect, engineer, owner or general contractor. Please see our SAMPLES. We are happy to take on that task for you and will provide you a menu pricing option for you to consider in the next steps after project award.
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Bid Closeouts
Knowing how the numbers need to come together on bid day for a competitive estimate is just as important as an accurate take-off. We will schedule a call with you to go over the scope of work, line by line. Our numbers analysis will be performed, and all crucial information regarding the bid will be provided for you.
Finally, any adjustment to the estimate is done and we work closely with you to finalize the bid before it is sent out.
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Change Orders
We can provide you with change orders. We all love change orders. Some contracts will have clauses that will prevent you from getting paid on change orders esp. Whenever there is an amendment, variation, or deviation to the original contract, a written change order should be executed to modify the original contract. We can perform per LF, SF RS Means breakdown, along with “red line” addendum items for full scope enclosure that easily breaks down the cost for the owner / GC.
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In-House Training
Our consultant will assess the strength of your team and customize a week long in-office training. Our training sessions cover: blueprint reading, software training, RS Means walk-thru, incidental scope breakdown (i.e.: wiring, conduits, gear, sitework, etc.), red-line classes, negotiations, step by step take-offs, transmittal/submittal training, spec book reading, labor factor discussions, bidding mistakes, scope letter writing, value engineering, contingencies, etc. Customizable based on your firms needs.
Bid / Hit Ratio:
The Preconstruction / estimating / bidding phase of a project is an important time for subcontractors. On average, subs have about 10-20 days to prepare and submit a quality bid to a General Contractor. They can also use this time to develop a relationship with the GC, which will help them win the job they’re bidding and position their company for future bid opportunities with that GC. Most projects are still competitively bid.
Most GCs find subs to bid their projects by going to associations, builders’ exchanges and/or construction networks. Make sure you have a prominent presence in one or all of these places by promoting your company’s updated qualifications. This will increase your opportunities to bid projects.
Open and respond to every “Invitation to Bid” as quickly as you can. If interested, let the GC know you’re bidding. If they don’t get immediate responses to their bid invitations, GCs often message more subs, which will increase your competition. If you’re not interested, let the GC know you’re not bidding. Being responsive, even if you decline to bid, will likely lead to another bid opportunity from that GC
Closely review the GC’s bid invitation and documents that they provide. Make sure the project is located in an area that you service, that you have enough time to prepare a quality bid, and that you are qualified to install the products specified. Sometimes the architect doesn’t specify a particular manufacturer or will allow an approved equivalent. This will enable you to bid your specialty product provided it meets the architect’s technical specifications. Also, review the other trades required for the project. There may be more opportunities than you were initially invited to bid.
If the GC conducts a pre-bid meeting, attend it and let them know your interest in the project by putting bringing a representative. The meeting not only provides an opportunity to ask questions or express concerns about the project but it shows a commitment to bid that the GC will appreciate. Also, on bid day GCs favor subs that they know, so establishing a personal relationship may give you a competitive edge.
If only one GC invited you to bid on a project, call the project’s owner or architect to request the complete list of “GC Bidders.” Their contact information can usually be found on the plan cover sheet. If you take the time to prepare a bid, then you want to make sure that all the bidding GCs have your bid, which will increase your chance to win the job.
Then preparing your bid proposal, include information the GC needs to evaluate your bid – scope of work, alternates, unit prices, addendums, and product literature. It should specify the divisions or categories that you are bidding and identify any omissions or additions in your bid with an explanation. Always include the “Issue Date” of the plans and specifications that you produced your bid from in the event of any discrepancies. It’s also important to identify the expiration date of your bid in case a decision on the project award is delayed. That delay may affect the pricing you used in your bid. Lastly, include your company’s updated qualification form. That information may encourage the GC to add you to their private database, which will lead to future bid opportunities.
Submit your bid no later than the day and time specified by the GC on their bid invitation. Typically, GCs submit their bid to the project’s owner or architect the day after they receive their subs’ bids. GCs need a day to review and evaluate sub bids so they can prepare their “General Contract” bid.
Most GCs still accept subs’ bid proposals by fax or email (or courier). However, an increasing number of GCs are now requiring their subs to submit their bids into a private, cloud-based portal that was created for them. This technology not only centralizes bid submittals but it also eliminates the bid day frustration of failed faxes and emails, particularly emails with large file attachments.
About 2-3 weeks after you submit your bid, call the GC to get an update on the project. Find out if they were awarded and, if so, when will they be awarding the subcontractors. If the GC was not awarded the project ask what GC was. That may provide you with another opportunity to win the job. While you’re on the phone don’t forget to ask about upcoming bids.
Bid on projects that are targeted to your specialties, which will make your bid more competitive. To increase bid opportunities in your wheelhouse, provide GCs with your company’s experiences, qualifications, and certifications. The best way to accomplish that is by promoting your company’s profile in the industry’s most popular construction networks like The Blue Book Building & Construction Network®.
Competitive bidding is not easy. Most subs have to bid 5-10 projects just to win one. Employing the tips above should help your Bid-Hit ratio
