All Estimating Operations

Bid proposals and forms

Plain-language guides to the documents that carry a price in a competitive bid: the owner's bid form with its schedule of prices, and the proposal a subcontractor or contractor sends with its number. Each guide shows what the document must contain, who reads it and how it fails, with sample wording and checklists you can adapt. The guides separate public sealed bids, where the owner's form controls and exceptions can end a bid, from private bids to a general contractor, where inclusions, exclusions and clarifications are normal. They explain how the documents work and are not legal advice. Written for estimators, subcontractors and general contractors who prepare bids.