A tender qualification should make your offer clear. A vague term such as 'reasonable access' can leave both sides with different views of what the price covers.
Will the assumptions in your bid still be visible after award?
Construction Tender Qualifications: Ask About Gaps First
Point to the plan, clause or task that needs a reply. Use the stated query route and keep the answer with the price.
A stock list of exclusions may miss the real issue. Some bids must price the full scope, so added terms can make the offer fail the rules.
State What You Priced
Define scope, quantities, access and dates. State design duties, how long the price lasts and how price rises have been treated.
Where allowed, show the cost of another basis. For example, state the working hours priced rather than leave 'normal hours' for the reader to interpret.
A qualification in the tender is easy to lose. Where is the accepted basis recorded?
- Ask
Point to the exact scope or terms issue.
- Price
State the basis used in the bid.
- Carry forward
Record what was accepted in the order.
Keep the reply and accepted terms in the order and site handover, with any remaining gap clearly stated.
Check The Agreed Order
Read the final contract or order against the tender and replies. Make sure accepted terms have been carried through.
A note in your own file may not form part of the signed deal. Keep the price basis clear and check terms that affect work, price or risk.
General guidance. Check your signed contract and the job facts. Get legal advice where needed.