Estimating in Building Construction

Project Manual 21

divisions of the format; their constant use will facilitate
their memorization.

3–3 INVITATION TO BID

(ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS)

In public construction, public agencies must conform to
regulations that relate to the method they use in advertising
for bids. Customarily, the notice of proposed bidding is
posted in public places and on the Internet and by advertis-
ing for bids in newspapers (Figure 3.2), trade journals, and
magazines. Where the advertisement is published, how
often, and over what period of time it will be published vary
considerably according to the jurisdictional regulations. An
estimator must not be bashful. If contractors are interested
in a certain project, they should never hesitate to call and
ask when it will be bid, when and where the agencies will

advertise for bids, or for any other information that may be

of importance.

Generally, the advertisement describes the location,

extent, and nature of the work. It will designate the authority

under which the project originated. Concerning the bid, it

will give the place where bidding documents are available

and list the time, manner, and place where bids will be

received. It will also list bond requirements and start and

completion dates for the work.

In private construction, owners often do not advertise

for bidders. They may choose to negotiate with a contractor

of choice, put the job out to bid on an invitation basis, or

put the project out for competitive bidding open to anyone

who wants to bid. If the owner puts a job out for competitive

bidding, the architect/engineer will call the construction

reporting services, which will pass the information on to

their members or subscribers.

FIGURE 3.2.Invitation to Bid.