Before submitting a construction bid, verify the document issue, addenda, scope coverage, quantity units, quotation qualifications, allowances, alternates, indirect costs, and bid-form requirements. Confirm the exact deadline and obtain the approvals required by your business. This checklist supports review; it cannot certify a bid as complete.
01 / Control the documents
Confirm that everyone used the same issue and that late changes were assessed. Record missing information and how it is treated in the proposal.
- Drawings and specifications match the agreed document register
- All applicable addenda are logged and acknowledged as required
- Bid form, alternates, and submission instructions have been read
- Clarifications and design responses are reflected in the estimate
- Superseded files are clearly identified
02 / Reconcile the scope
Follow the work across trade boundaries. A total can be arithmetically correct while still omitting an installation responsibility.
- Each work package has a defined supply and installation boundary
- Owner-furnished and landlord work are separated
- Supports, sleeves, penetrations, controls, and connections have an owner
- Temporary work, protection, disposal, testing, and commissioning are addressed
- Inclusions and exclusions agree with the bid form
03 / Check the quantities
Use both detailed and independent checks. A benchmark should prompt investigation when something is unusual, not automatically replace measured information.
- Units match the rates being applied
- Scales and drawing dimensions have been checked
- Net quantities and waste adjustments remain separate
- Repeated floors or buildings have been checked for exceptions
- Major quantities can be traced to a drawing or stated assumption
04 / Review prices and quotations
Preserve original quotes and document adjustments. An excluded accessory or installation task can change the comparison between suppliers.
- Specifications, quantities, delivery, and validity dates are aligned
- Freight, taxes, installation, and equipment are treated consistently
- Labor rates and production assumptions are identified
- Allowances and provisional prices are visible
- Quote exclusions do not leave gaps in the overall package
05 / Reconcile the bid summary
Review the relationship between the detailed worksheet, commercial adjustments, and the submitted form. Keep internal calculations separate from external presentation requirements.
- Trade totals reconcile to the estimate summary
- General conditions and overhead are not duplicated
- Markup and margin calculations use the intended definition
- Alternates are separate from the base bid
- Contingency and escalation follow the agreed policy
06 / Confirm the submission
The contractor retains responsibility for the offer and its contractual conditions. Tender-specific requirements can go beyond this general checklist.
- Date, time, time zone, and delivery method are confirmed
- Required internal approvals are complete
- Signatures, attachments, and acknowledgments are included where required
- The final proposal and supporting estimate are retained
- Receipt is verified through the required submission process
Make the checklist part of a review conversation
A checked box should represent an actual review, not a habit. Assign an owner to unresolved items and explain their impact on the offer. Some issues may require design clarification, a revised quote, or a commercial decision before submission.
The bid-estimating guide explains scope reconciliation. The markup calculator demonstrates a common arithmetic distinction. You can print this page using your browser's print command for an ungated review copy.
Questions, clarified.
Does this checklist replace tender instructions?
No. The tender, contract documents, and applicable requirements govern the submission. Adapt the checklist and obtain appropriate professional review where the project requires it.
Who should sign off on a bid?
Follow your company's authority and review process. Estimating support can prepare information, but the business making the offer must approve its scope, price, qualifications, and risk.
Can it be used for a subcontractor proposal?
Yes, with the scope narrowed to the trade and its interfaces. Review supplier quotes, installation boundaries, exclusions, alternates, and the general contractor's submission requirements.
Updated September 15, 2026. Confirm time-sensitive requirements and project-specific decisions with the responsible authority or professional.