What are the Bidding Documents included in the Project Manual?
- Advertisement (or invitation) to bid
- Instructions to bidders
- Bid forms
- Bid security information
- Performance bond requirements
- Labor and material payment bond
Bidding Documents are not part of the Contract Documents.
What is a Performance Bond?
Statement by a surety company that obligates complete construction of the project in the event the contractor defaults
It ensures the project is completed even if the contractor cannot finish the work.
What does a Labor and Materials Payment Bond protect against?
Protects owners from liens and guarantees payment for subcontractors
This bond ensures that subcontractors are paid for their work.
Define Bidding Contingency.
Added to base bid by contractor to account for uncertainty of marketplace, cost of materials, etc.
It helps contractors manage risks associated with bidding.
What is a Bid Bond?
Contractor obtains a bid bond from an insurance company, which asserts that the company will pay the difference between the contractor’s price and the next lowest bidder if the contractor does not take the job
This protects the owner from being stuck with a high bidder.
What is Bid Security?
A certified check submitted with the bid by the contractor, forfeited if the contractor fails to enter into an agreement with the owner
It serves as a financial guarantee for the bid.
What can cause Bid Tampering?
- Failure of the Owner to read bids aloud
- Allowance of late bids by the Owner
- Collusion of bidders
These issues can influence who is awarded the project.
What is the recommended number of bidders to invite for a project?
5-6 bidders
This number is considered optimal for competitive bidding.
What is an Architect’s Supplemental Instructions (ASI)?
Allows the architect to issue minor changes in the work without using a change order
This process avoids involving the owner for minor adjustments.
What is the Spearin Gap?
Liability carried by the owner in a design-bid-build project, representing the difference between defect-free documents and the standard of care
It addresses unavoidable issues in construction that are not the fault of the architect or contractor.
What is a Draw Down?
A submittal showing a sample of a proposed paint color, usually on the wall itself
This helps in visualizing the final appearance of the project.
Define Substantial Completion.
The moment when the Owner can occupy or utilize the work for its intended purpose
This marks the beginning of the statute of limitations and the end of the Contractor’s schedule.
What is Final Completion?
Contractor notifies Architect in writing that the Punchlist and final cleaning is complete and includes a final Application for Payment
This signifies the project’s official completion.
What is a Punch List?
Officially made by the GC but typically made by the Architect during the inspection for Substantial Completion
It identifies tasks that need to be completed before Final Completion.
What is a Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE)?
Performed 3-6 months after occupancy, often at the Architect’s expense for the firm’s benefit
This evaluation assesses the building’s performance after it has been occupied.
What does Commissioning involve?
Testing and adjusting building systems after installation, prerequisite for LEED certification
It ensures systems operate as efficiently as intended.
What is the role of a Commissioning Agent (CA)?
Participates in the project from the programming phase until completion, involved as early as possible
The CA verifies that the owner’s goals are being accomplished.
What is Enhanced Commissioning?
CA returns 10-12 months after project closeout to review building performance
This ensures long-term efficiency and effectiveness of building systems.
