Bid package
Bid leveling for general contractors
We compare subcontractor bids side by side so you can see price differences, missing work and exclusions.
| Scope item | Bid D | Bid B | Bid C | Bid A | Bid E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal stud framing | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Gypsum board | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Level 4 finish | Included | Included | Gap | Included | Included |
| Interior painting | Included | Included | Included | Included | Gap |
| Acoustical ceilings | Included | Included | Included | Included | Gap |
| Firestopping | Included | Gap | Gap | Gap | Gap |
| Blocking and backing | Included | Included | Included | Gap | Gap |
| Cleanup and debris removal | Included | Included | Included | Gap | Included |
| Scope covered | 8 of 8 | 7 of 8 | 6 of 8 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 8 |
- In the bid
- Missing from the bid
A low base bid can leave scope out. Sorted by coverage, Bid D covers 8 of 8 scope items and Bid E covers 4. Each gap is flagged so bids compare like for like. The general contractor closes the gaps and chooses the subcontractor.
The service
What you send. What you get.
You send
- The subcontractor bids and scope letters you received
- Plans, specifications and addenda for each trade package
- Your scope sheets or trade breakdowns, if you use them
- Your plug values or rules for missing scope
Start with a short description. We arrange document sharing after confirming the work.
You get
- Leveling sheetBidders side by side for each trade package, adjusted to the same scope basis.
- Scope checklistA common list of scope items, with each bidder marked included, excluded or silent.
- Gap and plug summaryMissing scope priced at values you approve, shown apart from the bid amounts.
- Clarification questionsQuestions for your team to send to bidders where a scope letter is unclear.
Typical buyers: General contractor estimators on bid day; Construction managers buying out trade packages; Preconstruction managers preparing award recommendations.
What we check
Your bid requirements, organized.
Each bidder’s price, inclusions, exclusions, alternates and unit prices are lined up, and scope gaps are flagged and plugged at values you approve. Your team makes the award decision. We confirm fit and a fixed quote after reviewing your documents.
- Each bidder’s base price by trade package
- Inclusions and exclusions against a common scope checklist
- Alternates and unit prices by bidder
- Scope gaps and the plug values you approve
- Addenda acknowledged by each bidder
- Bond, insurance and schedule notes stated in each bid
Who does what
Bidmere prepares. Your team decides.
The decisions that commit your company stay with your team, every time.
We prepare the package
- Lists each bid requirement and who needs to provide it
- Organizes forms, attachments and deadlines
- Writes proposal sections using facts you approve
- Flags missing information and questions for your team
You approve and submit
- Provides project facts and company information
- Sets rates, pricing and commercial terms
- Approves the draft and signs the forms
- Submits the response before the deadline
Before we start
Questions to resolve and work not included.
Questions we help identify
- Bidder silent on an item the specification assigns to the trade
- Bid received without acknowledging the latest addendum
- Alternate priced on a different basis than the bid form asks
- Scope split between two trade packages unclear
Not included
- Selecting the subcontractor or awarding the subcontract
- Contacting bidders on your behalf
- Checking subcontractor licenses, bonding or insurance
- Negotiating price or terms
Sources
Where the rules come from.
Questions
About bid leveling.
What does a leveled bid mean?
A leveled bid has been adjusted on paper to cover the same scope as the others. Missing items are plugged at values you set and extra items are noted, so the comparison is like for like.
What do you need from us?
The subcontractor bids and scope letters, the bid documents and addenda for each package and your plug values or rules for missing scope. Your team makes the award decision.
Do you contact subcontractors to clarify their bids?
No. We draft the clarification questions, and your team sends them and records the answers.
Plan your response
Related
Keep reading.
- Subcontractor bid proposalsWe turn your estimate into a clear proposal for the general contractor, showing your price and exactly what it covers.
- General contractor estimatesG-001Divisions 01 to 33: Whole project
- Bid-day estimatesConstruction documents / bid day
- Value engineering proposalsValue engineering proposal support organizes a suggested change to the plans or specifications for the owner's review.
Send the solicitation details.
We confirm availability, scope, price and timing before any work begins.