How to handle addenda on a construction bid

An addendum, called an amendment in federal invitations for bids, modifies the solicitation documents before the bid opening. Owners issue them to answer questions, correct errors, revise specifications or quantities, or change the schedule. Once issued, an addendum is part of the bid documents.

Late addenda are common, sometimes days or hours before bids are due. Keep a single log that every estimator and the person submitting the bid can see.

• Number and date of each addendum, and where it was posted.
• Sections, sheets, bid items or forms affected.
• Whether pricing, subcontractor scope or schedule must change.
• Who checked it, and when subcontractors and suppliers were notified.

Solicitations specify how addenda must be acknowledged: on the bid form, on a separate form, by signing the addendum or through the bidding portal. In federal sealed bidding, FAR 52.214-3 requires bidders to acknowledge amendments. FAR 14.405 allows a contracting officer to waive failure to acknowledge an amendment only in limited cases, such as when the amendment has no or trivial effect on price, quality, quantity or delivery.

Ask subcontractors and suppliers to confirm that their quotes include each addendum. A quote that does not reference the latest addendum may exclude new work.

Bidmere includes addenda in the requirement tracker for each bid package and flags acknowledgments that still need to be completed. Your team keeps responsibility for pricing and submission.