| Frequently we receive requests for bids on projects that do not include the detail necessary for a contractor to provide an accurate bid.
Such lack of detail will make it virtually impossible for the person requesting the bid to be certain that a bid comparison can be made on the basis of
"apples to apples."
We have drawn up many specifications to assist owners in getting the exact information they need from bids.
For example, an owner asking for the bid wants two inches of bituminous.
Several questions immediately arise. Is the 2 inches of bituminous requested after compaction or before, what type of bituminous is being requested and should we use a half inch type bituminous for an overlay or three quarters inch for the new construction?
When requesting a bid for bituminous work, Anderson Brothers recommends using MNDOT specification numbers to be certain that the product meets specific designs and characteristics that the owner wants and that all bidders are submitting bids for identical materials and performance.
There are many items that should be included in a request for bids:
Time for receiving bids
Who is the owner, their address and phone number. Where should bids be submitted, submission deadline date and when will bids be opened and notifications made to those submitting bids. |
Bidding documents
Specify that bidders have been furnished all documents, that bids should be submitted in a sealed envelope and what percentage of the total bid amount is required by the owner for a bid bond.
(typically 5%)
Contract award procedure
Description of how the contracts will be awarded and the successful bidder notified. Specify that the awards will be made to the lowest
"responsible bidder" and not just the lowest bidder. (See page 4
"Construction Law")
Changes in specifications
State that no changes in specifications and/or contract price shall be valid unless so ordered.
Insurance
Specify the amount and type of insurance coverage required by the owner from the successful bidder and require that the successful bidder supply a certificate giving proof of such insurance prior to project construction.
Form of bid
This form should contain MNDOT specification numbers, description of product, unit of measurement (lump sum, ton, cubic yard, road station) and quantity to be used. Space on the form should be allowed for the bidder's name, address, phone number and signatures.
Technical specifications
Include such details as mobilization, common excavation, Class 5, bituminous, tack, shouldering, etc. Each of these items should contain detail about how they will be paid , what kind of material is expected, if weight tickets should accompany the materials and other similar requirements. Add general |
conditions which explain the date of completion, when the work is to begin and a statement saying that the bidder is responsible for reviewing the specifications, drawings and actual site prior to submitting a bid.
Form of contract
Should state that the contractor must supply all labor, materials, equipment and services to perform the work required. Include in this agreement form, the contract price and space for signatures of both the owner and the contractor.
Drawings
Optional but helpful.
Aggregate materials are vital to infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, schools, residential and commercial buildings, with 50% consumed by public projects.
Anderson Brothers has source pits in four convenient locations in this area. Call for directions and information:
Hardy Lake, 1/2 mile off Cass County 36...218-829-2761; Swenson, on Nelson Road, 5 miles from Breezy Point intersection...218-568-8715;
Kruger, on Cass County 50, 7 miles south of Walker...218-547-1922;
Pierce, 5 miles south of Remer on Highway 6...218-566-2334.
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