Bidding Process

importer

Now, I know people are going to call me an idiot and to go figure it out for myself but I would be greatful if someone could maybe share some expiriences with me. I have done plenty of residential remodeling but I am going to try to get some bigger jobs. I would like to do some finish trim work on commercial projects. My question is just simply how does the bidding process work. I just subscribe to a construction journal service. I see that there is contact inormation listed for each project. One that I would be interested in lists a bid due date of 10/9/07. I guess this must be the bid due date for the general contractor. Then I see that there is contact information listed for four bidding general contractors. So after bids are submitted on 10/9/07 do the announce the general contractor? Do subs just call and tell them they are interested in bidding on the project? How do you get a copy of the plans, specs, bidding forms etc.? Can subs bid on just certain tasks, such as just doing the trim or cabinets? or do the spell out what needs to be done together? Any expirience would help.

HUDSONVALLEYEXT

Call them and ask them if they are taking bids for the line of work you are in.

If they are taking open bids they will tell you what print shop to call to get the prints.

Grumpy

Call the kind of GC's you want to work for and ask to be added to their bidder's list. Know your contractor classifications, they may ask.

They will then probably send you web links to plans you can download and print yourself, BTW I do not buy prints ever ever and I also do not pay to print at my own expense. I always ask the GC's to mail me prints and they seldom do. Those that do are serious about me bidding the project.

If you are bidding a project for GC's that are bidding the project, find out every GC bidding the project and send your bid to each one. Why not? You have a better chance of getting the job.

GC's are often announced if you are using an online service like www.thebluebook.com or if it's a government project it is publicly announced.

HUDSONVALLEYEXT

Wow I never knew you can find projects on thebluebook.com they are based 30 miles from here. I bet they have a lot of GC's on there from around here.