Bid Follow Up

The Bid Follow Up:

The General contractor’s project manager will begin working through all of the subs contracts. It’s possible they may have room to negotiate. Your chances to negotiate are higher if you and the GC have a good relationship.

The Importance of Developing a Relationship With General Contractors

When it comes to developing this relationship, you have a few options. You can call and explain what your company can do to help solve their issues or go directly to their office for a face-to-face conversation. Describe your crew and their strengths and weaknesses.

It’s a good idea to prepare a resume for your company. Don’t forget the AIA  A305 form for a Contractor’s Qualifications Statement that you can utilize as well.

Find out which GC won the bid as soon as possible by calling them all. It’s a good idea to start with the GC you know best and just ask about the project. Find out which numbers are high and low, and ask if they know who was awarded the project.

Then it’s time to congratulate the winning GC and have a discussion about when they will pick the sub of your trade. Ask the GC if you’re one in the running or if you’re being considered for sub-awared, always with your “sell price” in mind. Don’t compromise on your sell price!

Don’t forget that the real “winner” isn’t always just the lowest bidder.

Regardless of the project’s outcome, try to get feedback from all of the General Contractors.

Some good things to ask:

• Where your number came in compared to the other bids
• Their confidence in you to complete the project
• Labor availability
• Ways you can improve your company