A contractor’s quantity surveyor (QS) becomes involved in the tendering process from day one, as soon as a contractor receives the tendering documentation. They are responsible for correct bids, but their involvement can be much deeper depending on the type of construction project and its scale. Below, we explore the role of a Contractor QS in tendering and evaluation.
Understanding Contract Requirements
The first step involves analysing the contract type since different contracts require different approaches to tendering.
A contractor’s quantity surveyor will check the documentation for prime cost sums, provisional sum allowances, and specific clauses that affect pricing. This way, you can understand the project rules, as well as ensure accurate rating and measuring of work scopes from the very beginning. This analysis also helps determine whether the project is financially viable for your business.
Clarifying Project Details
Sometimes, drawings alone are not enough to understand what the construction project is all about. If the requirements are not clear, the QS may arrange meetings with architects, engineers, and client consultants involved in the project. They provide an excellent opportunity to clarify any questions about drawings or specifications, as well as identify potential issues early in the process.
Apart from this, a QS submits Requests for Information (RFIs) when drawings or specifications contain unclear elements. Ultimately, this work ensures that everyone understands what needs to be done and no costly misunderstandings appear later in the project timeline.
Quantifying the Work
If you are planning to engage subcontractors, the role of a QS is to break down the work into trade packages featuring detailed specifications and quantities for particular trades. This way, subcontractors can understand their specific portion of the work and bid on it. A contractor, in turn, has a chance to compare multiple bids and choose the ones that offer competitive terms and pricing. Additionally, a quantity surveyor is often involved in the negotiation process.
Completing the Tender Process
Finally, a quantity surveyor prepares a comprehensive tender document. On one hand, it considers material costs, labour requirements, and overhead expenses. On the other hand, it should meet all submission requirements and deadlines.
Before the final submission, the QS coordinates with management to review the pricing strategy and ensure the bidding represents your best effort to secure the contract. After that, the QS submits the bid on your behalf.
Your Partner in Successful Tendering
As experienced contractor’s quantity surveyors, we understand the tendering process inside out. You can count on us to produce accurate bids that make you competitive in the market and, at the same time, protect your interests. Do you want to improve your tendering success rate? Don’t hesitate to contact Peja Surveying and discuss how we can help you win more construction projects.
