Bidding Documents Errors and Addenda

Public agencies issue addenda to modify and correct the terms of public works bidding documents (drawings and specifications).

What happens if an error occurs in the printing of the documents and your reprographics company (or your agency if you print documents in-house) neglects to include a specification section in the bidding documents made available to bidders?

An addendum should be issued that includes the actual specification section that was not included, rather than simply directing bidders to contact the reprographics company to obtain a copy of the missing section.

This is an important distinction because the bidding documents issued, rightly or wrongly, are the only binding documents on the bidders. Simply directing bidders to contact the company for the complete set does not amend the bidding documents. That's why it is important to actually issue the missing spec section with the addendum.

Reminder: Addenda is plural referring to many, while Addendum is singular referring to only one.