When Bad Things Happen to Bids

I spoke at a workshop last week (August 21, 2012) in Seattle at the Annual Forum of NIGP (National Institute of Governmental Purchasing).

My topic was "When Bad Things Happen to Bids: Strategies for Ensuring a Successful Public Works Project."

Here's an outline of what I spoke on:

Why Aren't Bidders More Careful?

• Why do Bidders Make Mistakes?
• Missing Bid Prices
• Conflict Between Numbers and Words
• Bid Calculation Errors
• Claims of Error

Is Your Bidder Playing Games?

• Bid is Too Low
• Unbalanced Bids
• Conditioned or Qualified Bids 

Will the Real Low Bidder Please Stand Up?

• Additive and Alternate Bids
• Tie Bids
• Responsive Bids
• Responsible Bidders
• Local Bid Preferences
• Bid Protests and Appeals 

What Can You Do to Manage Bidding?

• What Should be on the Bid Form?
• When is a Bid Late?
• When Should You Take a Bid Guaranty? 

Questions:  If you have questions about any of the issues in the presentation, or if you'd like to discuss having me provide the training for your agency, please contact me.

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog 

© 2012 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC 

http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com