Tendering - Standard Letters for Building Contractors - page 1

1 Tendering

There are various standard published forms which are commonly used in con-
nection with tendering procedures. The Code of Procedure for Single Stage Selective
Tendering 1996 , the Code of Procedure for Two Stage Selective Tendering 1996 and the
Code of Procedure for Selective Tendering for Design and Build 1996 used to be used,
but it is now usual for the Code of Practice for the Selection of Main Contractors 1997 ,
prepared by the Construction Industry Board, to be employed.
The tender stage is normally the first contact between contractor and architect.
The stage can be very long and frustrating, particularly if programmed dates for
delivery of tender documents are missed, as happens all too frequently. Where a
contractor is being asked to tender for design and build on the basis of JCT contract
DB the tender period is likely to be much longer than under the traditional system of
procurement. This is because the contractor must have additional time to produce
design proposals before getting down to preparing a price. In order to avoid a
serious waste of time and money, it is common to invite such tenders on a two
stage basis.
Tendering is the contractor's way of obtaining work and a persistent attitude
to the initial hurdle of getting on the tender list should be adopted. Many local
authorities maintain lists of contractors. Private employers are often advised by
the architect and the quantity surveyor with regard to the firms to be included on
the tender list. It is, however, a decision for the employer to make. The first letter is
designed for situations where you become aware that a project is at design stage.
Although it is addressed to the architect, there may be merit, in some cases, in
addressing it to the employer if you consider that the architect is unlikely to act on
it. If such a letter produces no reply, it is always worthwhile to follow it up.