ABSTRACT
Bidder list must be based on qualifications and ability to perform. Arbitrary restrictions will limit cost-saving opportunities. Specifications must be complete and sufficiently detailed to insure meaningful bids. Avoid overspecifying. It may unintentionally exclude less expensive but acceptable equipment. Search market to determine which vendors are hungry. Pre-qualify bidders of special equipment. This will insure acceptable bids. Premature inquiries increase home-office costs and probably will not save any time. Allow reasonable time for bidding. Rush bids tend to be incomplete and will require more analysis and clarification. Requests to extend bidding deadline may be an early indicator of future troubles. Vendor may be getting into more work than it can handle. It could also be an indication of unreliability. Competitive bidding is highly desirable, but under certain circumstances sole sourcing may be the right way to go. Sole sourcing must be justified and documented by the Project Manager or whoever requests it. Request firm price quotations, including unit prices for potential changes (nozzles and miscellaneous attachments) and spares, if required. All contacts with bidders/vendors should be channeled through the purchasing agent.
