Construction Law

5 Common Sense Tips for Procuring Bids featured image

5 Common Sense Tips for Procuring Bids

Did you know that state and local government expenditures allocate more than $250 billion to the construction of roads, schools, and infrastructure annually? This underscores the value of public projects funded by the government, all of which feature contracts that must be awarded through the government bid process. If you think that government contracting is too competitive, doesn’t pay enough, or requires too much effort to make it worthwhile, it may be time to reassess your stance on public projects.

In this article, an Orlando construction lawyer from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants is pleased to announce that they have been named to the 2021 edition of Inc. 5000 list. The ranking recognizes the fastest-growing small private companies in the United States. will discuss five common sense tips for procuring bids. The bid process can be complicated, confusing, and cutthroat, but with an Orlando construction lawyer on your side, it can also help your business find its footing on the path to success.

1. Look in the Right Places

Bid opportunities for public projects are typically posted on a government-owned website, but they can also make their way onto third-party websites and even the newspaper. If a listing doesn’t feature dates for submission and a clearly defined scope of work, it may not be worth your time. 

2. Follow the Government’s Guidelines

When it comes to the bidding process, you don’t want to get overly creative with your bid. Stick to the rules to increase your chances of being awarded a contract. The rules for submittal should be outlined in the government agency’s request for proposal (RFP). Even if you spent hours piecing together the most attractive bid package possible, it could be rejected simply because you neglected to read the RFP, causing you to miss a pre-bid meeting.

3. Be Realistic

Not every public project is the “right” project for your particular construction business. Before you decide to submit a bid, take a long, hard look at what is being requested by the government agency. This information could be used to develop a template for future bids. Just because you aren’t ready to take on a certain project today doesn’t mean you won’t have the capacity to take on a similar project in the future. Remember, you should never embellish your bid; otherwise, you could find yourself reaching out to our Orlando construction lawyers for assistance dealing with a bid protest.

4. Determine Your Eligibility

You can research previously awarded bids to see if your abilities line up with those of the contractors that took on these jobs in the past. If they do, you can begin to build out a template for a future bid package. Furthermore, you can effectively “pre-qualify” yourself by comparing new listings to past projects. There are also some third-party services that deliver relevant bid opportunities directly to contractors by email.

5. Take Advantage of Special Programs

When applicable, special government programs designed to balance the scales for disadvantaged businesses can help you procure bids. These programs are designed to give the “little guy” a fighting chance against the titans of the construction industry. Failure to use these programs to your benefit is indicative of a business owner that isn’t interested in growing their business.

If you would like to speak with one of our Orlando construction lawyers, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.