Tender-at-a-Glance Checklist

Before preparing your bid, study the tender document and capture these points with financial implications. Use this as a checklist for every tender.

1. Client, Consultant, and Architect

• Client name and department
• Consultant and architect (if any)
• Reputation and payment history
• Past disputes or delays

2. Commercial Terms

• Contract type (item rate, lump sum, etc.)
• Risk sharing
• Performance guarantees or security

3. Advances

• Mobilization advance (%, timing, recovery)
• Plant and machinery advance
• Material advance
• Interest, if any, on advances

4. Taxes and Duties

• GST applicability and slab
• Local taxes
• Exemptions or special schemes

5. Payment Terms

• Stage payments (RBIs)
• Retention (% and release)
• Payment timelines (e.g., 30/45/60 days)
• Delay in payment risk

6. Escalation, LD, and Bonus

• Escalation formula and base indices
• Liquidated damages (rate, cap)
• Bonus or early completion incentive

7. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

• Jurisdiction
• Process and timelines
• Cost implications

8. Insurance

• Required policies (contractor’s all risk, third party, etc.)
• Sum insured
• Premium estimate

9. Site Facilities

• Power (included or excluded)
• Water
• Storage and sheds
• Access and staging area

10. Client-Supplied Materials

• Materials issued by client
• Scope and quantities
• Rates or adjustments
• Delivery and storage

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Tips

• Focus on items that affect cost, cash flow, or risk
• Cross-check with drawings and BOQ
• Resolve queries in pre-bid meeting

Next Steps

• Contractor Bidding Process—Full workflow
• Bid Price Calculator—Compute bid with markup and GST
• How to Calculate Markup—Set the right margin