Better Bidding for Better Projects

MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Bidding Made Easy: Better Bidding for Better Projects


Better Bidding for Better ProjectsMSA is a Full-Service Consulting

Firm

Sixteen Offices in Six States

Teresa Anderson, P.E.

Municipal Engineer/Team Leader


Using bidding to get the desired results


Bidding Made Easy•Identify public works projects for which bidding is required•Recognize opportunities for flexibility

◦ Bid Format, Alternates, Allowances, Splitting the Contract, Monetizing Time

•Discuss pre-qualification of bidders


Things to keep in mind•Focus on public owners•Local procurement policies/ordinances vary•Specific project issues need specific analysis•Make use of engineers and architects•Check with your attorney, if you have questions


When is bidding required?• “All public construction, the estimated cost of which

exceeds $25,000, shall be let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder…”oPublic Construction is understood to be:

• Cannot split project to avoid bidding - $25,000

• Between $5,000 and $25,000 – Class 1 Notice

Public improvements that combine materials, supplies, and labor


When is bidding not required?•Equipment for more than a single project•Emergency situation •Donated materials or labor•Professional services (Qualifications Based Selection)•Other exceptions in statutes


Pre-Qualification of Bidders•Why Pre-Qualify?•Addresses concerns about contractor

qualifications• Incentivizes pre-qualified contractors•Quicker turn-around between bid and award


Bidding Made Easy•Identify Public Works Projects for which Bidding is Required

•Recognize Opportunities for Flexibility

•Discuss Pre-Qualification of Bidders

•Better Bidding = Better Project

Combine materials, supplies, and labor > $25,000

Bid Format Allowances Alternates

Multiple Contracts Monetize Time Pre-Qualification


www.msa-ps.com

Questions?

Contact Teresa Anderson at [email protected]

Better Bidding for Better Projects

Engineering