There are several different ways that building companies can find new work. Some use paid advertising, using a variety of different media. Other businesses have customers coming to them as they grow in size, experience, and reputation.
Many construction companies bid for work on new and upcoming projects. It’s a highly competitive area, and the submission process is very exacting. If the documentation is non-compliant in any way, it may be deemed ‘non-responsive.’ That’s basically a rejection, and it could be a costly mistake. Whilst the job-securing process can be difficult for building companies, it’s an essential element to their survival. Perhaps you are at this stage right now, looking for work and wanting to respond to a call to tender. This article will help you improve your chances on the bid.
Find The Work Opportunity
There are online websites that are designed for both job seekers and recruiters. Building companies can enter specific details into the search boxes. They can even have job notifications sent to their inbox when they match their search criteria.
When a possible job is discovered, it’s essential that the company is confident it could do it. There would need to be sufficient employees and subcontractors available. The levels of skills and experience would need to match the requirements. Added to that, the company would need access to the necessary building equipment and tools. If the potential project is out of your league, it’s advisable to save yourself time and money on the bid process.
Complete The Solicitation Documents
This is what you will need in order to prepare and submit your bid for the project. There may be several different sections to complete, including the technical, management, and financial aspects. Your certifications will also be integral.
The solicitation document will also need to include a list of acceptable bonding companies, and the appropriate performance bond forms.
Fortunately, there are specialist websites that are devoted to the provision of bonding services. Construction companies are able to submit their applications online, and in fact, most of the process is paperless. Businesses can request a performance bond for all types of projects, using top-rated surety providers. They can read customer reviews, and see who the underwriters are before they commit. The actual guarantees are made by national or (in some cases) international providers. Let’s now take a closer look at the bonds themselves.
Understand Performance Bonds
They are also known as surety bonds and are issued by insurance companies. They incorporate three different parties: the Principal (the bidder), the Surety (the bond provider), and the obligee (the third party who needs the guarantee).
Such documents are mainly used by construction companies to guarantee the completion of the contract. Should they be unable to pay their dues to a third party, the latter will be able to recoup their losses.
Provide The Essential Documentation
There will be standard acquisition clauses and conditions that you need to understand, as well as some general instructions.
Complete the certifications, which will include your experience and education. You may also need to submit something in relation to the Federal Contractors Program. As you would expect, government projects are more tightly regulated than those of private companies and individuals. You may also have an ‘Agreement to Implement Employment Equity’ form needing completion.
Make sure you lodge everything before the deadline because even perfect applications can be rejected if you are late. If you are still awaiting key documentation and the deadline is looming, speak to the company that has put the work out to tender.
Gain Security Clearance
It may be that you would be working on a secure location that handles classified information. There may be protected assets onsite too, or alternatively, you may be on a federal site.
In such locations, your workers would be given specific levels of clearance. This means they may not have access to every area. There can be time delays in getting the required access documentation, so this could be a scenario where you’d need to talk to the party who has put the work out to tender.
Complete The Technical Section
This is where you need to sell your proposal to the person requiring the work. Keep the sentences and paragraphs short, and be high on detail. Bind the document together so that nothing gets loose or out of order. Number the pages to make doubly sure.
You’ll need to describe the need for the project and say why it will be a positive thing to do. Then give your suggestions and say how you’ll achieve them. If there are things you’re not sure about, describe the possible issues and say how you’d get around them. If you have a different game plan to what the other party requires, this would have to be submitted as a separate (additional) offer.
Manpower will be another key element of your proposal. List the people needed, their grade of expertise, and the time they will need to complete the work. The company will also require a timescale breakdown, including a completion date. If you are busy at the moment, be sure this will not impact the proposal.
Fill Out The Management And Financial Sections
This will be the formal way that you introduce your staff and their qualifications. Any subcontractors will also need to be included in this section.
The solicitation document will tell you which costs to include in your bid. When you give your price, make sure everything is clearly broken down and itemized. The contract pricing may be of a specific type, e.g. time, materials and a lump sum, or unit-price.
If you need extra help there are online seminars you can access, and you may also have a regional PWGSC office. You could also consult the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises. As we have said, you must make sure you have the resources, experience, and availability for the work. Cover the performance bond aspect. Submit your bid correctly and on time. In return, you will be in the best place to be considered for the work.
