Bid Tab
Also known as: bid tabulation · bid tab sheet
A bid tab is the spreadsheet a general contractor's estimator uses to compare every subcontractor bid received for one trade package, line by line, so the numbers can be levelled against each other and the lowest responsible bid identified.
The bid tab is where your proposal actually competes. It is also why the *shape* of your proposal matters as much as the number on it: an estimator under deadline is transferring your figures into columns beside three or four competitors.
What levelling means
Levelling is the estimator's process of adjusting bids so they cover the same scope before comparing them. If you excluded moisture mitigation and a competitor included it, the raw numbers are not comparable — the estimator adds an allowance to yours, or deducts from theirs, to make them so.
Making your bid easy to tabulate
- Use the GC's exact project name and their bid form if they supplied one
- Break the price out the way the specification breaks out the scope
- State exclusions specifically — 'moisture mitigation above 85% RH excluded' rather than 'unforeseen conditions excluded'
- Price every alternate and unit price requested, even if the answer is no-cost
- Acknowledge every addendum by number
Related terms
- Invitation to BidAn invitation to bid (ITB) is a general contractor asking a subcontractor to price a defined scope of work on a specific project. It names the project and location, states a bid due date, and provides access to drawings, specifications, and any addenda issued.
- Scope of WorkA scope of work defines exactly what a subcontractor is and is not responsible for on a project. In a bid proposal it is usually expressed as inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications — and it determines whether extra work becomes a change order or an unpaid dispute.
- AddendumAn addendum is a formal change to the bid documents issued by the architect or general contractor before bids are due. It can revise drawings, specifications, quantities, the scope, or the bid date, and it becomes part of the contract documents.