In many construction projects, the bidding process is viewed primarily as a numbers game. Contractors submit cost estimates, unit rates, and schedules through their commercial and estimating teams, all with the aim of presenting the most competitive offer. Yet, once the project is awarded, the execution is handed over to the contractor’s technical expertise team—engineers, architects, project managers, and specialists who are tasked with turning numbers into reality.
This separation between “those who price” and “those who build” often creates gaps. What is promised in the bidding stage may not always align with the realities of actual construction. To bridge this gap, it is essential that the technical expertise team be included in the bidding stage itself, alongside estimators and bidding specialists.
Why it Matters?
Seamless Transition from Bid to Build
If the technical team is present from the beginning, they ensure that what is committed during bidding is both realistic and executable. This prevents discrepancies between the contract and the field implementation.
Constructability Insights
Estimators may be highly skilled in pricing, but engineers can point out constructability issues that numbers alone cannot reveal—whether related to site conditions, design complexities, or sequencing.
Risk Identification and Mitigation
Technical professionals can spot potential technical risks—such as soil bearing capacity, material availability, or structural detailing—that might later lead to costly variations or delays if overlooked at bidding.
Value Engineering Early On
Instead of waiting until construction, technical experts can propose cost-effective alternatives during bidding, giving the owner both competitive pricing and optimized solutions.
Stronger Credibility with Clients
A bid backed not only by commercial expertise but also by technical assurance signals to the client that the contractor has done due diligence and is ready to deliver on both cost and quality.
Designing a Race Car Without the Driver
Think of a racing team preparing for a championship. The engineers design the car, and the sponsors handle the budgets. But if the driver—the person who will actually handle the car on the track—is not consulted during the design phase, the vehicle may look impressive yet fail to perform under real racing conditions.
Similarly, in construction, estimators may “design the bid,” but the technical team are the “drivers” who will navigate the project’s real challenges. Without their input during bidding, the proposal may look strong on paper but falter during execution.
Final Thought
Construction is not just about winning bids; it is about delivering projects successfully. By including the contractor’s technical expertise team in the bidding stage, owners and contractors alike can ensure that cost, quality, and feasibility are aligned from day one. This integrated approach reduces risks, strengthens trust, and sets the stage for smoother project delivery.