Category: Quantities & pricing
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
Tender evaluation reviews contractor offers in a competition: checking documents are complete, assessing experience, method and programme technically, then comparing prices line by line after correcting arithmetic errors and aligning assumptions.
Why it matters on a project
The lowest price is not always the best offer. An offer far below the engineer's estimate may hide missing items or plans to claim later.
Measurement and pricing
Comparing unit rates and totals for each item with the engineer's estimate, and flagging unpriced or abnormally low items.
Common mistake
Comparing totals only without checking items, so the award goes to an incomplete offer that later turns into variations.
Frequently asked questions
Can prices be negotiated after opening?
Government tenders follow procurement law; private tenders follow the tender conditions.
What is an abnormally low offer?
One far below the engineer's estimate and other offers, whose bidder is asked to justify the prices.
Related terms
- Engineer’s estimateThe cost estimate prepared by the consultant or owner to compare contractor offers.
- Tender documents (conditions)The documents defining tender conditions, specifications and evaluation criteria.
- Letter of awardThe letter that tells the contractor his offer is accepted.
- Unit rateThe item price per unit of measure, built from material, labour and equipment then indirect costs and profit.
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