Bidding Process Flowchart
This template maps construction bidding workflows through three parallel streams: a central path tracking document review through proposal submission, a left branch for Material Take-Off and self-performing work calculations, and a right branch for subcontractor/supplier engagement. Designed for contractors, construction managers, and estimators, it standardizes bid preparation by coordinating internal cost estimation with external supplier quotations at unified consolidation points.
Purpose
This flowchart provides a structured framework for managing the complex process of preparing construction bids. It ensures all critical elements—from site investigation and project scheduling to overhead calculations and post-bid activities—are systematically addressed while maintaining clear visibility across parallel workflows.
Key Goals
Comprehensive Cost Capture - Integrate all cost sources, including self-performing work, materials, subcontractor quotes, and overhead, into accurate bid proposals
Process Standardization - Establish a consistent bidding methodology across teams and projects to reduce errors and omissions
Workflow Coordination - Synchronize internal estimating activities with external supplier engagement timelines
Benefits
For Contractors: Reduces bid preparation time through clear process visualization and ensures competitive pricing by tracking all cost components
For Estimators: Provides checklist functionality preventing missed steps in Material Take-Off, quote collection, and cost summarization
For Teams: Creates shared understanding of responsibilities and handoffs between internal estimation and external procurement activities
For Management: Enables quality control checkpoints and standardized training for new estimators on comprehensive bid development methodology
When to Use
Responding to formal construction RFPs and tender invitations
Training new estimators on systematic bid preparation
Auditing existing bidding processes for completeness
Coordinating multi-department bid responses requiring parallel workstreams
Goodluck!
Khawaja Rizwan
