Confirm the work fits the company
Start with project type, location, delivery method, bid date, and the trades requested. Read the invitation beside the drawing index instead of relying on the email summary. A concrete contractor may be invited to price a broad civil package, while the documents quietly include paving, utilities, or delegated design.
Flag those boundaries before assigning takeoff. Record the decision in the opportunity log with the estimator, due date, and documents received.
If the scope remains unclear, ask the sender a precise question and avoid treating silence as acceptance of the broadest interpretation. Use the readiness review as a related estimate control.
Test the estimating window
Count backward from the bid deadline and reserve time for document review, quantity takeoff, supplier input, subcontractor follow-up, and final approval. The bid package readiness review should show whether the available window supports a defensible estimate.
The Associated General Contractors resources describe current construction issues and practices. Company policy and the actual solicitation still control whether the opportunity should advance.
| Review field | Required record |
|---|---|
| Fit | Project type, location, trade scope |
| Window | Takeoff, quote, review time |
| Risk | Missing documents and unusual terms |
| Decision | Owner, basis, next action |
Write the go or no-go basis
A useful decision identifies the project fit, known competition, relationship context, risk items, and staff capacity. Avoid vague entries such as "too busy."
State which deadline, missing document, license condition, or scope mismatch drove the result. For accepted opportunities, open an estimate document issue register immediately so every later revision is tied to the screened solicitation.
