Define the alternate against the base bid
Quote the controlling alternate description and list the drawings or specification passages that change. State what remains in the base bid.
When the owner wording is unclear, carry a named assumption and request clarification instead of inventing a silent scope boundary. Use the bid form estimate crosscheck as the related control and keep the record with the estimate revision under review.
Price additions and deductions openly
Build the alternate from affected quantities, labor, material, equipment, subcontractor quotes, and indirect effects. Show deductions separately from additions. Review small tools, supervision, mobilization, schedule effects, and waste when the changed work alters how the package will be delivered.
AACE recommended practices offer general estimating references. The project documents, contractor procedures, and approved estimate remain the controlling basis for the decision.
| Review field | Required record |
|---|---|
| Basis | Owner wording and changed documents |
| Base scope | Work retained without the alternate |
| Delta | Separate additions and deductions |
| Submission | Approved amount and bid-form sign |
Reconcile the bid form before release
Confirm whether the bid form expects an additive or deductive number and whether the alternate includes taxes, bond, insurance, or fee. Trace the submitted amount to the approved estimate revision.
Keep rounding visible and prevent the same credit from appearing in more than one alternate. Use the construction estimate alternates log as the related control and keep the record with the estimate revision under review.
