Bid package nightmare

[Ryze Signs]

So I got a call out of the blue from a local restaurant chain wanting me to bid on an interior sign package. I responded saying I was interested and gave them my email address to send me the information for the project. What was sent was a 15 page PDF with the info and then at the end was the list of required paperwork.

1. Name, address, telephone number, and email address of the supplier
2. A description of vendor’s technical capabilities and areas of expertise
3. Proposed team member’s resume and experience
4. A description of the your team’s ability to provide the service level as outlined in Section II-Scope of Work
5. A description of similar projects completed by the vendor. Include the name and telephone number of a
reference person from the contracting organization who can be contacted. The firm must include a
minimum of three references
6. A description of how the project will be managed; who will do the work and the role of the various
members of a multi-disciplinary consortium will play in the process. Include a summary of the vendor’s
understanding and experience in coordinating projects with the clients other agencies
7. References and details to similar projects
8. Photos of similar projects
9. 3 client references with contact information
10. Resume of proposed Project Manager for the account
11. A description of additional services offered
12. A completed fee proposal breakdown. See Exhibits, Section VI.
13. Describe your shipping department and procedures
14. Describe your standard shipping and delivery methods
15. Outline your warranty process

I'm tempted to call and ask for compensation to complete the paperwork. Who has time for this shit?

 

[Boudica]

So I got a call out of the blue from a local restaurant chain wanting me to bid on an interior sign package. I responded saying I was interested and gave them my email address to send me the information for the project. What was sent was a 15 page PDF with the info and then at the end was the list of required paperwork.

1. Name, address, telephone number, and email address of the supplier
2. A description of vendor’s technical capabilities and areas of expertise
3. Proposed team member’s resume and experience
4. A description of the your team’s ability to provide the service level as outlined in Section II-Scope of Work
5. A description of similar projects completed by the vendor. Include the name and telephone number of a
reference person from the contracting organization who can be contacted. The firm must include a
minimum of three references
6. A description of how the project will be managed; who will do the work and the role of the various
members of a multi-disciplinary consortium will play in the process. Include a summary of the vendor’s
understanding and experience in coordinating projects with the clients other agencies
7. References and details to similar projects
8. Photos of similar projects
9. 3 client references with contact information
10. Resume of proposed Project Manager for the account
11. A description of additional services offered
12. A completed fee proposal breakdown. See Exhibits, Section VI.
13. Describe your shipping department and procedures
14. Describe your standard shipping and delivery methods
15. Outline your warranty process

I'm tempted to call and ask for compensation to complete the paperwork. Who has time for this shit?

Looks like a questionnaire written up with some AI software.
Reciprocate with the same
Have their bot contact your bot and and set up lunch to discuss the finer details of the project.

 

[White Haus]

Sounds pretty common for larger bids. We had something similar for a large local event last year, I respectfully declined. Asking for compensation to fill out their paperwork won't land you the job.

Figure out if it's worth the effort. If you can make money on the job while being competitive, build in 1-2 hours to put together the presentation they're asking for. If not, move on to simpler jobs/bids.

 

[visual800]

trash it. nobody has the time or energy for BS like this

 

[Johnny Best]

What do bots order for lunch.

Looks like a questionnaire written up with some AI software.
Reciprocate with the same
Have their bot contact your bot and and set up lunch to discuss the finer details of the project.

 

[ikarasu]

It's common for big contracts. The first time you fill it out takes awhile

Then you just copy paste all your answers into all future contracts.... 90% of it wont need to be re-written.

We have a "template" For our bid packages - About a dozen different ones with photos / examples of work that relates to the package we're bidding on... An about us, and a bunch of other crap. We pick the one most suited for the big... Modify it a bit, takes a few hours... and submit it.


It's a pain in the ass, and half the time ends up in wasted time.. BUT when you win a 20-30K Package it pays for itself and all the bids you didn't get.

It's to weed out all the garage dwellers / 1 man shops

 

[Boudica]

What do bots order for lunch.

electricity?

 

[SightLine]

Agree with the others... this is the norm for very big contracts. Many 6 figure and larger project will require days of work and 10+ page proposals to "maybe" get the high bid. Also stuff like 6 printed hard copies, 1 electronic copy in PDF format, price proposal as a separate document, etc. Do it right and have the winning proposal and you can land some very profitable and large contracts. Depending on the project you also do not necessarily have to have the lowest price either.... Some places use a weighted scoring for different aspects of the proposal like 20% experience, 20% being local, 20% capabilities, 20% price, 20% timeframe.

 

[Gettin'By]

What do bots order for lunch.

Offer them an energon goodie.

 

[Gettin'By]

Wish I coulda found a better quality pic...

 

[gnubler]

trash it. nobody has the time or energy for BS like this

Yes. I went through something similar recently for a very small $500 install job, as noted in this thread. I decided to pass on the job.

Installation code of conduct agreement?

I was contacted by a third party vendor about installing some ADA signs in a nearby town. Specs provided, it looks easy so I agreed to the job. Budget was reasonable. They send back a slew of paperwork for me to fill out. The usual W9, proof of insurance, etc...plus a multi-page "vendor packet"...

www.signs101.com

 

[Stacey K]

I would find out what they actually need to see if it's worth your time. And some places send all the signage from corporate and you might only do installation.

 

[Zendavor Signs]

I’ve seen a lot of requirements before, but that’s crazy. If the project is large enough, and there is potential for more work, it might be worth the risk. Definitely do not try to charge a fee for the paperwork / time. You will get trash binned immediately. You have to just build it into the quote.

 

[GAC05]

We just went through something similar to become a vendor for a DOD contractor. I thought our application was a little over the top (cavity search was more fun than I figured it would be) but it was much less intrusive than your list. We got it done and have the first project in the works. It's a good one with more in the pipeline.

 

[gnubler]

Definitely do not try to charge a fee for the paperwork / time. You will get trash binned immediately. You have to just build it into the quote.

Or just call it "Admin fee" or some BS. I've dealt with plenty of businesses and health care providers who charge you something for the privilege of getting set up as a new customer.

 

[VizualVoice]

Looks very similar to the RFQs I see from the state. I'm betting somebody stole the document from that sort of source and adapted it to be their own.

 

[Browner]

I’d expect (and have seen) a request like this for a project along the lines of an entire University or College rebranding, a major Hospital construction, or some other massive corporate campus/facility - but for the INTERIOR of a local restaurant? C’mon.

 

[Steenland]

If you think that's a lot of words, wait till you see the contract if you win the project. Last one we got was over 80 pages.

 

[Johnny Best]

I don't really blame companies for asking what a person wears during work. They could get a 6'5" guy who idenifies as a She and dresses with a mini skirt and halter top and unshaved legs. And since it has ladder work involved, everyone finds out the She does not wear underwear.

 

[Bengt Backhaus]

I don't really blame companies for asking what a person wears during work. They could get a 6'5" guy who idenifies as a She and dresses with a mini skirt and halter top and unshaved legs. And since it has ladder work involved, everyone finds out the She does not wear underwear.

My laughter is slowly turning into tears as I realize you're provably right!