What to Do When Your Bidder Isn’t Approved

When the owner looks at the chosen bidder and shakes their head in disapproval, it can feel like all your hard work has come crashing down. So, what’s an architect to do? Should you throw up your hands in frustration or roll up your sleeves for the rebid? The latter is often the best choice in this scenario. But let’s break it down a bit more.

Rebidding might sound tedious, but honestly, it’s often the most effective route when a bidder doesn’t get the nod. Why? Because it allows you to start anew, bringing in a fresh crop of bidders who might just cater to the owner’s vision more closely. Whether it’s about pricing, qualifications, or understanding the project scope, a rebid opens the door wide.

Imagine this: you’ve got bids from multiple contractors, but the owner feels like none of them fit the bill. Maybe the prices are too high or they don’t have the right experience for the proposed work. Whatever the reason, this is where rebidding becomes not just a choice but a strategic move to refine your project’s direction. It’s like going shopping for a suit – the first picks might not fit, but trying on a few more could lead to finding that perfect match.

Now, you might wonder: could we simply ask the previous bidder to adjust their bid? While that idea has merit, it can muddy the waters. You could end up with complications or miscommunications about what the original submission included. It’s a path fraught with potential pitfalls.

And what about change orders or withdrawing bids? Well, they don’t directly resolve the issue of an unsuitable bidder. Change orders typically come into play when modifications are needed post-selection, while withdrawing a bid just raises more questions without providing the solution you’re after.

Rebidding offers benefits beyond just a fresh list of potential contractors. It can help recalibrate project requirements, refine timelines, and even get the budget in check. It’s like resetting a game when you realize you’re not on the right track – sometimes, hitting that reset button is the most advantageous play.

As you consider the rebidding process, think of it as an opportunity to not only align with the owner’s expectations but to strengthen your professional network as well. New contractors might have innovative ideas or solutions you hadn't considered, enhancing the overall project scope.

In summary, when faced with an owner’s rejection of the selected bidder, rebidding stands out as a structured and strategic approach to navigating the complexities of contractor selection. It’s a chance to refresh, realign, and ultimately ensure the project gets the right team on board. And let’s be honest – navigating the world of bids and approvals is a significant part of the architect’s journey. Ready to tackle that rebid?