1. Tender
A formal offer to carry out work at a specified price.
Example: "The company submitted a tender to build the new bridge."
2. Tendering
The process of inviting and submitting bids for a project.
Example: "Tendering for the new stadium project will close next week."
3. Bid
A contractor’s proposed price to complete the work specified.
Example: "We put in a bid to renovate the office building."
4. Bidder
The individual or company submitting a bid.
Example: "There are five bidders for the road expansion project."
5. Request for Proposal (RFP)
A document issued by a client inviting contractors to submit a proposal.
Example: "The council issued an RFP for the new housing project."
6. Request for Quotation (RFQ)
A request for a price on specific services or items.
Example: "We received an RFQ for the supply of construction materials."
7. Bill of Quantities (BOQ)
A detailed list of materials, labour, and quantities needed for a project.
Example: "The BOQ outlines every item needed for the new shopping mall."
8. Expression of Interest (EOI)
A preliminary response to indicate interest in bidding on a project.
Example: "We submitted an EOI to show interest in the bridge project."
9. Prequalification
The process of screening contractors to determine their ability to bid.
Example: "Only prequalified contractors can submit bids for the project."
10. Tender Documents
A set of documents that include all the information a contractor needs to submit a bid.
Example: "The tender documents were distributed to all interested contractors."
11. Scope of Work (SOW)
A detailed description of the work to be done under the contract.
Example: "The scope of work includes both demolition and construction phases."
12. Contractor
The person or company that is hired to complete the construction work.
Example: "The contractor will begin work on the site next month."
13. Subcontractor
A contractor hired by the main contractor to perform specific tasks.
Example: "The electrical work was assigned to a specialised subcontractor."
14. Main Contractor
The contractor responsible for overseeing the entire construction project.
Example: "The main contractor will coordinate all the work on site."
15. Provisional Sum
An allowance in the contract sum for a specific item of work that cannot be priced accurately at the time of tender.
Example: "The provisional sum covers the uncertain costs of underground utilities."
16. Contingency Sum
A sum added to cover unexpected costs that may arise during construction.
Example: "The budget includes a contingency sum for any unforeseen issues."
17. Bid Bond
A type of guarantee ensuring the bidder will take on the job if selected.
Example: "The bid bond reassured the client that the contractor was serious."
18. Performance Bond
A guarantee that the contractor will complete the project according to the contract terms.
Example: "A performance bond was required for the high-risk project."
19. Retention Money
A percentage of payment withheld from the contractor until the project is satisfactorily completed.
Example: "The client withheld retention money to ensure any defects were corrected."
20. Letter of Intent (LOI)
A letter from the client indicating their intent to enter into a contract with a contractor.
Example: "The LOI was issued before finalising the contract."
21. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
A letter from the client accepting the contractor's bid and confirming the award of the contract.
Example: "The LOA formalised the contractor’s selection for the project."
22. Award of Contract
The process of selecting a contractor and entering into a contract.
Example: "The award of contract was made after evaluating all the bids."
23. Construction Contract
A legally binding agreement between the client and contractor.
Example: "The construction contract was signed, and work began immediately."
24. Contract Sum
The total agreed cost of the project as set out in the contract.
Example: "The contract sum for the project is £2 million."
25. Lump Sum Contract
A contract where the contractor agrees to complete the work for a fixed price.
Example: "A lump sum contract was signed for the office renovation."
26. Cost-Plus Contract
A contract where the client agrees to cover the contractor's costs plus an agreed-upon fee.
Example: "The cost-plus contract covered all labour, materials, and a fee for the contractor."
27. Turnkey Contract
A contract where the contractor is responsible for both design and construction, delivering a complete project.
Example: "The client opted for a turnkey contract for the new hospital."
28. Design-Build Contract
A contract where the contractor is responsible for both the design and construction phases.
Example: "The design-build contract streamlined the project’s timeline."
29. Tender Submission
The process of submitting a formal bid or offer to carry out work.
Example: "The tender submission deadline is the 30th of October."
30. Addendum
A modification or clarification issued after the tender documents have been distributed but before tenders are submitted.
Example: "An addendum was issued to correct a mistake in the specifications."
31. Clarification Request
A request by the contractor for further details or explanation on tender documents.
Example: "We submitted a clarification request about the project timelines."
32. Alternative Bid
A bid that offers a different method or approach to completing the project.
Example: "The contractor proposed an alternative bid using different materials."
33. Non-compliant Bid
A bid that does not meet the requirements set out in the tender documents.
Example: "The bid was rejected as non-compliant due to missing documentation."
34. Lowest Bidder
The contractor offering the lowest price for the work.
Example: "The lowest bidder was awarded the contract after a thorough review."
35. Negotiated Contract
A contract awarded after direct negotiation between the client and contractor, without competitive bidding.
Example: "The client opted for a negotiated contract to speed up the project."
36. Two-Stage Tendering
A process where the contractor is appointed in two stages: first for pre-construction services, then for the construction phase.
Example: "Two-stage tendering helped the client finalise costs before construction began."
37. Open Tendering
A tender process where any qualified contractor can submit a bid.
Example: "The open tendering process attracted multiple bids from across the region."
38. Selective Tendering
A process where only pre-selected contractors are invited to submit bids.
Example: "The council used selective tendering for the high-profile project."
39. Post-Tender Negotiation
Negotiations conducted after tenders have been received to clarify or amend the terms.
Example: "Post-tender negotiations were held to reduce costs."
40. Tender Evaluation
The process of assessing submitted bids based on criteria such as price, experience, and quality.
Example: "The tender evaluation committee reviewed all submissions carefully."
41. Contractor’s Proposal
A document outlining the contractor’s plan for carrying out the work.
Example: "The contractor’s proposal included an innovative construction method."
42. Work Programme
A detailed timeline for how the contractor plans to carry out the work.
Example: "The work programme ensures the project stays on schedule."
43. Construction Schedule
A detailed plan that outlines the start and completion dates of each phase of the project.
Example: "The construction schedule was reviewed and approved by the client."
44. Payment Schedule
A document outlining when and how much the contractor will be paid during the project.
Example: "The payment schedule aligned with project milestones."
45. Milestone
A significant point in the project, such as the completion of a phase.
Example: "Completing the foundation was a major milestone in the project."
46. Provisional Item
An item of work listed in the tender that may or may not be required.
Example: "Provisional items were included for additional landscaping work."
47. Daywork
Work that is paid for on the basis of time spent and materials used.
Example: "The contractor was compensated for extra work through daywork payments."
48. Liquidated Damages
A pre-agreed amount of money to be paid by the contractor if the project is delayed.
Example: "The contract included liquidated damages for late completion."
49. Extension of Time (EOT)
A formal request by the contractor for more time to complete the project.
Example: "The contractor requested an extension of time due to bad weather."
50. Practical Completion
The stage where the construction work is completed and can be handed over to the client.
Example: "Practical completion was achieved two weeks ahead of schedule."