5.2 Determination of Bid Items
The work to be performed by the contractor and to be paid for directly are identified as construction bid items. The bid items used must correspond to either a Standard Specification or a Special Specification. It is important to evaluate the specifications for each bid item before choosing one so the work performed by the contractor will achieve the results intended by the designer. The selection of the bid item and the method of measurement and payment is not based only on the actual work called for in the specification but should also account for the nature of the project and its location, the experience, and resources of the local contractors likely to bid on the project, and area engineer’s preferences.
All bid items are comprised of the following:
5.2.1 Item Number
As explained in
, all Standard Specifications are assigned a three-digit Item Number (e.g., Item 110 Excavation) that is further used to identify the standard bid items associated with the category of work to be performed by the contractor. Similarly, all Special Specifications are assigned a four-digit Special Specification number, preceded by the prefix “SS” (e.g., SS1004 Tree Protection).
See
for additional information regarding specification
5.2.2 Descriptive Code Number
Each Item Number is further subdivided by four-digit Descriptive Code Numbers (e.g., “7001 EXCAVATION (ROADWAY)” continuing the example of Item 110 Excavation), representing different ways to bid an item; whether it be different units of measurement, different sizes of the item, different types of the item, etc. It is important that the correct Descriptive Code Number be selected. Bid Items are reflected in the Estimate and Quantity (E&Q) sheet in the project plans and bid inserts in the proposal (see
for additional information regarding the E&Q).
Contractors use the bid inserts to prepare their bids, thus an incorrectly selected descriptive code can result in costly change orders and negotiations with the contractor.
Descriptive code example
. See the following example explaining the difference between the 2024 Specification Bid Items 247-7136 and 247-7052. Item 247 designates Flexible Base. The descriptive codes, 7136 and 7052, call for identical material to be delivered to the project site; however, the methods of measurement and payment are different for each item.
It is important that the designer evaluate each situation before selecting the desired descriptive code, because one item may require more personnel and material or place unnecessary restrictions on the contractor that will result in higher bid prices.
For a listing of all current Bid Items refer to the TxDOT.gov
.
5.2.2.1 Requesting New Descriptive Code Numbers
If there is no suitable Descriptive Code Number that accurately describes the work needed to be performed by the contractor (e.g., a specific depth of base and asphalt pavement removal under Item 105), the designer may submit a new Bid Code request through the TxC Specification Request Form.
The designer should submit the form for new codes as early as possible in the PS&E development.
The work associated with a new Descriptive Code Number must be in conformance with the existing specification for that item. If any substantive change to the work to be performed is required a New Special Specification or Special Provision must be requested. Refer to Chapter 3 for additional information regarding Special Specifications, Special Provisions, and submission requirements.
Refer to the
for additional information on accessing and submitting the Specification Request Form.
5.2.3 Alternate Bid Items
An alternate is a bid item that may be substituted for the primary base bid item of work. For example, in some instances the bid item Limestone Rock Asphalt Pavement may be used as an alternate to the bid item Hot Mix Asphaltic Concrete Pavement. Having more than one choice gives the prospective bidders more opportunities to streamline their bids resulting in a more competitive bid. It is the designer’s discretion to consider alternate work items and to include such items in the plans estimate when practical.
The designer must make sure that the primary bid item and the alternate are equivalent in quality and performance and that one does not have an inherent advantage over the other. Alternates are shown in the project estimate, and the total estimated construction cost must be the same for the primary bid item and its alternate. Furthermore, if accompanying items (such as structural excavation) are affected, they must also appear in the alternate with the adjusted quantity.
Refer to the
for additional information on alternate bid item inclusion in the TxC estimate.