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.