Introduction to Tendering

Tendering is a formalized procedure by which suppliers or contractors are invited to bid for providing goods or services. In architecture and interior design practice, tendering plays a significant role in procurement and project execution.

Essential Components of Tender Documents:

Tender documents provide essential information that enables contractors to submit accurate and competitive bids. Typical tender documents include:

1. Notice Inviting Tender (NIT):

   • Project description.
   • Eligibility criteria.
   • Submission deadline.
   • Contact details for clarification.

2. Form of Tender:

   • Standard format for bid submission.
   • Details of bidder including name, address, and registration details.

3. Conditions of Contract:

   • General Conditions (standard terms).
   • Special Conditions (project-specific terms).

4. Specifications:

   • Material and workmanship quality.
   • Technical standards to be followed.

5. Drawings and Plans:

   • Architectural and interior design drawings.
   • Layout and detailed design specifications.

6. Bill of Quantities (BOQ):

   • Quantitative descriptions and approximate quantity of work items.
   • Structured into clearly defined work elements.

7. Schedule of Rates and Prices:

   • Unit prices for various items to facilitate bid comparison.

8. Addenda (if any):

   • Revisions or clarifications issued after tender document release.

Preparation of Schedules and Progress Charts:

Project scheduling and progress charts are critical in managing timelines, resources, and tracking progress:

1. Bar Chart (Gantt Chart):

   • Visual representation of project tasks over time.
   • Clear identification of project duration and task sequences.

2. Critical Path Method (CPM):

   • Identification of longest path through the project schedule.
   • Determines minimum project duration.

3. Milestones and Timelines:

   • Setting significant project milestones.
   • Defining specific target dates.

Writing Schedules for Various Works:

A. Civil Work:

• Excavation, foundation, masonry, plastering, concreting, reinforcement details.
• Clear specifications on work sequence, duration, and quality benchmarks.

B. Furniture Items:

• Furniture plans indicating types, dimensions, material specifications.
• Clear guidelines on installation sequence and finish quality.

C. Finishing Items:

• Paint schedules (types, brands, coats, finishes).
• Flooring schedules (material type, laying patterns, joint detailing).
• Ceiling and wall finishes (materials, treatment, textures, patterns).

D. Services:

• Plumbing layout with detailed pipe routing, fixtures, and fittings.
• Electrical schedules specifying wiring types, fixtures, controls.
• HVAC schedules detailing equipment, ductwork, installation methods.

Study of Units and Mode of Measurements:

Proper unit selection and measurement techniques are crucial for consistency, accuracy, and standardization:

• Length: Measured in meters (m).
• Area: Measured in square meters (m²).
• Volume: Measured in cubic meters (m³).
• Numbers (Nos.): Countable items such as furniture, sanitary fixtures.
• Weight: Measured in kilograms (kg) for items like steel reinforcement.

Modes of Measurement Reference:

• IS:1200 standards in India.
• Standard Methods of Measurement (SMM).

Calculation System for Quantities:

A. Furniture:

• Count per unit/item.
• Each item specified with dimensions (length x breadth x height), finishes, and quantities clearly listed in BOQ.

B. Wall Finishes:

• Surface area measured in square meters (Length x Height).
• Deduction of openings such as doors/windows from total measured area.

C. Floor Finishes:

• Surface area measured in square meters.
• Account for patterns, skirting, and wastage allowances.

D. Civil Works:

• Volume calculation for items like concrete, brickwork (length x breadth x thickness).
• Area calculations for plastering, painting.

E. Plumbing Works:

• Linear meter measurements for pipes.
• Count per unit/item for sanitary fixtures.
• Identification and measurement of accessories, joints, and fittings.