Collecting the Right Data on a Bid Walk

What are some of the key points to review when conducting a bid walk?  Why is it necessary to actually visit the site?  These are two very important questions that we can address today.  

Let’s answer the last question first.  One should always visit any contract opportunity at least once, if not more than once to get a feel for the current condition, age, traffic, tenant count, use and expectations from both the building manager but also the tenants.  Even if you have blue prints and other information, here is absolutely no substitute for conducting a thorough site visit before submitting any numbers/quotes to a prospective customer.

As to key points to look for, first of all, determine if there is a clear, comprehensive Statement of Work that covers at least these basic points:

• How many days per week is service to be provided?

• What about holidays, weekends and special events?

• How many square feet of carpet?

• How many square feet of hard floor requiring finish?

• How many square feet of hard floor not requiring finish,?

• How many rest room fixtures (toilet, sink, urinal) and shower heads (if any)?

• What type floor is in the rest rooms?

• How many entrances to the building?

• Are there sufficient walk off mats at each entrance?

• What type flooring (carpet, wood, other) in the entrance?

• What type climate conditions will you be dealing with? 

The bid walk can also give you an idea of the competition when they show up.  You might also be able to learn if this opportunity is connected to other sites in your area.  Go to the bid walk, ask plenty of questions, listen and learn from other questions being asked and follow through with a note, phone call, email or whatever is appropriate to the host of the bid walk.  

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean.

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years.  He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.