Construction Bid Errors and Corrections Guide 2025: Fix Mistakes Before Award
Learn how to handle bid errors on government contracts. Understand when corrections are allowed, withdrawal procedures, and how to avoid common bidding mistakes.
Quick Answer: Can I Fix a Bid Error?
Sometimes. Clerical errors (math mistakes, transposition errors) may be corrected if the intended bid is clear from the documents. Judgment errors (wrong estimates, missed scope) generally cannot be corrected but may allow withdrawal. Time is critical — act immediately upon discovering any error.
Types of Bid Errors
The type of error determines your options:
Clerical Errors
Mechanical mistakes in preparing the bid, not errors in judgment.
- • Math errors (addition, extension)
- • Transposition ($15,000 vs. $51,000)
- • Copying errors
- • Typographical mistakes
- • Misplaced decimals
- • Unit price vs. total errors
Judgment Errors
Mistakes in estimating, pricing decisions, or scope interpretation.
- • Underestimated quantities
- • Missed scope items
- • Wrong labor productivity
- • Material cost errors
- • Misread specifications
- • Subcontractor coverage gaps
Why the Distinction Matters
Clerical errors may be corrected because the intended bid can be determined from the bid documents (worksheets, calculations). Judgment errors cannot be corrected because there is no way to prove what you “meant” to bid.
When Corrections Are Allowed
Corrections must meet specific criteria:
Requirements for Correction
1. Clear and Convincing Evidence
Your original documents must clearly show what you intended to bid. Worksheets, spreadsheets, and sub quotes should support the correction.
2. Mistake Was Clerical
The error must be mechanical (math, transcription) not a mistake in judgment or estimation.
3. Intended Bid Is Ascertainable
The correct bid amount must be determinable from existing documents, not from after-the-fact calculations or explanations.
4. Correction Moves Bid in Right Direction
Generally, corrections must make your bid higher (increase price). Corrections that lower your bid are viewed with more skepticism.
Bid Withdrawal
When correction is not possible, withdrawal may be:
Withdrawal Requirements
Before Bid Opening
- • Generally allowed freely
- • Written request required
- • May resubmit if time allows
- • No bid bond forfeiture
After Bid Opening
- • Must prove material error
- • Error was made in good faith
- • Act promptly upon discovery
- • May lose bid bond
Bid Bond Implications
If your withdrawal request is denied and you refuse to execute the contract, the owner may claim your bid bond. This is typically 5-10% of bid amount. Strong documentation of the error helps avoid bond forfeiture.
Federal Rules (FAR)
FAR 14.407 governs bid mistakes on federal sealed bid contracts:
FAR Provisions
Before Bid Opening
Modification or withdrawal permitted by written notice received before exact time of opening. No explanation required.
After Opening, Before Award
Correction: Allowed for clerical mistakes if intended bid is ascertainable. Withdrawal: Allowed if mistake is clearly evident from bid documents.
After Award
Very limited relief. Must prove mutual mistake or that government knew or should have known of error. Extremely difficult to achieve.
Contracting Officer Role
The CO has authority to permit correction or withdrawal. For significant amounts or questionable cases, they may refer to higher authority. Build a complete package with all supporting documentation.
Error Prevention
Use Checklists
Develop comprehensive bid closing checklists. Verify all scope items, addenda, forms, and calculations before submission.
Independent Review
Have someone other than the estimator review the final bid. Fresh eyes catch errors that familiarity misses.
Verify Sub Coverage
Double-check that every subcontractor scope is covered. Use a sub buyout matrix to ensure no gaps.
Allow Adequate Time
Build review time into your bid schedule. Last-minute rushes cause errors. Finish early enough to check everything.
Post-Submission Review
Immediately after submission, review your bid while details are fresh. Catching errors quickly improves correction/withdrawal chances.
Common Error Checklist
- ☑ All addenda acknowledged
- ☑ Math extensions verified
- ☑ Summary totals check
- ☑ Sub quotes complete
- ☑ Alternates priced
- ☑ Bid bond attached
- ☑ Forms signed
- ☑ Unit prices match totals
- ☑ Qualifications included
- ☑ Submission requirements met
Documentation for Correction/Withdrawal
Strong documentation is essential to prove your error:
What to Provide
Original Work Papers
- • Estimate spreadsheets
- • Quantity takeoffs
- • Pricing worksheets
- • Sub quote summaries
Supporting Evidence
- • Subcontractor quotes
- • Material pricing
- • Labor calculations
- • Equipment rates
Your Request Should Include
- • Description of error: Exactly what went wrong
- • When discovered: Timeline of discovery
- • Intended bid: What you meant to bid (for corrections)
- • Supporting documents: Original worksheets proving the error
- • Certification: Statement that error was made in good faith
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly must I act?
Immediately. Notify the contracting officer or bid recipient as soon as you discover the error. Delays reduce credibility and may forfeit your right to relief.
Can I correct a low bid to become high bidder?
Unlikely. If your corrected bid would be higher than competitors, it appears like you are trying to escape a low bid rather than correct an error. Such corrections are rarely allowed.
What if I discover an error after award?
Very limited options. You would need to prove mutual mistake or that the government knew or should have known of the error. Prevention is far easier than post-award relief.
Will my bid bond be forfeited?
If correction or withdrawal is properly approved, no. If your request is denied and you refuse to execute, yes. Strong documentation of a genuine error reduces forfeiture risk.
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