How to Find Plans & Specs for Construction Bid Projects
Most construction projects are awarded through a process known as bidding. During the bid process, owners and developers issue bid requests to contractors and the public. Interested companies can provide bids in an effort to win the job. For many construction companies, it can be difficult to find quality bid opportunities, along with the plans and specifications to assist with preparing the bid. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to help, many of which are free.
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Instructions
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Contact local general contractors (GCs) and ask about projects they are bidding. If your company is a good fit for any of these jobs, the GC will often provide you with plans and specs at no cost. Some GCs also have plan rooms, either online or in the office, that contain copies of plans and specs for all current jobs. Interested bidders may visit these rooms and view or copy plans to use for bidding.
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Check the Federal Bid Opportunities website for projects currently out for bid. The website contains bid information along with plans and specs. In some cases, you may have to request plans or even pay a small fee or deposit, which is returned if you bid on the job. In many instances, however, you can access plans and specs for free.
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Look for government bids in your state using the website listed in the Resources section. You can find bid opportunities in your state, many of which will send drawings and specs to allow you to bid. These documents may also be available for download on the web.
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Sign up for bid lead services. These services are run by private companies that assemble bid leads and distribute them to clients. They will often provide drawings and specs as well as other information about the project. Once of the most widely used bid services in the United States is the Dodge Program, run by McGraw Hill. Members can view plans and specs online or at locations across the country.
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Sign up for the free lead program offered by the Construction BlueBook. The BlueBook is widely used by contractors in North America, and free leads are provided to interested parties. The majority of leads come with free plans and specs that can be accessed online.
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Tips & Warnings
Utilize your network. Any former co-worker or contact is a potential source of leads. Keep in touch with contacts in business, construction and other relevant industries.
References
Resources
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