Surety Bond Professionals is a family-owned and operated bonding agency with over 75 years of experience. With access to a broad range of surety markets, our expert agents are ready to assist with all of your construction bond needs. What is the Bid Process in Construction? The construction bidding process involves five steps: bid solicitation, bid submission, bid selection, contract formation, and project delivery. For a contractor in Delaware to achieve success in the construction bidding process, you need to plan and improve in each of these areas. If you're a new contractor or are looking to secure more bids more often, follow our guide below. What Should a Construction Bid Include? Successful construction bids generally contain the total cost of building the structure, including expenses for subcontractors, general contractors' costs, overhead profit, and scope of work. A bid will also need to contain information such as company details, the date, a clear definition of the work, and a project name. Without all of these elements combined, you may not meet the necessary standards. How Do You Estimate a Construction Bid? An accurate estimate is not only vital for winning a bid but it can also determine which Delaware Construction bonds you may need. A professional estimate will include: Direct costs: This includes materials, labor, and equipment expenses tied directly to construction activities. Indirect costs: Consider costs that don't involve direct construction work, like permits, utilities, security, quality control, administration, and legal fees. Labor hours: Wages paid to construction teams should be factored in, including potential overtime. Subcontractor expenses: Don't forget to calculate costs associated with hiring subcontractors for specialized tasks like plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC installation. What Are the Five Steps in the Process of Bidding? Bid Solicitation: This is when the project owner or general contractor invites contractors to submit bids. Bid Submission: Contractors prepare and submit their bids with all necessary details, such as pricing, scope of work, and deadlines. Bid Selection: The owner of the project will look over bids, including the contractor's costs, qualifications, and the scope of work suggested. Based on this information, they will choose a bid they believe is best. Contract Formation: Once the project owner chooses a bid, they will set up a contract with the winning contractor. Project Delivery: At this phase, the contractor will begin work on the project and secure any further surety bonds they may need. What Licenses and Bonds Do You Need for Delaware Construction Bidding? In Delaware, contractors bidding on public construction projects must comply with specific licensing and bonding requirements established by state law. Contractors are generally required to hold a valid Delaware business license issued by the Division of Revenue, and, depending on the type of work performed, may also need additional registration with the Department of Labor or other professional boards. For most state-funded public projects, a bid bond is required to guarantee that the contractor will enter into the contract at the price and terms bid if selected. Once the contract is awarded, contractors must typically provide performance and payment bonds to protect the project owner and ensure that all subcontractors, suppliers, and workers are fully compensated. These bonding requirements align with Delaware's public bidding statutes-and serve to promote fairness, accountability, and protection of taxpayer funds in the procurement process. It's imperative to work with a professional surety bond agency, like Surety Bond Professionals, that knows how to secure bonds successfully at the best price so you can submit a competitive bid. Common Mistakes Made While Bidding Even a well-prepared contractor can be rejected for a bid. Some common reasons this might happen are: Incomplete documentation, such as proof of bonds and licenses. Inaccurate cost estimates, where your estimate is much higher or lower than average. Lack of experience - unproven track record. Simple mistakes, like not following the guidelines for the bid strictly or missing paperwork. Ambitious timelines, if your proposed timeline does not align with the average timelines submitted you may face rejection. State vs. Federal Bids? Understanding the difference between state and federal bids can help you stay compliant when you submit your bid. Topic State Federal Procurement Laws and Regulations State-specific procurement laws and regulations, varying by state. Must comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, which is stricter and more rigorous. Bonding Requirements Often need state licensing and bonds like bid bonds and performance bonds. Also needs bonds but is often required from a federally approved surety company. Project Scope Projects can range from small repairs to large public works in a specific area. Contracts can be large-scale, spanning multiple states. Set-Aside Programs Some states have set-aside programs for small businesses, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses, but this varies. The federal government has many set-aside programs for small businesses, veteran-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses through programs like 8(a) or HUBZone. Competition Often limited to nearby areas, reducing competition. Open to contractors nationwide, increasing competition and opportunities. Unique Aspects of the Delaware Construction Bidding Process In Delaware, most construction work requires a valid business license obtained through the Delaware Division of Revenue. Depending on the nature of the work, specialized licensure or registration from the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation or local authorities may also be necessary. For example, trades such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC often require additional permits or credentials. Local municipalities-like Wilmington, Dover, or Newark-may impose their own permitting or registration requirements, so contractors should verify and comply with all relevant local regulations before commencing a project. Construction in Delaware must adhere to applicable building codes, typically based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). While there is no single, universally adopted statewide building code, many jurisdictions throughout Delaware implement versions of these model codes, often including local amendments to address factors such as high winds, coastal flood zones, and other regional concerns. In terms of energy efficiency, some areas have adopted the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or comparable standards to promote sustainability and reduce overall energy consumption. Projects
