A bid proposal that says exactly what you priced.
Most bid disputes start with a proposal that did not say which drawings, addenda and exclusions the number was based on. This template puts the basis of the proposal, scope, inclusions, exclusions and alternates in front of the reader, with a pricing workbook behind it.
- Word proposal
- Excel pricing workbook
- Basis of proposal
- Inclusions & exclusions
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Example values are placeholders. Replace them with your own rates, units and company details.
| Section | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| Basis of proposal | Drawing and spec list with revision dates, and every addendum acknowledged |
| Scope | The work, by area or system |
| Inclusions / exclusions | What is and is not in the number |
| Pricing | Base bid, alternates and unit prices |
| Acceptance | Signature block for both parties |
Files open in Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers, Word or Google Docs.
Every section heads off a dispute.
Basis of proposal
Lists the exact sheets, spec sections and addenda you priced. When the documents change, the price can change with them.
Exclusions
Written exclusions are your strongest protection against scope creep after award.
Alternates and unit prices
Separating them keeps the base bid comparable to other bidders.
Validity period
Material prices move. State how long the number holds.
The estimate is internal. The proposal is the offer.
EstimateYour working numbers
- Quantities, unit costs, labor hours
- Overhead and margin build-up
- Stays inside your company
ProposalWhat the client signs
- Scope, price and terms
- Inclusions, exclusions, alternates
- Becomes part of the contract
A template organizes the numbers. RenderDraw fills them from the drawings.
RenderDraw keeps the source reference with each reviewed quantity, so the basis of your proposal matches what your estimator actually approved.
- Source on every row. Each proposed quantity keeps the sheet and location it came from.
- Estimator approval before pricing. Your estimator accepts, corrects or rejects proposals; nothing is priced until it is approved.
- Addenda through the same review. Changed sheets go back through takeoff and estimator review.
- Your assemblies, your rates. Approved rows hand off to your assemblies, labor units and pricing inputs.
Construction bid proposal template, answered.
What should a construction bid proposal include?
Your company details, the project, the documents and addenda the price is based on, the scope, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, base bid, alternates and unit prices, schedule, payment terms, a validity period and signature lines.
What is the difference between a bid and a proposal?
People use the words interchangeably. In practice, a bid is often a price on a defined set of documents, while a proposal can also offer scope, approach or alternatives. This template covers both.
Should exclusions be in the proposal?
Yes. Clear exclusions are one of the best ways to prevent disputes over what the price covers.
How long should a bid proposal be valid?
Commonly 30 to 90 days, depending on how volatile material prices are. State it on the proposal.
Can I use this as a subcontractor?
Yes. Address it to the general contractor, list the bid package and spec sections, and acknowledge every addendum.
Send one plan set. Judge the result yourself.
A focused, no-obligation evaluation on your own drawings. Your sample files remain private while we assess the request.
- Upload one representative plan set (a legible PDF set is the most reliable starting point), plus an addendum if you have one.
- RenderDraw reviews the set and the scope you want tested.
- We follow up with what was extracted, what was flagged for review, and the most useful next step.