NFC Develops Standard Vendor Bid Checklist for Framers
Originally Published by: SBCA Magazine — January 24, 2024
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As a framing contractor, securing bids from other contractors that can be compared on an apples-to-apples basis can be a challenging process. Often, vendors approach bids differently and may or may not include certain items a framing contractor wants in their initial bids, only to charge for them later in the process.
To address this issue, the Product Standards Committee of the National Framers Council (NFC) has developed a Microsoft Excel-based template for framing contractors called the Standard Vendor Bid Checklist. “Our company has used a document like this for several years and have had great success with it,” says committee member John Slisky with Nomad Framing LLC. “It not only ensures the vendors have thoroughly reviewed the plans, but also have costed out the things we as a company want to see as part of the initial bid.”
The checklist includes several standard items every vendor should review and cost out in their bids, and also has space for framing contractors to add their own items. Initially, the checklist has tabs for floor trusses, roof trusses, panelized walls, rod systems, and wood stairs. The checklist template can be customized with a company logo and includes customization options for every project.
“One of the most powerful aspects of the checklist is that it can give you a quick take on whether a contractor has missed something,” says John. “You don’t have to spend a lot of time calling around and digging deep into their bid.”