Start with the decision
A useful paving bid follow-up confirms receipt, addresses open scope questions and checks whether the project’s next decision has changed. Follow the issuer’s communication rules. Avoid treating repeated sales messages as a substitute for a complete and relevant proposal.
This guide is for business-to-business project planning in the United States and Canada. For the wider trade context, visit the paving resource hub.
Follow up with a useful clarification
| Package | Clarification to offer | Reference to include |
|---|---|---|
| Removal and preparation | milling, removal and base-repair allowances | existing pavement information and work limits |
| Pavement placement | specified build-up versus proposed alternatives | pavement specification and area plan |
| Edges and markings | curbs, adjustments and final marking | edge, drainage and marking plans |
Download the paving bid follow up worksheet (CSV)
Fill in the response, owner or source, and date checked. Keep unresolved items visible. The file contains planning prompts only; it does not calculate quantities or make an approval decision.
Put the checklist to work
- Check the invitation for the permitted contact and follow-up process. Confirm the bid reference and version rather than resending a generic sales pitch.
- Ask whether any information about removals, base repairs, drainage adjustments, curbs and line marking needs clarification. Respond with a specific written answer and revised scope where necessary.
- Reconfirm assumptions about accepted base conditions, access staging and release of affected traffic areas when the decision is delayed. Do not imply that an old availability statement reserves a crew indefinitely.
- Record the response and agreed next action. If the buyer declines further contact or the procurement process restricts communication, respect that boundary.
A scope gap worth discussing
Illustrative example — not a Build Accord client project
One parking-area proposal includes local base repairs and another assumes a ready base. Agree the repair scope and quantity basis before leveling the totals.
Apply this to your decision: A short, relevant follow-up record covering receipt, outstanding questions and the next permitted contact point.
Using this in the US and Canada
For a project in the United States
Record the state, local jurisdiction and actual service area. For federal notices, use SAM.gov Contract Opportunities and check the individual notice’s stage and instructions. A prime-contract notice is not automatically a subcontract invitation.
For a project in Canada
Record the province or territory, municipality and actual service area. Use CanadaBuys tender opportunities as one public-procurement source, then read the issuer’s documents and submission route. Do not assume it lists every private construction package.
For either market, state the currency, units and deadline time zone. This worksheet is general planning guidance, not a determination of licensing, procurement eligibility or technical compliance.
The next useful step
Continue with paving contractor availability and capacity checklist. For the other side of the conversation, see the paving project scope guide.
Build Accord coordinates introductions between construction project teams and trade contractors. An inquiry starts a discussion of fit and availability; it does not guarantee a contractor, an invitation to bid or an award. These guides are not a listing of currently available crews or projects.