RFP GOALS:
- Determine an exact scope of work for each location.
- Identify the square footage of work to be performed.
- By determining the biddable square footage RFP bidding errors can be omitted and you are protected against inflated or under measured snow removal areas.
- Identifying the square feet of sidewalks, cart corrals, loading dock areas, the main lot areas, and city owned sidewalk areas for each parking lot is very important as the main lot will be the biggest expense in the RFP.
- Identifying the linear footage of broken curbing to be replaced is important because once the plowing season is over you need to know what was damaged during the season and what was preexisting.
- Identify the square footage of the total parking lot are to be serviced.
- Having an engineer’s estimate created prior to sending out the RFP will insure costs will be controlled and your company will be protected from gouging.
- Having engineers estimates broken down by region to reflect work style and cost of living for particular areas will provide a safety net for your company and will provide transparent accountability across the board.
- The engineer estimate will give you a valuation of the services before bidding and will protect you from sticker shock. It will give you a target of where the numbers need to be and will help you weed out underbidding contractor and overpriced contractors.
- Creating a line itemed bid sheet identifying partner square footage pricing will be extremely valuable in comparing like quotes and identifying possible over charges before they arise.
- Know what you want to pay before you pay it.
- Looking at the history of what you have paid in the past will also be a key to create your budget.
- Knowing the approximate or average snow fall history will also be important in determining your budget for your yearly snow expenses.
- Look for a company with technological advancement in tracking and recording work performed.
- Set standards to insure all work is complete.
- Creating a site map with the exact requirement of the project is a must in receiving apples to apples quote.
- Determining the best pricing model for your company’s geographical area will be vital to the cost control of your snow removal services.
