What does a base bid in the bidding process refer to?

A base bid in the bidding process refers to a single bid received from each bidder. This represents the core proposal from each contractor without any added alternates or modifications. When contractors submit bids, they typically provide a base bid that reflects the cost to complete the project according to the specifications outlined in the bidding documents. This base bid serves as the foundation for comparing offers from different bidders and is critical in determining which contractor could efficiently fulfill the project requirements within budget constraints.

In the context of a bidding process, other components like alternates or additional proposals may be included by contractors to enhance their offerings, but the base bid is specifically focused on the essential project scope. Therefore, understanding the base bid helps both project managers and financial officers evaluate offers fairly and thoroughly.