Tender pricing document
The tender pricing document sets out the way in which the design team and client wish to review the breakdown of the overall tender prices provided by tendering contractors. It is effectively an unpriced bill of quantities.
It generally follows the format of the cost plan that has been developed at this stage (the pre-tender estimate), however, the preliminaries, particularly staff costs, may be broken down in more detail.
The objective of the tender pricing document is to:
- Enable like-for-like comparison between tenders and the cost plan (pre-tender estimate).
- Enable the cost consultant to assess where value lies within the different tenders (such as foundations or finishes) allowing assessment of value for money.
- Identify any significant differences in pricing between tenderers to ensure the design has been correctly interpreted.
- Identify areas of savings that might be negotiated with tenderers while still in competition.
- Form the financial basis of the tender report.
The completed tender pricing document is effectively a priced bill of quantities. It sets out the tenderer's rates, costs and totals and constitutes the tenderer's complete offer.
NB: On design and build projects, there may not be a tender pricing document, and instead, a contract sum analysis might be prepared by the contractor.
See also: Tender price appraisal.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accounting.
- Approximate quantities cost plan.
- Bills of quantities.
- Cash flow.
- Contract sum.
- Contract sum analysis.
- Cost consultant.
- Cost plan.
- Elemental cost plan.
- Initial cost appraisals.
- New Rules of Measurement.
- Pre-tender estimate.
- Spon's Price Book.
- Tender cost.
- Tender documentation.
- Tender price appraisal.
- Types of bill of quantities.
- Without quantities.
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Comments