Tendering and contract award
Construction that starts with no grey areas
For which projects
When to entrust us with your tendering
Private project or public contract, the tender is prepared with the same care: everything depends on the package.
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A private project
Precise tender documents, so that all the contractors price the same thing.
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A public contract
Public authorities and institutions: reasoned contract awards, in line with the procedure.
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A tender already launched
We check the package sent out and the bids received, then complete whatever needs completing.
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Bids already received
We compare them like for like, scope omissions included.
For which types of project? Residential, Energy renovation, Retail & luxury, Industrial & commercial.
They have trusted us
Architects, developers, property managers, public institutions and private owners entrust us with the management of their projects in French-speaking Switzerland.
What you gain
All the contractors price the same thing
What worries youWhat we do
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The contractors have not priced the same thing.
Each trade has its own specification and tender document, written item by item with measured quantities.
The same package for all
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What if the cheapest bid is hiding omissions?
We compare the bids like for like: anything omitted comes to light.
Price differences explained
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I do not know how many contractors to invite.
Three to five comparable bids per trade give a good picture of the market. Beyond that, the quality of responses drops.
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I am worried about a dispute once work is under way.
Most construction disputes stem from an imprecise tender document. We put whatever time it takes into the specification.
Contracts finalised before construction
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I have to choose without being in the trade.
We recommend a contractor, with our reasons in writing, and you decide.
Not necessarily the cheapest
Our role
Our role in tendering
Tendering builds on the cost estimate and clears the way for construction.
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Prepare the package
The tender package is organised by CFC code: a specification and a tender document for each trade.
Before going to tender
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Go to tender
We select contractors according to the type of project and their real capacity, then run the tender and answer bidders’ questions.
During the tender
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Compare and negotiate
A comparison table analyses the differences in price and scope. We then negotiate with the shortlisted contractors on technical and financial terms.
On receipt of bids
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Award the contracts
Our award report sets out the reasons for the recommendation. We then prepare the works contracts and finalise them.
Through to signature
How we work
Advice with no interest other than yours
We do not carry out any works and have no commercial ties with the contractors we invite to bid.
- Time invested in the specification is the time that pays back most.
- You receive the information as it is, even when it is bad news.
- A bid is compared like for like, never on price alone.
- A single point of contact, from the first meeting to the end of your project.
Public procurement
A public contract? We follow its procedure, canton by canton.
We work on contracts subject to the Intercantonal Agreement on Public Procurement, and support public authorities from preparing the tender package to analysing the bids.
Your questions about tendering
How many contractors should be invited to bid per trade?
Three to five comparable bids give a good picture of the market. Beyond that, the marginal gain is small and the quality of responses drops, because contractors take less care over a tender they consider too competitive.
Should you always choose the cheapest bid?
Not necessarily. Two bids can only be compared like for like: our comparison table highlights price differences and omitted scope, and we take account of each contractor’s real capacity. Our award report sets out the reasons for the recommendation; the decision is yours.
What does a complete tender package contain?
A package organised by CFC code, with a specification and a tender document for each trade, written item by item with measured quantities. That is what allows all the contractors to price the same thing.
Can you take over a tender that has already been launched?
Yes. We first check the package sent out and the bids already received, then complete or clarify whatever needs it before the comparative analysis. On a public contract, the takeover follows the procedure already published.
Let us talk about your project
Describe your project in a few lines. We will get back to you within 48 working hours to arrange a first conversation, without obligation.
Thank you, we have received your enquiry
We will get back to you within 48 working hours.
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Our other services
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Owner’s representation
Making day-to-day decisions when dealing with building professionals: we take on that role for you.
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Cost management
Knowing what a project will cost, and knowing it early, then keeping to that budget through to the final account.
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Planning
Schedules that are realistic and binding on the contractors, and used to manage the site.
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Construction management
The discipline AKB Project was founded on: we take operational responsibility for construction.
