What do discrepancies or requested changes to plans and specifications after issuance but before bids are submitted get incorporated into?

Discrepancies or requested changes to plans and specifications that occur after their initial issuance but before bids are submitted are incorporated into addenda. An addendum is a document that modifies or clarifies the original bid documents. It serves to ensure all potential bidders receive the same information, allowing for fair competition and a uniform understanding of the project requirements.

By formally issuing an addendum, the changes are made part of the bidding process. This means that all bidders will have access to the most current and accurate information, allowing them to submit their proposals based on the revised documents. This is essential for maintaining transparency and fairness in the bidding process, as it ensures everyone is working from the same set of specifications.

Change orders refer to modifications made after a contract has been awarded and are not applicable at the bidding stage. Specifications detail the technical requirements and standards for the project but don’t specifically address changes made before bids are received. Lastly, contracts are the legal agreements formed after the bidding process, which encapsulate the finalized project scope but are not involved in the changes made during the pre-bid phase.