The system of tendering on a lump sum basis, on drawings and specification only, often gives rise to a wide difference between highest and lowest tender, creatings difficulties in agreeing variations and settling final accounts on a basis which is fair to the employer. In an attempt to remedy these difficulties, it has been common practice to include a schedule of rates to be used for additions and, with or without discount, for omissions. These schedules are however subject to manipulation by experienced contractors where they bear no direct relationship to the lump sum tender price.

In contrast to this, Bills of Quantities introduce a discipline at both tender and final account stages, containing the cost within a significantly narrower band.

It is now generally accepted that Bills of Quantities are essential for effective pre- and post-contract cost control, and that it is not possible to properly cost manage projects in the financial vacuum that exists when tenders are called for on the basis of drawings and specification alone.

Our procurement methods can be considered such as:

• Specification, drawings and a quantified schedule of rates.
• Negotiated contract based on an initial tender document priced by a number of contractors in competition.