During preconstruction, you discover that three of five bidders made the same mathematical error in their proposals. What is the most appropriate action?
Correct Answer
C) Allow bidders to correct obvious mathematical errors
Most jurisdictions allow correction of obvious mathematical errors in bids to ensure fair competition and avoid windfall situations caused by computational mistakes.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because Florida construction law and most public bidding statutes allow contractors to correct obvious mathematical errors in their bids after submission. This practice promotes fair competition by preventing contractors from being penalized for simple computational mistakes while maintaining the integrity of the bidding process. The key is that the errors must be 'obvious' mathematical mistakes, not changes to the scope or intent of the bid.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Award to the lowest bidder regardless
Simply awarding to the bidder without the error ignores the principle of fair competition and may not result in the best value for the project owner, especially if the corrected bids would show a different lowest bidder.
Option D: Award to the bidder without the error
Rejecting all bids and re-advertising is unnecessarily costly and time-consuming when the issue can be resolved by allowing correction of obvious mathematical errors, which is the standard practice in the industry.
Memory Technique
Think 'MATH-FIX': Mathematical errors are Fixable, Intent changes are eXcluded
Reference Hint
Florida Statutes Chapter 255 - Public Construction Bidding Laws, or Business and Finance for Contractors chapter on bidding procedures
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