A bid form shows written unit prices that do not match the bidder's extended total. The instructions say unit prices govern arithmetic extensions. What should the bid review do?
Correct Answer
C) Recalculate the extension using the governing unit prices before comparison
When bid instructions state unit prices govern, the review should recalculate extensions from those unit prices before comparison. Other choices ignore the bid instructions or move a pre-award issue into post-award changes.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
When bid instructions state unit prices govern, the review should recalculate extensions from those unit prices before comparison. Other choices ignore the bid instructions or move a pre-award issue into post-award changes.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: The bidder should accept the highest number without checking instructions
The trap in A is Accept the highest number without checking instructions. That selection is wrong because it leaves the work at an informal or incomplete stage, while Arithmetic discrepancy requires Recalculate the extension using the governing unit prices before comparison; Bid arithmetic discrepancies should be handled according to the instructions to bidders.
Option B: Discard all unit prices and use the bidder's handwritten total only
Choice B gives Discard all unit prices and use the bidder's handwritten total only. Its specific error: the option delays or omits the controlling step.
Option D: Treat the discrepancy as an automatic change order after award
In procurement and contracting, Treat the discrepancy as an automatic change order after award is the wrong selection for Arithmetic discrepancy: it shifts the question into contract administration money flow.
Memory Technique
Picture a redline on the jobsite; arithmetic discrepancy is solved by the action that leads to Recalculate the extension using the governing unit prices before comparison.
Reference Hint
Open NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Ed.; use the index entry or section for "Bid form arithmetic and governing prices" to confirm that When bid instructions state unit prices govern, the review should recalculate extensions from those unit prices before comparison.
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