An alternate in a bid form is best described as:
Correct Answer
B) A separately priced addition or deduction that the owner may accept with the bid
An alternate is separately priced so the owner can accept or reject defined scope changes while comparing bids. Other choices confuse alternates with contingency, internal coding, or closeout documents.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
An alternate is separately priced so the owner can accept or reject defined scope changes while comparing bids. Other choices confuse alternates with contingency, internal coding, or closeout documents.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Classify the condition as a random contingency hidden in the base bid
In procurement and contracting, A random contingency hidden in the base bid is the wrong selection for Alternate: it names a financial document or payment mechanism, not the Alternate action/result stated by A separately priced addition or deduction that the owner may accept with the bid.
Option C: Classify the condition as a subcontractor's private labor code
Choice C gives A subcontractor's private labor code. Its specific error: the choice would not get the project to A separately priced addition or deduction that the owner may accept with the bid, which is the Alternate result verified by the source.
Option D: Classify the condition as a final lien waiver as the only closeout document for alternate
Choice D (A final lien waiver) is rejected because it treats Alternate as optional.
Memory Technique
Attach alternate to a switch: remember the function, then the wording A separately priced addition or deduction that the owner may accept with the bid.
Reference Hint
Open Construction Project Management, 5th Ed. (2022); use the index entry or section for "Alternates" to confirm that An alternate is separately priced so the owner can accept or reject defined scope changes while comparing bids.
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