Tendering in construction can be defined as the process by which bids are invited from interested contractors to carry out specific packages of construction work. Tender documentation is based upon drawings, specification and Bills of Quantities, Approximate Quantities or Without Quantities. 

In practice, the tendering process can be the area which some subcontractors struggle to complete as they are unsure of how to price the works. This guide will provide the logic required to complete a tender submission. For the purpose of this guide, we will assume that this is a price submission only for the installation of underground drainage and that a Bill of Quantities has been provided by the client.

This document supports construction subcontractors, estimators, and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) business owners within the construction industry. Specifically, it targets subcontractors who struggle with accurately pricing works from first principles, calculating their actual overhead percentages, or managing their ongoing project cash flows. It serves as a vital educational tool for those looking to transition from guessing generic industry rates to utilizing precise, data-driven financial forecasting.