Bid terms glossary
Alternate
A separately priced option that adds to or deducts from the base bid if the owner chooses it.
Also called or written as: add alternate, deduct alternate
What it means
An alternate is a priced option the owner can accept or reject. An add alternate increases the base bid; a deduct alternate lowers it. Examples include an upgraded finish, a different system, or leaving out part of the work.
Alternates are usually listed in the bid documents so every bidder prices the same options.
Why it matters when leveling bids
Bidders sometimes offer their own "voluntary" alternates or quietly price an alternate into the base bid. Either way, the base numbers stop being comparable.
When leveling, compare base bids first, then compare each alternate line by line. Decide which alternates you're likely to accept before you pick the low bidder, because that can change who is lowest.
Example wording
Example only
- “Alternate No. 1 (add): Provide quartz countertops in lieu of plastic laminate. Add $[amount].”
- “Alternate No. 2 (deduct): Delete monument sign. Deduct $[amount].”
- “Voluntary alternate: substitute [product] for specified fixture. Deduct $[amount].”
Made-up wording to show the pattern. Not taken from any real bid. Bracketed items are placeholders.
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Related terms: Unit price · Qualification · Bid leveling · All terms
General guidance, not legal advice. How a term works on your project depends on your contract documents.