Bid terms glossary
Exclusion
Work a bidder states is not included in their price.
What it means
An exclusion is an item the bidder says is not in their price. Proposals usually list them near the end, sometimes in small type, and they can run from one line to a full page.
Exclusions are normal and often reasonable. The issue is when the low bid is low because it excludes more than the others.
Why it matters when leveling bids
Exclusions are the main reason bids don't compare. To level, list every exclusion from every bidder against one standard scope checklist, then put a cost on each gap.
Also watch for items that aren't excluded but aren't mentioned either. Silence is not inclusion. Ask the bidder to confirm.
Example wording
Example only
- “Excludes permits and fees.”
- “Excludes rock excavation.”
- “Excludes winter protection.”
Made-up wording to show the pattern. Not taken from any real bid. Bracketed items are placeholders.
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Related terms: By others · Qualification · Bid leveling · All terms
General guidance, not legal advice. How a term works on your project depends on your contract documents.