Bid leveling software for comparing subcontractor proposals
Two subcontractor proposals for the same trade rarely cover the same scope. Bid leveling puts them on the same scope before you compare totals, so the low number is actually low.
What bid leveling means
For each bidder and each scope item, you decide whether the proposal includes it, excludes it, stays silent on it, or prices it as an option.
Missing scope is added to that bid, extra scope is taken out, and only then are the totals compared.
What to look for in bid leveling software
- A scope list tied to the plans, not just a column per bidder.
- Each exclusion and silence flagged, with the line from the proposal that supports it.
- Every add or deduct showing where its price came from.
- Leveling in the same place you sent the bid packages, so proposals don't have to be re-keyed.
How Struvia levels bids
Struvia reads each proposal against the scope from your takeoff and marks every item as included, excluded, silent or optional, quoting the proposal as evidence.
When a bid leaves out scope the contract needs, Struvia adds it at the other bidders' own price for that item (the median of those who priced it). It uses your allowance only when no bidder priced it. Scope a bid carries that the contract doesn't need is deducted. Every add and deduct names its source, and a bid built mostly from plugs is flagged.
See this workflow on real projects
Subcontractor bidding · Design-build contractor
Design-Build Contractors used Struvia to strengthen its subcontractor bid comparison with more options and organized responses. The workflow focused on giving the team a clearer basis for comparing trade proposals before award.
Comparing More Subcontractor Bids Before Trade AwardHVAC subcontractor procurement · General contractor
Roylance used Struvia to expand HVAC subcontractor bid coverage and compare additional pricing options before choosing a subcontractor. The case follows the sourcing and comparison work behind that trade decision.
Finding More HVAC Subcontractor Bids Before AwardQuestions
- What is bid leveling?
- Bid leveling adjusts subcontractor proposals so they cover the same scope before you compare them, adding missing scope and deducting extra scope.
- How does Struvia price scope a bidder left out?
- At the other bidders' own price for that item, the median of those who priced it. Your allowance is used only when no bidder priced it, and every adjustment names its source.
- Do I need a separate tool for bid leveling?
- Not with Struvia. Bid packages, sub finding with license and insurance checks, and leveled bids are in the same account as your takeoff.
- How is Struvia priced?
- Usage-based credits at $0.20 each, with no seats and no subscription required. See the pricing page for current rates.