CONSTRUCTION DIVISION MEMORANDUM

GENERAL SUBJECT: PAY ITEMS NUMBER: CD-95-8
SPECIFIC SUBJECT: TOKEN BID ITEMS DATE: JUNE 7, 1995
  Original w/Signature on file in Construction Division
  C. F. GEE
  CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER
DIRECTED TO - DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS  
The use of token bid items continues to be a problem. A tokenbid item is defined as one which is not specifically located onthe plan sheets or for which a specific location is notreferenced in the plan summaries. The use of quantities whichhave not been determined by good engineering principles and areshown only for the purpose of obtaining a price from the bidderis not a good contracting method. Location of bid items must beshown in order for the contractor to submit a reasonable andknowledgeable bid based on planned conditions. Token bid itemsskew VDOT historical pricing records, which can be detrimental tothe Department and the Construction Industry, in general. Thepractice also results in unbalanced bidding, possible bidprotests and the potential for violating Title II, Chapter 7,Article I of the State Code, which is the Virginia PublicProcurement Act.
An example of a token bid:  
Erosion control items - When riprap (Class A 1) is set up fora project but is not shown in specific locations, it isimpossible for the contractor to bid accurately. How would 10tons of Class A 1 riprap be bid? Would it be 1 ton in 10 places;or 10 tons in one location? Will riprap be placed or located on asteep bank or a level area? A contractor could develop severaldifferent bids dependent upon scenario used.
In addition, the development of plan sheets and plan summariesmust include the location of all bid items. If the location of abid item cannot be shown practically on the plan sheets, then alocation must be referenced in the summary sheets for that biditem. Bid items whose locations are not specifically shown on theplan sheets or referenced in the plan summaries are not to beincluded in the contract document. If additional items aredetermined to be necessary in the field, such items andquantities will be considered extra work and handled as a workorder as specified in Sections 104.03 Extra Work and 109.05 Extraand Force Account Work. These changes will not be considered aplan error.
Your usual cooperation in solving this problem is appreciated.  
   
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