How to Read a Bill of Quantities
The bill of quantities (BoQ) is the central document of every tender. It describes the type, scope, and quality of services to be provided. Misinterpreting the BoQ leads to incorrect calculations, and either losing the bid or losing money.
How is a bill of quantities structured?
A typical BoQ is hierarchically organized:
- Lots, Large contract units that can be awarded separately
- Sections, Thematic groupings (e.g., earthworks, structural work)
- Line items, Individual service items with description, quantity, and unit
Each item contains a position number, description, long text, quantity, unit, and fields for unit price and total price.
Which item types appear in a bill of quantities?
- Standard items: Included in evaluation, must be priced
- On-demand items: Called off as needed, included in evaluation
- Alternative items: Only evaluated if selected by the authority
- Contingent items: Only called off if needed, often excluded from evaluation
What pitfalls should I watch for when reading a bill of quantities?
- Unclear scope boundaries between items
- Unrealistic quantities, check estimates critically
- Missing ancillary services (implicit under VOB rules)
- GAEB file import errors, always cross-check with PDF
How do I read a bill of quantities efficiently in practice?
- Always read the long text, not just the short description
- Mark unclear items and submit bidder questions early
- Create a calculation sheet alongside the BoQ
- Use Patterno to find tenders matching your specialization
Understanding a bill of quantities takes practice and attention to detail. When in doubt, ask questions, it demonstrates competence.