During the bidding phase, what is the architect’s role regarding addenda?

During the bidding or negotiation phase, the architect is responsible for preparing and issuing addenda. Addenda are formal modifications, clarifications, or corrections to the bidding documents (drawings, specifications, etc.) that arise after the documents have been issued to bidders but before the bids are due. The architect distributes these addenda to all registered bidders to ensure that every participant has the same information, promoting a fair and equitable bidding process. This ensures all bids are based on a consistent set of requirements, preventing discrepancies and potential disputes.

B: The owner, not the architect, has the ultimate authority to select the winning bidder and award the contract.

C: The owner and their legal counsel are primarily responsible for negotiating contract terms with the selected contractor.

D: The review and approval of subcontractors proposed by the general contractor occur after the contract is awarded, during the construction administration phase.

1. The American Institute of Architects (AIA), The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition. Chapter 11.3, "Bidding Procedures," states, "If questions arise that require clarification or interpretation of the bidding documents, or if modifications to the documents become necessary, the architect prepares and issues addenda... Addenda are sent to all bidders." (p. 758).

2. AIA Document A701-2018, Instructions to Bidders. Article 3, Section 3.2.2 states: "The Architect will issue addenda acknowledging questions and answers." Section 3.4.1 further clarifies: "Addenda will be transmitted to all who are known by the issuing office to have received a complete set of Bidding Documents."

3. Demkin, J. A. (Ed.). (2008). The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice, 14th Edition. John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 15, "Bidding and Negotiation," explains that the architect's role includes preparing addenda to modify or interpret the bidding documents and distributing them to all prospective bidders. (p. 587).