What are filed sub-bids?

M.G.L. c. 149 recognizes 18 categories of subtrade work that municipalities are required to bid separately from a project’s final or general bid. This process is known as the filed sub-bid system, and it applies to any public building contract estimated to cost $10 million or more.

In a nutshell, the filed sub-bid system operates as follows:

  • Prequalified subcontractors submit their bids prior to the due date for general bids.
  • These “sub-bids” are opened, reviewed, and “filed” by the municipality using a tabulation sheet that lists all sub-bids from lowest to highest based on their category of work (plumbing, electrical, masonry, elevators, etc.).
  • Once complete, the sub-bid tabulation sheet is distributed as an addendum to all prequalified general contractors on recorded with the municipality as having received the Invitation for Bids (IFB).
  • Each prequalified general contractor is required to select one sub-bidder in each category of work to include on his/her general bid. Typically, general contractors will choose the lowest sub-bidder in each category, as this is the most convenient method for achieving the lowest general bid. However, this is not a requirement. A general contractor is generally free to select any sub-bidder from the tabulation sheet that he/she wishes to work with.

The New Tufts Library Project includes 14 categories of work to be performed by prequalified subcontractors. Sub-bids for these categories of work are due in December. Once received, all sub-bids will be opened, reviewed, and recorded on the sub-bid tabulation sheet. This sheet will then be distributed as an addendum to all prequalified general contractors on record as having received the IFB.