Preparing a Bid or Tender Package
When preparing a bid, you need quantities across multiple trades, structured in a way that supports cost estimation and competitive pricing. Sparkel lets you build a multi-trade quantity takeoff from a single BIM model, export it to Excel, and attach supporting documents — all within one project.
Typical bid takeoff structure
A bid takeoff for a general contractor typically covers several trades in parallel. A common structure:
One takeoff per trade scope — concrete, steel, facades, roofing, finishes
Items within each takeoff reflecting how subcontractors or suppliers will price the work
One project containing all takeoffs, so the full picture is visible in one place
Step 1: Set up the project from a template
If you've done a similar bid before, start from a saved template. This gives you a pre-built takeoff structure with items already defined, so you only need to link elements and adjust quantities rather than rebuilding from scratch. Templates are particularly valuable when you bid the same building type repeatedly.
If this is a new project type, build the structure from scratch and save it as a template at the end for future use.
Step 2: Work through each trade takeoff
Open each trade takeoff in turn and link the relevant BIM elements. Use dynamic linking where the model supports it, and shapes where it doesn't. The goal at this stage is a verified quantity table — every item traceable to specific elements or shapes in the viewer.
Step 3: Use labels to organise across takeoffs
Labels let you tag items and takeoffs with categories — for example, by building phase, by subcontractor package, or by bid section. This makes it easy to filter the view and export only what's relevant for a specific part of the bid. See The Quantity Table for how labels work.
Step 4: Export to Excel
Export all takeoffs to Excel. The export includes item names, quantities, and units — ready to drop into your cost model or bid template. Organise the export by takeoff or by label depending on how your bid document needs to be structured.
Step 5: Attach documents and drawings
Upload relevant drawings, specifications, and tender documents as attachments to the takeoffs. This keeps everything in one place and makes it easy to share context with suppliers or subcontractors when you request quotes.
Step 6: Request quotes from suppliers
For trades where you need supplier pricing to complete the bid, publish the relevant takeoffs to your suppliers directly from Sparkel. Suppliers receive a link, see the quantities, and can respond with their pricing through the platform communication thread.