10 Tips: How to Save Money When Submitting a Bid ...

Every structural steel fabricator is different when it comes down to pricing substation and transmission steel structures. But, there are some commonalities that could help save you money when submitting a Request for Quote (RFQ). How do you do that you might ask?

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Well, generally, there&#;s a rule of thumb to consider: the more information you give the Estimating Department, the better price you&#;ll receive. If very little information is given, it&#;s harder for the estimating department/engineers to easily go through and pick out requirements, design the structure and then send the RFQ back in adequate time. And sometimes the price might reflect the assumptions that had to be made. 

Different terms used:

• Request for Quote (RFQ)

• Request for Proposal (RFP)

• Purchase Requisition

• Inquiry

• Bid Event / Bid

  Quote / Proposal

So, if you&#;ve asked yourself, &#;what can I do to save money when submitting a bid,&#; here are five good starting points.

1. Well-Defined Scope of Work- this could include everything from what the fabricator&#;s responsibility is, to needing the structures galvanized or weathering, delivery process, how hardware should be shipped, etc.  

2. Technical Specifications- this tells the fabricator how you want the structures built, like what kind of steel to use, etc.

3. Commercial Terms- this is more on the legal side, meaning what type of payment or who to invoice, insurance requirements, warranties, damages, etc.

4. Structure/Electrical Layout- this gives the overall dimensions of a structure such as height and width or phase spacing.

5. Enough Time to Bid- it&#;s important to keep in mind that fabricators typically have a quote backlog already scheduled out. 

Often, in order to send a bid to a fabricator, customers require the fabricator to be on an approved vendor list in order to quote the project.  The approval process usually involves quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) audit, industry experience, project references, customer references, commercial term agreement, credit approvals, etc. 

Facts That Could Affect Pricing:

6. Weathering steel generally costs less because unlike galvanized steel, it doesn&#;t get the galvanized coating. (Typically see weathering steel more with transmission structures.)

7. Usually, the more steel ordered at one time could help give you a better price. In this instance, if you had different structures for one substation, instead of ordering separately, try to coordinate to order all the structures together, which could save money on freight and other expenses.

8. Loads with over-length and over-width sections could get costly because you have to get freight permitting depending on the states along the delivery route. Typically, the price for wider structures is greater than longer structures.

9. Expedited lead times can increase price. Since a production backlog is already in place, fabricators would need to expedite engineering, detailing, rearrange product schedule or may have to include some overtime.

10. Special weld inspection requirements and tests that are beyond typical industry standards could raise the price. If the fabricator needs to pull in a third party to inspect, send material off for testing or bring in an expert, it could increase the price.

These are just a few suggestions, and are not meant to be taken as the rule in every situation when dealing with every fabricator. But it is good to know how your project was priced and what affected it so that there are no hidden surprises or confusion.   

So remember: supply ample information, receive accurate price. 

In the dynamic world of custom steel fabrication, cost efficiency is as important as the quality of the final product. Whether you're a business owner looking to invest in robust infrastructure or an individual seeking bespoke steel pieces, understanding how to save money without compromising on quality is key. This blog post explores the world of custom steel fabrication, exploring various strategies and innovations that can lead to significant cost savings.

Exploring Cost-Efficient Materials in Steel Fabrication

Let's explore how selecting the right materials and embracing innovative solutions can lead to significant cost savings without compromising on quality:

Choosing the Right Material

• Cost vs. Durability:

  Balancing the cost of materials with their durability is important. Opting for cheaper materials might save money upfront but can lead to higher maintenance and replacement costs in the long run.

Innovative Material Solutions

• Recycled Steel:

  Utilising recycled steel not only reduces costs but also supports environmental sustainability.

• Lightweight Alternatives:

  If you want to learn more, please visit our website Steelhighsen.

  Exploring lighter materials can reduce transportation and handling costs.

Can Efficient Project Management Reduce Fabrication Costs?

Effective project management is pivotal in custom steel fabrication. By streamlining processes and ensuring efficient use of resources, project managers can significantly reduce unnecessary expenses. This includes meticulous planning, timely execution and constant communication among team members, ensuring projects are completed within budget and on schedule.

In addition to these core strategies, efficient project management in custom steel fabrication also involves proactive problem-solving and adaptability. Anticipating potential challenges and being prepared with solutions can prevent costly delays. Furthermore, leveraging data-driven insights for continuous improvement helps in refining processes and reducing costs over time.

Proven Strategies to Cut Costs in Custom Steel Fabrication

Navigating the complexities of custom steel fabrication requires not just skill but also strategic thinking. Here are the key strategies that can significantly reduce costs while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency in your projects:

• Leverage Advanced Technology:

  Utilising state-of-the-art machinery, like CNC plasma dual-head cutting machines, enhances precision and reduces waste.

• Optimise Design:

  Computer-assisted design (CAD) can streamline the fabrication process, minimising errors and material wastage.

• Bulk Purchasing:

  Buying materials in bulk can lead to significant cost savings.

• Preventative Maintenance:

  Regular maintenance of machinery prevents costly breakdowns and delays.

• Skilled Workforce:

  Investing in skilled labour ensures efficiency and quality, reducing the need for reworks.

Overcoming Budget Overruns with Innovative Fabrication Techniques

Adopting innovative fabrication techniques is important to tackle the challenge of budget overruns. These methods offer a pathway to reduce costs while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

Precision Cutting with CNC Plasma

• Enhanced Accuracy:

  CNC

  plasma cutting offers unparalleled precision, reducing material wastage and labour costs.

Innovative Welding Techniques

• Efficient Processes:

  Advanced welding techniques contribute to faster turnaround times and lower labour costs.

Connect with HardRok for Custom Steel Fabrication 

At HardRok, we're committed to delivering custom steel fabrication solutions that align with your specific needs and budget. Our team combines expertise with innovative technology to ensure every project is a testament to quality and efficiency. If you're looking for reliable and cost-effective custom steel fabrication, we're here to help. Get in touch with us through our contact page or give us a call. We're ready to discuss your project, offer insights and provide the high-quality service you expect. Let's work together to turn your ideas into reality with precision and care.

For more information, please visit Electrical Steel.