How are the bid/no-bid factors weighted?

Opportunity fit and expected margin carry the highest weight because they have the most impact on whether the project will be profitable. Bonding, timeline, and competition are weighted moderately. Location and relationship are lighter factors that can tip a borderline decision.

What score means I should bid?

A score above 70 is a Strong Bid — pursue with full effort. Between 50-70 is Consider — look at which factors scored low and whether you can mitigate them. Below 50 is a Pass — your estimating time is better spent elsewhere.

Can I adjust the weights?

The default weights reflect industry best practices for small specialty subcontractors. The tool uses fixed weights to keep decisions consistent across your team.

Should I use this for every bid?

Yes. Even experienced estimators benefit from making the go/no-go decision explicit. It takes 2 minutes and prevents the most common mistake in subcontracting — chasing every opportunity instead of the right ones.

Bid/No-Bid Scorecard | Free Decision Tool for Subcontractors

The Bid/No-Bid Scorecard helps specialty subcontractors evaluate public construction bids across 8 weighted factors including fit, capacity, margin, bonding, timeline, competition, location, and relationships. It produces a go/no-go recommendation to prevent wasted estimating time.

Rate This Opportunity

Opportunity Fit

How well does this project match your core trade and experience?

1 (Poor)35 (Strong)

Team Capacity

Does your team have bandwidth to estimate and execute?

1 (Poor)35 (Strong)

Expected Margin

Is the expected profit margin acceptable for the risk?

1 (Poor)35 (Strong)

Bonding Feasibility

Can you secure the required bonds at this project value?

1 (Poor)35 (Strong)

Timeline Fit

Does the bid deadline and project schedule work for you?

1 (Poor)35 (Strong)

Competition Level

How crowded is the bidder field? (5 = low competition)

1 (Poor)35 (Strong)

Location Match

Is the project within your profitable service area?

1 (Poor)35 (Strong)

Owner/GC Relationship

Do you have a relationship with the awarding entity?

1 (Poor)35 (Strong)

Recommendation

Score60/100

VerdictConsider

Opportunity Fit3/5 (weight: 20%)

Team Capacity3/5 (weight: 15%)

Expected Margin3/5 (weight: 20%)

Bonding Feasibility3/5 (weight: 10%)

Timeline Fit3/5 (weight: 10%)

Competition Level3/5 (weight: 10%)

Location Match3/5 (weight: 10%)

Owner/GC Relationship3/5 (weight: 5%)

Review the lowest-scoring factors. Can you mitigate them?

Example

A plumbing subcontractor evaluates a $1.2M school renovation 40 miles away.

Opportunity Fit5/5 — core trade match

Expected Margin4/5 — good public-works rates

Competition2/5 — many known competitors

Location3/5 — edge of service area

Score72/100 — Strong Bid

How to Use This Tool

1Enter the project name and brief description for your reference.
2Rate each of the 8 factors on a 1-5 scale using the sliders.
3Review the weighted score and color-coded recommendation.
4Save or print the scorecard to share with your team.

How to Apply the Results

Use the score to prioritize your bid pipeline. Strong Bid opportunities get full estimating effort. Consider opportunities get a second look at the weakest factors. Pass opportunities free up your team for better-fit work.

Frequently Asked Questions

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