Scope and document review

CivicBridge Sourcing quote comparison starts with a written scope

CivicBridge Sourcing prepares one request that several factories can answer. The named brand is only the search that brought the buyer here. Replies are alternatives, and each line must say what is included.

Send Project Requirements
  1. Building use and occupancy
  2. Footprint, height, and layout
  3. Wind, snow, and seismic criteria
  4. Code jurisdiction
  5. Quantity and destination
  6. Shell, delivered, installed, or turnkey
Engineer marking a scope checklist next to a module elevation

Two scope columns that should not share one price

A shell package and a turnkey package can describe the same footprint and still be different commercial offers. Read down the rows before judging either number. CivicBridge Sourcing does not fill these cells for a supplier; the supplier does, and the buyer checks them.

QuestionShell or kitTurnkey scope
Primary frameOften included as rigid frame or cold-formed steelIncluded, plus connection design notes
Secondary framingPurlin and girt may be listed separatelyAsk if spacing and coating are fixed
EnvelopeRoof and wall sheets, or insulated metal panel, may be optionalThermal transmittance and fire-resistance rating need a stated assembly
Foundation interfaceUsually by the buyerStill confirm anchor layout and who designs the foundation
InstallationExcluded unless a crew is namedCrew, crane, and weather assumptions stay visible
PermitsExcludedOften still excluded; do not assume local filing is inside the quote

Checks before two replies are placed side by side

  • Same design basis. Wind speed, ground snow load, and seismic design category are either both stated or both marked unknown.
  • Same quantity unit. Modules, building sets, and floor area are not interchangeable without a conversion the buyer accepts.
  • Same delivery point. Ex-works, port, and jobsite are different destinations even when the city name matches.
  • Same document pack. Calculations, weld notes referencing AWS D1.1 where relevant, and coating data must name the quoted system.
  • Open exclusions. Stairs, canopies, HVAC, and utility rough-in are easy to leave off a low figure.
  • Buyer approval of substitutions. A change from hot-rolled steel to another member is a deviation, not a silent match.

IBC or IRC editions, HUD Code, and IAS AC472 or ISO 9001 references are requests for the supplier to identify what applies to the plant and the project. This page does not award those marks to any factory.

Transport envelope, bay spacing, and clear span belong in the same request when the buyer already knows them. If they are still open, say so. An unanswered span is more useful than a guessed span that later rejects the frame.

Units to keep attached to each number

  • Wind speed stays in mph. Do not mix it with a snow load written in psf.
  • Eave height and clear span stay in feet or metres, and the unit is named once for the whole frame.
  • Module dimensions name length, width, and closed height before anyone discusses a crane lift plan.
  • Insulated metal panel targets name thermal transmittance. A fire-resistance rating is copied only from a tested assembly sheet.
  • Secondary framing notes name purlin and girt spacing rather than a single “roof package” phrase.
  • Cold-formed steel and hot-rolled steel are not interchangeable labels. The reply should say which member is quoted.

Questions buyers ask while the brief is open

Which costs need their own line?

Freight, duties, taxes, foundation design, installation, permits, and optional interiors. A single lump sum hides which of those the factory actually accepted.

Can a budget be sent without a live quote?

Yes. Write an optional amount, the currency, and whether it is per unit or for the whole order. That figure is a buyer target, not a market survey from this desk.

What does a supplier preference mean?

Premium, mid-range, budget, or undecided tells factories which documentation depth and commercial range to discuss. It is not a rating this site has verified.

Who accepts the building?

The buyer and the project professionals they appoint. CivicBridge Sourcing coordinates questions and files the replies. It does not stamp drawings or sign the construction contract.

Put the scope in one message

Use the form for the six checklist items plus any drawing you can describe in words. File uploads are not available on this page.

Include specification, quantity, destination, and delivery timing. A quotation is not required before you send the brief.