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County bid checklist: 25 things to check before you submit

Before you submit a county bid, confirm the deadline and delivery details, acknowledge every addendum, sign and notarize every required form, include bid security, check your prices and math, and add the state-specific forms. This checklist covers 25 common checks.

Most rejected low bids fail on paperwork, not price. Run through this list before you seal the envelope or press submit. FactWise's Autofill Bids builds this checklist for each bid automatically, including state-specific items.

Deadline and delivery

  1. Due date, time and time zone confirmed.
  2. Exact delivery address, office or online portal confirmed.
  3. Delivery planned at least a day early, with a tracked or time-stamped receipt.
  4. Envelope labeled exactly as instructed (bid name and number, opening date, company name).
  5. Number of copies (paper and electronic) as required.

Documents and addenda

  1. Every page of the bid package read, including contract terms.
  2. Every addendum received, read and acknowledged by number.
  3. Mandatory pre-bid meeting attended (if required), with a copy of the sign-in sheet.
  4. Questions sent in writing before the question deadline.

Forms and signatures

  1. Bid form complete, with no blank required fields.
  2. Signed by someone authorized to bind the company.
  3. Notarized where required.
  4. Non-collusion affidavit and other affidavits signed.
  5. W-9 included, if requested.
  6. References included in the required format.
  7. Certifications attached if claimed.

Money

  1. Bid security attached in the right amount and form.
  2. Bonding capacity confirmed for the performance and payment bonds.
  3. Insurance limits checked against requirements (and priced in).
  4. Unit prices and totals checked; extensions add up.
  5. Prevailing wages or Davis-Bacon rates priced in, if they apply.
  6. No added conditions or exceptions unless the bid allows them.

State-specific forms

  1. Texas: Form 1295 ready for contract signing; CIQ if you have a disclosable relationship; no-boycott verifications if they apply.
  2. Indiana: E-Verify affidavit and Iran certification; state public works forms (financial statement and experience) for public works.
  3. Iowa: bid security within the required range, and any forms listed in the bid documents.

Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and thresholds change; check the current statute and the bid documents.