Electrical Contractor Bids: Unit Pricing & Shutdown Plans

Preparing a professional bid as an electrical contractor requires more than a lump sum number. Owners, GCs, and facility managers expect transparency, detailed unit pricing, and carefully planned shutdowns. A strong proposal demonstrates technical expertise, safety awareness, and cost clarity. This guide provides a comprehensive electrical contractor bid checklist with an emphasis on unit pricing and shutdown coordination.

1. Why Detail Matters in Electrical Bids

Electrical work affects building safety, productivity, and long-term reliability. Vague or incomplete bids create disputes. A well-structured bid with visible unit rates and clear shutdown procedures earns trust and increases the likelihood of award.

2. Quote With Visible Unit Rates

Device Counts

List all switches, receptacles, and devices with per-unit prices. Transparency helps owners compare apples to apples.

Feeder Lengths & Pulling Conditions

Quantify feeder runs by length and conduit size. Note pulling difficulty (slab, ceiling space, occupied building) as a cost factor.

Lighting Counts

Break down lighting by fixture type, wattage, and control requirements. Include emergency and egress circuits separately.

Control Systems

Detail dimming systems, occupancy sensors, daylighting controls, and integration with BMS platforms.

3. Panel Schedules & Circuiting

Updated Panel Schedules

Provide proposed panel schedules with loads balanced across phases. Identify spare breakers and growth capacity.

Grounding & Bonding

Include scope for grounding electrode checks, bonding jumpers, and resistance testing.

Coordination With Existing Infrastructure

Note how new work ties into existing distribution systems and whether upgrades are required.

4. Coordination & Permitting

Permits & Inspections

Document inspection windows, AHJ requirements, and inspection fee allowances.

Utility Coordination

Coordinate with power companies for service upgrades, meter swaps, or transformer shutdowns.

Other Trades

Address coordination with fire alarm contractors, mechanical teams, and low-voltage specialists.

5. Shutdown Planning

Method of Procedure (MOP)

Include a written MOP for each shutdown: sequence, duration, and safety steps.

Notice Periods

Define advance notice required to tenants or facility managers. Standard practice is 7–14 days.

Contingency Power

Plan for generators or UPS to maintain critical loads during outages.

6. Safety & Risk Management

Lockout/Tagout Procedures

Document how circuits and feeders will be locked out and verified dead.

Arc Flash Considerations

Reference NFPA 70E or CSA Z462. Provide PPE categories and arc flash boundaries.

Emergency Contacts

List site safety officer and 24/7 contacts in case of incident.

7. Material Transparency

Manufacturer & Model Numbers

Provide approved product lines or alternates to avoid substitution disputes.

Lead Times

Flag long-lead equipment (switchgear, ATS, specialty lighting) and note expected delivery dates.

Warranty Terms

Clarify supplier warranties and contractor workmanship guarantees.

8. Labor Productivity & Unit Costs

Crew Sizes

Estimate labor hours with crew breakdowns (journeyman, apprentice, foreman).

Shift Work Premiums

Include premiums for night or weekend shutdowns if required by the facility.

Union vs. Non-Union

State assumptions on labor agreements or prevailing wage compliance.

9. Temporary Power & Phasing

Temporary Panels

Include allowances for temp power panels to support construction trades.

Sequencing With Phased Occupancy

If the building remains occupied, show how work will phase without disruption.

Shutdown Windows

Coordinate with tenant downtime—weekends, nights, or holiday periods.

10. Testing & Commissioning

Pre-Functional Testing

Insulation resistance, megger tests, and torque checks for lugs and terminations.

Functional Testing

Verify lighting controls, emergency circuits, and ATS operations.

Commissioning Reports

Provide signed reports to the owner and engineer of record.

11. Documentation & Records

As-Builts

Include CAD or BIM-based as-built drawings with updated circuits.

O&M Manuals

Deliver manuals with wiring diagrams, model numbers, and warranty info.

Inspection Logs

Track AHJ inspection approvals and note deficiencies resolved.

12. Insurance & Liability

Coverage Requirements

Provide certificates for liability, workers comp, and pollution insurance if demo involved.

Subcontractor Coverage

Require all subcontractors to submit proof of insurance before mobilization.

Indemnification Clauses

Show how liability is allocated in your bid terms.

13. Scheduling & Milestones

Baseline Schedule

Attach a Gantt chart with major milestones—mobilization, shutdowns, inspections.

Critical Path

Highlight dependencies like switchgear delivery or utility approvals.

Buffer Time

Account for delays caused by shutdown rescheduling or equipment lead times.

14. Cost Transparency

Lump Sum vs. Unit Price

Offer unit rates for devices, feeders, lighting, and panels in addition to lump sum totals.

Allowances

Include allowances for unknown conditions—hidden conduit, unforeseen shutdowns.

Change Order Rates

State hourly labor rates and markups to avoid disputes later.

15. Quality Control

Pre-Installation Meetings

Hold coordination meetings with GC and trades before major installs.

Mock-Ups

Provide sample installs of lighting controls or panels for approval.

Third-Party Testing

Include optional third-party inspections for added credibility.

16. Communication Protocols

RFI Procedures

Detail how requests for information will be submitted and answered.

Owner Updates

Set reporting cadence—weekly updates, progress photos, meeting notes.

Single Point of Contact

Designate a project manager responsible for communication.

17. Contingency Planning

Unexpected Shutdown Extensions

Plan for situations where power cannot be restored on time.

Hidden Conditions

Include strategy for concealed conduit or damaged feeders.

Dispute Resolution

Note contract provisions for mediation or arbitration.

18. Environmental & Sustainability Factors

Recycling & Disposal

Note recycling of old light fixtures, copper wire, and conduit.

Energy Codes

Confirm compliance with IECC, Title 24, or local codes.

Green Certifications

Align with LEED or WELL where project goals require.

19. Security & Access

Badge Access

Ensure crew members meet facility security protocols.

After-Hours Security

Provide guards or monitoring if shutdowns occur overnight.

Material Storage

Plan for secure storage of panels, lighting, and feeders.

20. Equipment & Methods

Specialized Tools

Include lifts, pullers, and benders needed for large feeders.

Testing Instruments

Provide calibrated megohmmeters, ground testers, and infrared cameras.

Temporary Barriers

Note poly walls, signage, and barricades for safety during shutdowns.

21. Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

Roles & Responsibilities

Define scope of low-voltage, fire alarm, or lighting control vendors.

Vendor Lead Times

Coordinate early with suppliers on long-lead equipment.

Communication Lines

Ensure vendors attend coordination meetings and provide timely updates.

22. Attachments & Supporting Documents

Attach drawings, manufacturer cut sheets, equipment schedules, and past project references. Bidders who provide complete packages stand out in competitive environments.

Conclusion

A thorough electrical contractor bid with unit pricing and shutdown plans gives owners clarity, reduces disputes, and ensures safe, predictable project delivery. By detailing device counts, feeder lengths, panel schedules, and MOPs, your bid shows professionalism and readiness—helping you secure more work and deliver successful projects.