TheCMAA Construction Management Standards of Practice (SOP)identifies thepre-bid (pre-proposal) conferenceas a key element of the procurement process. Its purpose is to clarify thescope of work, contract requirements, and bid instructionsbefore bids are submitted.
CMAA states:
“A pre-bid conference provides prospective bidders with an opportunity to review the contract requirements, clarify ambiguities, and receive consistent responses to questions regarding scope, schedule, and procedures.”
By ensuring that all bidders receive the same information, the CM helps promote fair competition, minimize post-award claims, and reduce misunderstandings about scope—thereby indirectly helping to mitigate change orders and delays. However, theprimary intentis toresolve any questions about contract requirements and scope of work.
Option B describes a benefit, but not the immediate intent; Option A concerns site investigation, which is typically handled in separate pre-bid site visits; Option C is contrary to public procurement policy.
Therefore, the correct answer isD.
References (CMAA Documents):
CMAA Construction Management Standards of Practice, Chapter 5 – Contract Administration, Section: “Procurement and Pre-Bid Activities.”
CMAA CM Study Guide, Contract Administration Domain, Objective 5.2: “Conduct pre-bid and pre-construction conferences to clarify contract requirements.”
