The short answerAn addendum is a formal change or clarification a buyer issues during the tender period. It can move the closing time, change the scope, replace a form or answer suppliers' questions. Download every addendum, update your knock out and returnables lists, and acknowledge each one in your response if the buyer asks.
Three things to do every time
- Read it the day it arrives. Late addenda often carry the biggest changes.
- Update your work. Change the price, answers and forms it affects, and recheck the knock outs.
- Acknowledge it. Many tender forms have a box listing each addendum by number.
Make sure you receive them
Register for the specific tender on the portal, not just download the documents, so you are notified. Check the portal again the day before you lodge.
What addenda usually contain
- Changes to the closing date or time
- Answers to suppliers' questions
- Replaced or corrected drawings, schedules or forms
- Changes to quantities or scope
- New or removed requirements
Keep an addenda register
| Addendum | Date | What changed | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Issue date | Answers to questions | Read and acknowledged |
| 2 | Issue date | Revised pricing schedule | Price moved to new schedule |
Example register.
How to keep track of addenda
- Keep a register. One line per addendum: number, date received, what changed, who it affects and whether your response is updated.
- Read the whole addendum. A short cover note can hide a changed closing time, a new returnable or a revised price schedule.
- Replace, do not merge. When a schedule is reissued, work in the new file. Copying your old figures across is where errors start.
- Acknowledge them. Many forms of tender ask you to list every addendum received. A missing one can make your response non conforming.
- Check again on lodge day. Buyers can issue an addendum close to the deadline. Look at the portal before you upload.
Questions
Do I have to acknowledge addenda?
If the tender form or conditions ask for it, yes. Missing an acknowledgement can make the response non conforming.
Can an addendum extend the closing time?
Yes. Buyers often use an addendum to change dates.
What if an addendum arrives the day before closing?
Read it straight away. If it materially changes the work and time is too short, ask the contact officer through the proper channel whether the closing time will move.
What if I find out about an addendum after I lodged?
Contact the buyer's contact officer straight away and ask whether you can lodge a revised response before closing. After closing, follow their instructions.