CHOP is silent about extending the bid period except for stating that if an external event such as a snow storm prevents the majority of bidders from submitting bids, the closing may be postponed.

 

Natural disasters rank low on the list of reasons for the majority of bid period extensions. Often the reasons given by contractors include complexities unanticipated by the bid caller, too many bids closing around the same time, and addenda issued late in the bid period. The bid calling authority may also choose to extend the bid period at the time is issuing a large or complex addendum.

 

The length of any extension is a judgement call based on the nature of the changes incorporated in the addendum. The new closing date should consider the same guidelines used to select the original closing date (not Mondays or Fridays or immediately before or after statutory holidays).

 

Along with changing the bid closing date, changing the project start date or the substantial performance date should be discussed with the client.