What is the purpose of an addendum?

An addendum serves the critical purpose of modifying Contract Documents before bids are received. This typically occurs during the bidding phase of a construction project, where an architect or project owner issues modifications or additional information to clarify or amend the initial bidding documents. This ensures that all potential contractors have access to the same updated information, maintaining fairness in the bidding process.

Incorporating changes through an addendum can address questions that arise during the bidding phase or rectify any ambiguities in the documents. This practice helps to ensure that all bidders are operating from the same information, which facilitates a more competitive and accurate bidding process. It’s important that these adjustments are communicated effectively to ensure that bids are based on the latest requirements and specifications, thus minimizing potential disputes later in the project.