What is FAR 52.214-18?

FAR 52.214-18 (Preparation of Bids—Construction.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the general category.

When is FAR 52.214-18 required?

FAR 52.214-18 is typically required when the contracting officer determines it's applicable to the specific procurement. Check the solicitation's Section I for included clauses.

Does FAR 52.214-18 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.214-18 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

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52.214-18 — Preparation of Bids—Construction.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.214-18 — Preparation of Bids—Construction.. This clause is part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and may be included in government contracts as a solicitation provision or contract clause.

Official Regulation Text

52.214-18 Preparation of Bids—Construction. As prescribed in 14.201-6(l), insert the following provision: Preparation of Bids—Construction (APR 1984) (a) Bids must be (1) submitted on the forms furnished by the Government or on copies of those forms, and (2) manually signed. The person signing a bid must initial each erasure or change appearing on any bid form. (b) The bid form may require bidders to submit bid prices for one or more items on various bases, including— (1) Lump sum bidding; (2) Alternate prices; (3) Units of construction; or (4) Any combination of subparagraphs (1) through (3) above. (c) If the solicitation requires bidding on all items, failure to do so will disqualify the bid. If bidding on all items is not required, bidders should insert the words no bid in the space provided for any item on which no price is submitted. (d) Alternate bids will not be considered unless this solicitation authorizes their submission. (End of provision) [48 FR 42478, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 55 FR 25531, June 21, 1990]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.214-18 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.214-18)

Compliance Checklist

As prescribed in 14.201-6(l), insert the following provision: Preparation of Bids—Construction (APR 1984) (a) Bids must be (1) submitted on the forms furnished by the Government or on copies of those forms, and (2) manually signed.
The person signing a bid must initial each erasure or change appearing on any bid form.
(b) The bid form may require bidders to submit bid prices for one or more items on various bases, including— (1) Lump sum bidding; (2) Alternate prices; (3) Units of construction; or (4) Any combination of subparagraphs (1) through (3) above.
(c) If the solicitation requires bidding on all items, failure to do so will disqualify the bid.
If bidding on all items is not required, bidders should insert the words no bid in the space provided for any item on which no price is submitted.

Flow-Down to Subcontractors

No flow-down required

This clause applies only to the prime contract and does not need to be flowed down to subcontractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This summary is for informational purposes only and reflects the BidStride Research Team's plain-English interpretation of the regulation. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Always consult the official Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) text and qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions.