Issue one scope to every supplier, then compare the offers against that scope. We coordinate China sourcing for steel frames and record missing documents, unresolved interfaces and shipment assumptions for buyer review.
A North American bid and a European bid can use different wind and snow definitions. The table shows fields to ask for, with example values only where marked. Have the project engineer specify governing editions, exposure and risk classification.
| Input | Sample basis A, ASCE 7 path | Sample basis B, Eurocode 3 path |
|---|---|---|
| Design wind speed | Example only: 45 m/s, subject to exposure and project basis | Basic wind velocity from the national annex, not copied from column A |
| Ground snow load | Example only: 1.5 kN/m² ground snow | Characteristic snow on the ground from the national annex |
| Seismic design basis | 0.30 g example, or the seismic design category if the buyer uses that label | Peak ground acceleration and importance class from the applicable national annex |
| Main frame steel | Q355, mill certificate heat number filed | S355, with the execution class stated if EN 1090 is in the contract |
| What this table does not do | It does not grant IBC compliance | It does not grant Eurocode or EN 1090 compliance |
A velocity and its units are insufficient for comparison without the averaging period and exposure basis. Ground snow and roof snow also need separate fields because drifting at an attached bay can control the roof design.
Coordinate a sample connection, coating coupon or cladding panel if a material decision depends on physical review. Record which drawing revision and supplier lot each sample represents. Ask the shortlisted supplier for a traceable inspection plan before release. Keep the drawing revision and acceptance basis with each checkpoint so the inspection provider can identify which pieces and connections belong to that lot.
Request a sample mill certificate and compare grade and heat number with a proposed piece-mark list. At receiving, an inspection provider can sample the traceability trail against the accepted drawing revision.
Check how the bid handles bolt-hole gauge and fit-up tolerances. If a trial assembly is in the inspection scope, record which connection is assembled and which dimensions are measured.
Request the applicable welding procedure and welder qualification scope. Identify visual or nondestructive examination requirements in the purchase documents and ask for reports indexed to joint location.
Ask for the coating specification, inspection readings and bundle dimensions before dispatch. For consolidation and export coordination, reconcile the supplier packing list, commercial invoice and carrier booking against the bundle marks. Have the buyer or appointed broker confirm declaration and destination requirements. A package can meet its coating target yet exceed the carrier limit once dunnage and lifting access are included.
A quality management certificate describes a system within its documented scope. Verify issuer, validity and covered operations before relying on a certificate, and route structural acceptance to the project professionals.
Request the documents needed for the project stage. A layout for budget review, an issued-for-construction drawing and a packing sketch carry different revision purposes and should have different release notes.
Send the intended use, site country and current design basis. We will organize supplier responses by scope and identify information each bidder needs before confirming price or delivery.