Vendor Bid Comparison Calculator

Three-bid comparison with quality adjustment. The lowest bid isn't always the best value — vendor quality (responsiveness, references, license/insurance, prior work) often justifies a 10-20% premium. This calculator computes quality-adjusted $/score so you can pick the bid that delivers the best total value, not just the cheapest line item.

Scope summary

Bid 1 ($)

Bid 2 ($)

Bid 3 ($)

Bid 1 quality score / 10

Bid 2 quality score / 10

Bid 3 quality score / 10

Lowest bid

$9,800

Lowest bid #

Best value bid #

Quality-adjusted $/score

Average bid

$11,167

Bid spread

$2,700

How the math works

Bid spread under 15% = scope well-defined, vendors comparable. 15-30% spread = scope variation or vendor capability differences. Over 30% = scope unclear or one vendor mis-bid.

Don't always pick lowest — quality-adjusted $/score (cost ÷ vendor quality) protects against picking a contractor who can't execute.

How to Use

Enter scope category and three vendor bids.
Enter quality score (0-10) for each vendor.
Read lowest bid, best-value bid, average, and spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Healthy bid spread?

Under 15% = scope clear, vendors comparable. 15-30% = some scope variance or capability difference. Over 30% = re-issue RFP with clarified scope.

What goes into quality score?

Responsiveness, license/insurance current, references checked, COIs in place, prior work quality, owner's references with this property type.

Always pick lowest?

No — lowest bidder often the most likely to change-order or fail to perform. Quality-adjusted value protects against false savings that turn into rework cost.