Cost Breakdown Formats Buyers Ask For
Formats in common use
| Format | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Line-item breakdown | Hardware, software, integration, training as separate lines |
| Activity breakdown | Engineering, manufacturing, installation, commissioning |
| Bill of materials | Named components and quantities |
| Rate card | Day rates for change work after award |
Why buyers ask
- To compare bids that bundle very different scopes.
- To price changes against agreed rates instead of negotiating from scratch.
- To identify the parts of the offer that are cheapest to standardise.
Ask for the format with the tender so every bidder responds in the same structure.