Dictionary of Procurement Terms

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  • Alternative (Alternate) Bid/Proposal

    A response to a bid or proposal that does not meet the exact requirements of the specification or scope of work, but offers an alternative for consideration. A bid/proposal submitted with an intentional substantive variation to a basic provision, specification, term, or condition of the solicitation. This alternative, in the opinion of the bidder/proposer, achieves the same end result. Alternative bids and proposals may render the bid/proposal as non-responsive.

    See Also: Alternate Bid (Response)

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

    A process or procedure used voluntarily between parties to resolve issues in controversy without the need to resort to litigation. ADR may include, but is not limited to, mediation, fact-finding, and arbitration.

    See Also: Litigation

  • Alternative Project Delivery Method (APDM )

    A collective term to refer to the use of non-traditional contracting methods. The contractor may participate in or advise on the design or may be entirely responsible for the design; the contractor's selection is based on qualifications or best value. Traditional contracting methods may include design-bid-build or design-build where alternative methods may include construction management or an alliance/relationship contracting.

  • Ambiguity

    Contract language that can be construed to have more than one meaning, definition, or interpretation.

  • Amendment

    An agreed addition to, deletion from, correction, or modification of a document or contract.

    See Also: Authorized Deviation, Change Order, Contract Modification

  • Amendment Previous Value

    CANADIAN Value of a document as last amended.

  • Amendment Status

    CANADIAN Identifies the number and description of amendments issued to a Bid Solicitation or Contract document, and gives a description of the previous wording.

  • American Arbitration Association (AAA)

    A not-for-profit organization that provides resources for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

  • American Bar Association (ABA)

    Founded in 1878, the ABA is committed to improving the legal profession, eliminating bias and enhancing diversity, and advancing the rule of law throughout the United States and around the world. (ABA, 2015)

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA)

    Based in Washington, D.C., the AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857. With nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA serves as the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for its members in service to society. (AIA, 2015)