What are the steps in the construction bidding process?

Bidding process steps: (1) Project advertisement or invitation to bid, (2) Contractors obtain bid documents (drawings, specs, contract), (3) Pre-bid conference and site visits, (4) Contractors prepare estimates and assemble bids, (5) Bid submission before deadline, (6) Bid opening (public for government), (7) Bid evaluation and comparison, (8) Contract award to lowest responsive, responsible bidder (public) or best value (private). Process ensures fair competition and enables owner to obtain competitive pricing.