b'BUSINESSeach type functions, getting staff trained andkeepingtrackofmyriadpass-wordsandusernames.So,dontleave until 15-minutes before close to learn. Another advantage in the current climate is that contractors can still do their site visits(oftenwithnopersonalcontact with anyone at the location) and then submittheirbidselectronically,which may provide efficiencies in the bidding and estimating process. For one, youre not sending an employee to stand in line to fill in the final number, and then get the bid stamped and submitted.Shealsoseesanotheroutcomeon the horizonthat there may be more uptake on the use of bid depositories for the trades and roofing contractors. A depository such as BidCentral Online BiddingforSubcontractors(BOBS) can help alleviate the stress of a tender close and create an atmosphere of trust. These depositories may be viewed as a natural extension of electronic procure- Ofcourse,thelargerproblemhome work? Will some jobs be phased ment and we may see their use increaseconfrontingcontractorsandroofingout completely? Will some be altered toI certainly hope so. Many owners andbusinesses is the hard truth that residen- just home operations?prime contractors still accept major bidstial and commercial building has simplyPerhaps an overlooked downside to by fax and email, which have inherentslowed down. And theres been a notice- current tendering practices is the decline flaws. Bidders are always wondering ifableflatlineinvolvingnewofficeof public tendering openings, the timely theirbidactuallygotthroughbyfax.construction,mainlybecausebuildersdisclosure of bid results and award, adds Were the file sizes too large for email toand potential tenants dont know whatsFairley. This renders the bidding process handle or lost in an outbox or junk mail?going to happen to office life post-pan- even more opaque and takes away from This is clearly the benefit of an onlinedemic.Willjobsberestructuredtothe fair, open and transparent process we bidding platform. includeamixtureofofficeworkandall want. Electronic procurement seems to be speeding this up and I hope tender authorities make an adjustment.ON THE JOB EARLY. Ultimately,whatneedstohappen WORKING LATE. toimproveprocurementworkflow JUST LIKE YOU. in the age of the pandemic is borne by both parties. Procurement special-The construction industry is demanding. The days are long and the competition is fierce. Thats why weistsneedtothinkcarefullyandvery keep the same hours as you do, and back you up withspecifically about the language in their a full range of products, accessories and tools. tenderingdocuments.Togetherwith Top brands, experienced, knowledgeablecontractors, they also need to consider staff and extended hours make us the trusted choice. the entire supply chain and long-term After all, you work hard to exceed yourproduction capacities of raw materials customers expectations, and so do we. thataffectbidders,ratherthanjust concentratingsolelyontransactions. Contractorsmustalsobecomemore sophisticatedintermsofelectronic WE DELIVER. tendering and pay very careful attention to the language of the contractmost ROOFINGINSULATIONWATERPROOFING tendersnowcontainspecificdescrip-SURREY, BC CHILLIWACK, BC MAPLERIDGE, BC PENTICTON, BC KELOWNA, BC VICTORIA, BC CALGARY, AB EDMONTON, AB tions regarding safe COVID-19 proto-Tel: 604.596.3787 Tel: 604.795.7355 Tel: 604.463.4553 Tel: 250.770.2270 Tel: 250.765.3787 Tel: 250.652.8801 Tel: 403.262.1008 Tel: 780.454.1008 cols at the worksite. fax: 604.596.4559 fax: 604.792.2355 fax: 604.463.1298 fax: 250.770.2271 fax: 250.765.2271 fax: 250.652.8803 fax: 403.262.1018 fax: 780.454.101836lROOFINGBC l SUMMER 2020'