---
title: "Client role in pre-tender stage planning"
subject: "Construction Management"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_8/construction_management:client-pretender-planning"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/client-pretender-planning
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Client role in pre-tender stage planning

Construction Management · Chapter 2: Construction Planning and Scheduling

- Asked in: 2074 Bhadra, 4 marks; 2079 Jestha, 3 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [Competitive Procurement: How to Run a Tender Process](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KTUTgruqaA) — Online PM Courses - Mike Clayton
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/client-pretender-planning
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/construction_management/chapter-2

## Question

Define client and discuss the role of a client during the pre-tender stage (pre-tender stage planning by client).

## Short answer

A client is the owner who finances and awards the project. During the pre-tender stage, the client defines the need, conducts feasibility studies, arranges finance and land, appoints consultants, decides the contract strategy, prepares or approves tender documents, fixes qualification criteria, and publishes the tender notice.

## Answer

#### Client
A client (owner or employer) is the person, organisation or government agency that needs the project, finances it, and awards the contract for its design and construction.

#### Role of the client in pre-tender stage planning
The pre-tender stage is the period from the idea of the project until tenders are invited. The client:
1. **Defines the need and objectives**, scope and requirements of the project.
2. **Feasibility studies:** technical, economic, financial, social and environmental studies (IEE/EIA).
3. **Arranges finance** and budget approval; fixes a cost ceiling.
4. **Acquires land and clears legal issues**, permits and right of way.
5. **Appoints the consultant** for survey, design, drawings, specifications, estimate and bill of quantities.
6. **Decides the contract strategy:** type of contract, procurement method, packaging of work, and the duration.
7. **Prepares or approves tender documents:** instructions to bidders, conditions of contract, technical specifications, drawings, BOQ, and the bid security amounts.
8. **Fixes qualification criteria** and decides pre-qualification if needed.
9. **Approves the master programme** and the cost estimate; appoints the tender evaluation committee.
10. **Publishes the tender notice** and arranges the site visit and pre-bid meeting.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. A client is:
   A. The person or agency that needs the project, finances it and awards the contract
   B. The one who builds
   C. The one who designs
   D. The material supplier
   Answer: A. The client is the owner who needs and funds the project. (Key point: Definition)

2. The pre-tender stage covers:
   A. From the idea of the project until tenders are invited
   B. From award to handover
   C. Defects period
   D. Maintenance
   Answer: A. It is the period from the idea until tenders are invited. (Key point: Pre-tender period)

3. Why does the client appoint the consultant at this stage?
   A. For survey, design, drawings, specifications, estimate and BOQ
   B. To build the works
   C. To pay bills
   D. To bid
   Answer: A. The consultant prepares the technical documents needed for tender. (Key point: Consultant appointment)

4. Which belongs to the client's contract strategy?
   A. Contract type, procurement method, packaging of work and duration
   B. Daily labour
   C. Concrete cube tests
   D. Rework orders
   Answer: A. The client decides contract type, procurement method, packages and duration. (Key point: Contract strategy)

## Related in Construction Management

- [Contractor pre-tender stage planning](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Acontractor-pretender-planning) — Construction Management, chapter 2
- [Client planning in implementation stage](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Aclient-implementation-planning) — Construction Management, chapter 2