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Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method ('Bid System') for topologically subdividing and defining the detail scope of work and for inter-linking construction plans and specifications to construction contracts and subcontracts. The Bid System permits full, clear and unambiguous definition of the scope of work under each subcontract, so as to eliminates errors and uncertainty relating to contract performance. The Bid System establishes a series of electronic overlays to the digitized construction plans corresponding to different trades or categories of work, in which each overlay may be divided into a series of optimized topological subdivisions or 'boxes' which uniquely identify and locate on the plans a portion of the work to be performed. The system includes linkage of the overlays and boxes to the subcontracts whereby the scope of work to be bid is accurately associated or 'mapped' to corresponding regions and overlay category on the architectural drawings or construction plans. This mapping of overlays to plans constitutes a system of almost-orthogonal equations having the property of progressively increasing transparency as the typical size of the subdivisions is reduced. The system and method also permits a bi-directional flow of information from the various entities involved in the bid process so as to enhance the clarity and detail of work description of both the contracts and the plans and specifications, thus permitting more efficient and effective monitoring and management of contract performance. Internet-based embodiments of the Bid System of the invention are described, including a central-server remote host Internet embodiment in which the transmittal of data, including plans, overlays, contracts, bids, comments, edits, changes and the like are via the Internet, the Bid System being operated principally on a central remote host operated by a Bid System Service Provider (BSSP). Distributed host Internet embodiments are also disclosed.

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First Claim