What is BOM?
Bill of Materials
A BOM (Bill of Materials) lists the parts, components and raw materials needed to make an item, unlike a BOQ, which lists priced work items.
What is a BOM?
A Bill of Materials is a structured list of everything needed to build or supply a product or system: assemblies, components, parts and raw materials, each with a quantity and often a part number or specification.
BOMs are common in manufacturing, equipment supply and turnkey tenders. A buyer may ask bidders to submit a BOM with the technical bid, or the supplier may submit one for approval after award.
BOM vs BOQ
A BOQ, or Bill of Quantities, lists items of work or supply with units and quantities, and is the document bidders price. It usually covers labour, materials and other costs within each item rate.
A BOM lists only the materials and components that make up a product or system. It shows what goes into the item, not what the buyer pays for each work item. Both can appear in the same tender.
Tips for bidders
If the tender asks for a BOM, treat it as part of your technical offer.
- Match makes, models and specifications to what the tender allows
- Keep quantities consistent with your price schedule
- Show which items are bought-out and which are made in-house, if asked
- Note that a submitted BOM can bind you during inspection and delivery
Common questions
Common questions about BOM in government tenders.
A BOQ lists priced work or supply items for the tender. A BOM lists the materials and components that make up a product or system.
Only when the tender asks for it, which is more common in equipment, system integration and turnkey tenders. Check the technical bid requirements.
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