A spreadsheet or database to track clarification requests and responses, including dates, details, and status
Clarification Log Template
This template can be implemented as a spreadsheet or database, with each row representing a unique clarification request and response. Below is a detailed description of each column, followed by an example layout of the log.
Columns for the Clarification Log Template
- Clarification ID
- Description: A unique identifier assigned to each clarification request for easy reference.
- Format: Auto-generated or sequential (e.g., CL-001, CL-002, etc.)
- Date of Request
- Description: The date when the clarification request was received from the bidder.
- Format: MM/DD/YYYY
- Bidder Name
- Description: The name of the bidder submitting the clarification request.
- Format: Text (e.g., Company A, XYZ Ltd.)
- Bidder Contact
- Description: The contact person from the bidder’s side, including email or phone number.
- Format: Text (e.g., John Doe, john.doe@company.com)
- Clarification Request Details
- Description: A brief summary of the clarification request made by the bidder.
- Format: Text (e.g., “Clarification on the scope of work for section 5.1,” or “Request for extended submission deadline”)
- Date of Response
- Description: The date when the clarification response was provided.
- Format: MM/DD/YYYY
- Clarification Response Details
- Description: A detailed explanation or answer provided to the bidder’s request.
- Format: Text (e.g., “The scope of work for section 5.1 is as follows…”)
- Status of Clarification
- Description: Current status of the clarification request (whether it’s still pending, responded to, or closed).
- Format: Dropdown list with options like:
- Pending
- Responded
- Closed
- Next Action Required (if any)
- Description: Any follow-up actions that need to be taken after the clarification response.
- Format: Text (e.g., “Bidder to acknowledge response,” or “Updated bid submission required by XYZ date”)
- Response Deadline
- Description: The date by which the clarification response is expected or required.
- Format: MM/DD/YYYY
- Remarks or Notes
- Description: Any additional notes or special considerations related to the clarification.
- Format: Text (e.g., “Bidder requested a follow-up meeting,” or “Clarification may impact bid submission timeline”)
Example Layout for Clarification Log Template
Clarification ID | Date of Request | Bidder Name | Bidder Contact | Clarification Request Details | Date of Response | Clarification Response Details | Status of Clarification | Next Action Required | Response Deadline | Remarks or Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CL-001 | 01/05/2025 | XYZ Ltd. | john.doe@xyz.com | Request for clarification on bid submission format | 01/06/2025 | Clarification provided on bid submission format. Refer to section 2.3 of the bid document. | Responded | No further action required | 01/06/2025 | Clarification resolved |
CL-002 | 01/07/2025 | ABC Enterprises | alice.smith@abc.com | Query on scope of work for section 5.1 | 01/08/2025 | The scope of work for section 5.1 has been updated. Please refer to the revised section 5.1 document. | Responded | Bidder to review and submit updated bid | 01/10/2025 | May impact cost estimate |
CL-003 | 01/10/2025 | DEF Group | mark.jones@def.com | Request for extension of bid submission deadline | 01/12/2025 | Request for deadline extension under review; final decision by 01/15/2025. | Pending | Follow up with bidder on 01/15/2025 | 01/15/2025 | Pending decision on deadline extension |
Instructions for Using the Clarification Log Template
- Recording Clarification Requests:
- Each time a bidder submits a clarification request, the team should record the details in a new row in the spreadsheet or database.
- Ensure that all fields, particularly the Clarification ID and Date of Request, are properly filled out to ensure traceability.
- Updating Responses:
- After providing a response to a bidder, the Date of Response and Clarification Response Details fields should be filled out.
- Be as specific as possible when describing the clarification provided, referencing any relevant bid documents or sections.
- Status Tracking:
- The Status of Clarification field should be updated as the clarification request moves through different stages. Use the options in the dropdown list to ensure uniformity.
- If there is any pending action from the bidder, update the Next Action Required column to ensure that follow-ups are managed.
- Deadlines and Follow-ups:
- The Response Deadline should be filled out based on the expected time frame for responding to the clarification request. This helps to ensure timely follow-up.
- Any additional comments, delays, or special considerations should be noted in the Remarks or Notes column.
- Closing Clarifications:
- Once the clarification request has been addressed, and all actions have been completed, mark the Status of Clarification as Closed.
Best Practices
- Consistency: Ensure that all fields are consistently filled out in a uniform manner, especially when dealing with multiple clarification requests.
- Timeliness: Keep track of deadlines for responding to clarification requests to maintain the integrity of the bidding process.
- Communication: Regularly review the log for outstanding clarifications and ensure responses are communicated promptly.
- Documentation: Always reference relevant bid documents, amendments, or official notices in the clarification responses for clear communication.
This Clarification Log Template will be a vital tool for tracking, managing, and organizing bidder queries and responses for the SayPro Monthly SCMR-1 January Bid process, ensuring that all inquiries are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
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