Been asked to tender for large contract

[Forestboy1978]

I've basically become the go to company for fencing repairs and sundry landscaping and maintenance tasks for a large housing and architectural company.

They've asked me if I'd like to tender for the maintenance of 2 of their developments. Basically forestry and open areas. I have some tree qualifications but not all but I do sub to a mate who's a fully qualified surgeon and works most weeks for me in one way or another.

Trouble is I usually quote for jobs that are small to medium sized. I'm a bit out of my depth. I don't really know how to gauge this amount of work and I do have a tendency of being overly optimistic. Even when i factor in my "yeah this will be easy attitude" into the equation I still can go well under sometimes. Any tips would be hugely appreciated,,, as usual lol

Ta guys

[jwill]

Would a qs be a good idea in this instance. He can do you a set of rates for most work you're likely to come across with your margin built in. Unless they've given you a list of tasks or spec?

[Forestboy1978]

Not a bad idea. I dunno how much I'd trust them though. Get it wrong and I'm screwed.

[jwill]

They should give you a cost figure and you just make sure you can actually do the job for that figure. If it's reactive maintenance you could even just quote hourly rate? £25/hr per man