What are changes to project documents made before bid acceptance called?

Changes to project documents made before bid acceptance are referred to as addenda. This term specifically covers the adjustments or clarifications that are communicated to potential bidders after the documents have been issued but before bids are submitted. Addenda serve to correct or provide additional information that bidders need to accurately understand the project and prepare their proposals accordingly.

Utilizing addenda ensures that all contractors receive the same information, promoting fairness in the bidding process. These changes may include alterations in specifications, design details, or even project timelines, ensuring that all bidders are well-informed and capable of submitting competitive bids.

In contrast, change orders typically occur after a bid is accepted and deal with modifications required during the construction phase. Revisions and modifications can apply to various contexts within the project lifecycle but do not specifically denote changes communicated pre-bid acceptance in the same way that addenda do. Thus, understanding the specific context of project documentation and the bidding process highlights why addenda is the correct term to use in this instance.