What Is a Turnkey Contract?

August 12, 2021

What to expect from a turnkey contract

A turnkey contract is a type of project that’s constructed to be sold to any buyer as a completed product. It is used in the supply or sale of goods or services. Turnkey contracts can be used for a range of construction projects from single buildings to large-scale developments.

A turnkey contract can also be referred to as a turnkey bid. EPC contracts can also be known as turnkey contracts. An EPC contract stands for engineering, procurement, and construction contacts.

What is a turnkey contract?

A turnkey contract is a simple and traditional public sector procurement model used for infrastructure facilities. Generally speaking, a private contractor is selected through a bidding process.

The contractor assumes all responsibility from the design to the completion of the project. It is up to them how the project is completed. They don’t have to conform to the buyer’s specifications as they have none. Once completed, the project is ready to produce cash flow upon completion.

What is the aim of a turnkey contract?

The private contractor designs and builds a facility for a fixed fee/rate/total cost. The aim of a turnkey contract is for a buyer to review the options available to complete a project. A buyer will turn to solicitation to examine their options. Businesses will then detail how they will complete the project and the buyer will pick the winner. There will be certain eligibility criteria they need to meet in order to qualify.

What are buyers looking for?

Price is one of the key criteria buyers look at when selecting the winning bid. Obviously, they will be still interested in the quality of your bid as well. However, price is most likely going to be the deciding factor. You must remember that you want to give accurate pricing. If you under-price your services to undercut your competitors, it might not go well. If you end up going way over your budget upon completion, a buyer won’t be best pleased.

What industry can you find turnkey contracts in?

You can expect to find turnkey contracts being used within the following industries:

  • Construction (most common)
  • Facilities
  • Logistics
  • Engineering

What to expect from a turnkey contract?

A turnkey contract includes at least five key components:

  • The design of the facility by the contractor

You will need to detail a detailed design plan for the project. There may be specific aspects of the design that’s already defined in the contract. However, even where this is specified, a contractor must prepare a detailed design for the facility.

  • The technical components

For a turnkey contract, you can expect to detail the technical aspects. You should include your experience in carrying out similar projects, demonstrating your knowledge. This could be seen as the engineering aspect of the contract. It also includes obtaining the necessary permits and licenses.

  • Supplies and erection of the facility

It is typical for a buyer to ask a contractor to detail what supplies they intend to use on the project. They will also be likely to ask about how they plan on erecting the facility. Here, you will need to detail if you plan on using any subcontractors. Who are they and what will they be used for?

Sometimes a buyer can be restrictive or limit the choice to certain supplies or specified subcontractors. Here, the buyer may wish to assure themselves of the quality of certain aspects. Additionally, they could negotiate with you directly about the price of certain subcontractors.

  • Risk assessment

One additional necessary component you can expect to include within your turnkey contract is a risk assessment. This is critical as you as the contractor are responsible for every aspect of the project. You want to ensure that you highlight and mitigate the risks where possible.

  • Price

As mentioned above, price is one of the most integral aspects of a turnkey contract. Price your services competitively but still reasonably. You want to win the contract and be able to perform it in budget.

In conclusion

So now you should have a better idea of an answer to ‘what is a turnkey contract?’ and what’s required. Keeping up with all the solicitation terminology can take a while. However, the more you educate yourself the easier it gets to understand the processes.

Need support writing your next bid?

Not got the time to write winning bid responses in-house? Don’t worry, our Bid Consultants can help. We provide three bid and RFP writing support services.

Our services

RFP Writing

Our RFP Writing service is the perfect solution to ensure that you submit a high-quality bid, even when you’re busy. Our writers will break down the solicitation documents, allowing you to see what the bid and the contract involves. This will help to ensure that you have all the specified evidence and meet the requirements of the contracting authority.

Our RFP Writers will then craft persuasive, high-quality responses, attach supporting evidence and even submit the bid on your behalf. Upload the solicitation documents for a free quote.

RFP Mentor

Have you already written a bid but need a second pair of eyes to review your work? Our RFP Mentor service will do just that. Simply send over your bid responses and the solicitation documents.

Our writers will then assess your work, ensuring that your responses are in line with the specification. They will also check for any spelling or grammar errors. You can then submit your bid with confidence. Upload your work for a free quote.

Proposal Ready

Do you need help with preparing a bid proposal? Proposal Ready can help businesses that are new to bidding for contracts or those in need of rejuvenating their content. Our Bid Consultants will create:

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Find more helpful tips and advice in our blogs. We cover topics including:

 

All information and data on this blog site are for informational purposes only. Hudson Outsourcing LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity, of any information. Hudson Outsourcing LLC will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided AS IS with no warranties and confers no rights.

Hudson Outsourcing LLC will not be responsible for any material that is found at the end of the links that may be posted on this blog site. 

Because the information on this blog is based on Hudson Outsourcing LLC’s own opinion and experience, it should not be considered professional financial investment advice. The ideas and bidding strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional. Hudson Outsourcing LLC’s thoughts and opinions will also change from time to time as the market changes and as Hudson Outsourcing LLC develops.

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