What form is typically used to solicit bids from contractors?

The Invitation to Bid (ITB) is the standard form used to solicit bids from contractors. This document serves as a formal request issued by the project owner or their representative, announcing that construction work is available for bidding. It outlines the scope of work, project specifications, bidding procedures, and deadlines for submission.

Using an ITB is essential in the competitive bidding process, as it ensures that all interested contractors receive the same information, allowing for fair comparisons of bids. The ITB helps to establish a clear communication channel between the project owner and potential contractors, outlining key project details and compliance requirements.

The other options do not fulfill the same purpose: the Request for Quotation is typically used for obtaining price quotes and may not provide the comprehensive project details needed for a formal bidding process. A Statement of Work describes the work required for a project but is not a solicitation tool for contractors. A Contract Award Notice is used to inform parties after the bidding process has concluded, indicating that a contract has been awarded, but it does not initiate the bidding process itself. Therefore, the Invitation to Bid is the most appropriate and commonly used document for soliciting bids from contractors.