Addendum

Buyers issue addenda to correct errors, answer supplier questions, revise requirements or extend deadlines. Each one forms part of the solicitation from the moment it is issued.

Two failure modes are common and both are avoidable. The first is not checking for addenda after downloading the documents — a requirement may have changed since. The second is failing to acknowledge them in the bid where the instructions require it, which is often treated as a compliance failure in itself.

Check for addenda immediately before submitting, not only when you start. Late addenda are routine, particularly around the question deadline.