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Tender Texts & Specification Templates for Construction Projects

Tender texts and technical specification texts are a central part of construction projects worldwide. They define required performance, quality criteria, and documentation obligations and form the basis for transparent and comparable tenders.

In many regions, such as Germany, tender texts are an integral part of a detailed bill of quantities (Leistungsverzeichnis, LV) and are used as performance-based specifications (Leistungsbeschreibungen). In other markets, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Nordic countries, similar specification clauses are typically included in project manuals, performance specifications, or division-level construction documentation.

Especially in public construction projects, tender texts are written as neutral, performance-based specifications. They describe construction requirements independently of specific manufacturers or products and serve as a contractual basis for procurement, execution, and quality assurance.

This page provides general information and example tender texts for construction-related monitoring and quality assurance topics. All examples are written in a neutral and adaptable form and can be used as a basis for bills of quantities (LV), specification texts, and tender documents in accordance with local standards and procurement rules.

 


What Is a Tender Text or Specification Text?

A tender text (also referred to as a specification text or performance description) is a written description of construction services or technical requirements. Its main purpose is to define what performance is required, enable comparable bids from different contractors or suppliers, and serve as part of the contractual documentation. In many construction projects, tender texts are organized within a bill of quantities (BoQ). In German-speaking markets, this document is commonly referred to as a Leistungsverzeichnis (LV), where individual tender texts define the required performance, scope, and quality of each construction activity.

 


How Tender Texts Are Used in Construction Projects

Planning and Design Phase

During planning, tender texts are used to translate technical concepts into clearly defined, measurable requirements that can later be tendered and executed.

Tendering and Procurement Phase

During tendering, specification texts ensure that all bidders base their offers on the same technical and qualitative requirements, improving transparency and comparability.

Execution and Quality Assurance

During execution, tender texts serve as a reference for quality control, documentation, and acceptance of construction work.

 


Neutral Tender Text Templates

The following examples show neutral, performance-based tender texts for selected construction monitoring and quality assurance topics. They are intentionally written without manufacturer or product references and can be adapted to local standards and project requirements.

 

Concrete Pressure Monitoring (Fresh Concrete Pressure)

Short tender text (BoQ-ready)

Digital system for the continuous measurement and documentation of fresh concrete pressure during concreting works to improve execution safety.

Detailed tender text

Supply and operation of a digital measurement system for the continuous monitoring of fresh concrete pressure during concreting activities. The system shall record actual pressure loads in real time and provide visualized and documented measurement data. The objective is to ensure safe execution of concreting works, prevent overloads on formwork systems, and optimize concreting speed and construction workflows. Measurement data shall be stored on a project basis and be available for evaluation and documentation purposes.

 

Concrete Temperature and Maturity Monitoring

Short tender text (BoQ-ready)

System for continuous measurement of concrete temperature and determination of concrete maturity to support safe stripping and loading decisions.

Detailed tender text

Supply and operation of a digital measurement system for continuous recording of concrete temperature and calculation of concrete maturity in real time. The system shall enable an objective assessment of strength development. The objective is to safely and economically determine stripping and loading times and optimize construction schedules. All recorded data shall be automatically documented and available for project-specific evaluation and archiving.

 

Concrete Temperature Monitoring (Temperature Only)

Short tender text (BoQ‑ready)

System for continuous monitoring and documentation of concrete temperature during concreting and curing.

Detailed tender text

Supply and operation of a digital measurement system for the continuous monitoring of concrete temperature during concreting and early curing phases. The system shall record temperature development over time at defined locations within the concrete element (e.g. within the concrete core, near the concrete surface, and/or at other relevant positions as defined by the planner or project specification) and provide documented measurement data for quality control and verification purposes. The objective is to monitor thermal behavior, support compliance with specified temperature limits, and reduce the risk of temperature‑related defects such as thermal cracking. Measurement data shall be stored on a project basis and be available for evaluation and documentation.

 

Concrete Placement and Compaction Monitoring

Short tender text (BoQ-ready)

System for detecting concrete placement and monitoring the compaction process during concreting works.

Detailed tender text

Supply and operation of a sensor-based system for detecting the presence of concrete and monitoring the compaction process during concreting. The system shall support proper execution of compaction works and help prevent voids, honeycombing, and insufficiently compacted concrete zones. Measurement data shall be captured in real time, visualized, and documented for quality assurance and traceability of the construction process.

 

Concrete Placement and Fill Level Monitoring (Concrete Placement Only)

Short tender text (BoQ‑ready)

System for monitoring concrete placement and detecting concrete fill level during pouring operations.

Detailed tender text

Supply and operation of a monitoring system for observing concrete placement and detecting the fill level of concrete during the pouring process. The system shall provide objective information on whether concrete has reached defined areas, levels, or sections within formwork or structural elements during placement. The objective is to support complete and uniform filling, reduce the risk of voids or incomplete filling, and improve execution quality, particularly in complex or hard‑to‑access construction areas. Recorded data shall be documented and made available for project‑specific quality assurance and traceability.

 

Concrete Compaction Monitoring (Compaction Only)

Short tender text (BoQ‑ready)

System for monitoring and documenting concrete compaction during placement.

Detailed tender text

Supply and operation of a monitoring system for assessing concrete compaction during the concreting process. The system shall record indicators related to vibration or compaction activity and provide objective data on whether sufficient compaction has been applied in defined concrete sections. The objective is to support proper execution of compaction works, reduce the risk of honeycombing or insufficiently compacted concrete, and improve overall concrete quality. Measurement data shall be documented and made available for quality assurance and verification purposes.

 

 Fresh Concrete Water Content and w/c Ratio Monitoring

Short tender text (BoQ‑ready)

System for determining the water content of fresh concrete and monitoring the water‑cement ratio (w/c ratio) to ensure compliance with specified concrete quality requirements.

Detailed tender text

Supply and operation of a digital measurement system for determining the effective water content of fresh concrete during placement. Based on the measured water content, the system shall support the assessment and monitoring of the water‑cement ratio (W/C ratio) of the fresh concrete in relation to the specified mix design or project requirements. The objective is to enable objective quality control of fresh concrete, support compliance with specified W/C ratio limits, and reduce the risk of quality deviations, rework, and long‑term durability issues resulting from excessive or insufficient water content. Measurement results shall be digitally documented and provided on a project basis for quality assurance, verification, and traceability.

 


Notes on Use and Localization

The provided tender text examples are written as neutral, performance-based specifications. They do not reference specific manufacturers or products and can be adapted to local standards, regulations, and contractual frameworks. The templates serve as examples and must be reviewed and approved by the responsible planner or project owner before use in tender documents.

Further Information

This Help Center section focuses on general tendering and specification topics. Related articles cover construction monitoring, quality assurance, and documentation during execution.