I got an email from a potential client (not yet) asking if I would be interested in joining a bid for some survey jobs. So I said yes. Then he sent me some of their pre-qualification documents that include among others - tax returns for past 5 years, clients' list, past projects, cost of the projects, past experiences, contacts of clients, bank details, bank credit limits, etc.
I was going over the documents and some of them I have available but others I need to re-edit to meet their forms. Bank records need to be requested.
The thing I am not willing to give them are the cost of the projects that I have done in the past 5 years as well as the tax returns. I asked the guy if I would be considered if these were not submitted. He then said in a manner that I felt was a bit arrogant - If you submit incomplete documents then you will not be considered.
I then asked him why he needs to know my income stream & project costs. I said that it is not me who needs to prove if I could pay the client. It was the other way around, the client needs to prove to me that he can pay for my services. Can he email me his tax returns for the past 5 years too?
I just said thank you but I will pass on the bid.
I just felt that I will be spending more time preparing his documents than doing the survey itself!:-X
I agree with you, It must be a federal job? or other agency, state or local? 5 years of tax returns for what purpose?
There is no way in hell I'd supply him with confidential information such as that. Sounds like their wanting to see if they'd like to buy your firm not work with you. List of clients and contacts? We've had to submit those on like projects, not just give over a blanket list. If someone wants to work with them good luck to them.
That a bit overboard and ultimately sounds like a headache for a client you don't know much about. If you were chasing down some federal contracts with large survey demand and longevity you may need to jump through hoops but not flaming hoops while being chased by a bengal tiger. Sounds like you made the right call.
Never, Never, Ever disclose financial information to ANYONE except if required for a mortgage or something of that financial magnitude.
Have a great week! B-)
You did the right thing, turning that project down. To me its borderline "arrogant". Listing your Gross business should be sufficient.
No way. No how. Even if I was desperate for work.
Tell him you want to know if his wife's carpet matches her drapes.
SF 231 and SF 255 forms required by the Corps of Engineers do NOT go into that much detail. If the Corps doesn't need that to assess your qualifications to do a BIG project, neither does anyone else.
Too much information.
It is a requirement to see if you are serious and should not be ask for unless from Homeland Security.
I can not think of anyone else that I would disclose all that information.
0.02
This potential client wouldn't be from Nigeria would they?
> This potential client wouldn't be from Nigeria would they?
:good:
Ha! I was going to say do it and make sure and give them you bank passcodes too. I like your answer better.
Sounds like someone is making up their own VERSION of the qualified based selection process!!
A lot of folks are JUST coming up to speed on this, and if it's not a state or fed contract, I'd be wary.
I've even seen counties and local cities work up their "own" version to suit their fancy.
Goodness knows if a private "project manager" gets fired up on the idea what they'd ask for!
I'd likely pass too....
"I then asked him why he needs to know my income stream & project costs. I said that it is not me who needs to prove if I could pay the client. It was the other way around, the client needs to prove to me that he can pay for my services. Can he email me his tax returns for the past 5 years too?"
i agree totally! you show me yours and then i'll show you mine if i want to, DIPSTICK!!
sorry to go into ALL CAPS, but there are other folks that need your professional help, won't ask those inane questions, and can pay just as well.
>....It must be a federal job? or other agency, state or local...
>...SF 231 and SF 255 forms required by the Corps of Engineers do NOT go into that much detail...
>... should not be ask for unless from Homeland Security...
All of you have to check out where roveryan is posting from.
I've been involved in a few project team proposals that wanted a great deal of detail about my business history. That's the way it can go with really big jobs, the kind with millions on the line, where $100k or more is spent on the proposal. The prime wants assurance that they are dealing with someone who conducts themselves in a businesslike manner and will be there for the duration.
The kind of detail roveryan is talking about is going to be a tough sell in the USA, but in Europe, where sensibilities about such things are a little different, maybe there will be some takers.
If it were me I'd at least want to be dealing with someone I had some satisfactory prior dealings with and not just some Joe that picked me out of the phone book. And I'd need to know that there was a potential for some serious billing to make my time worthwhile.
My take is the guy's an idiot. Asking for Tax Returns is over the top and a waste man-hours. The fact that the guy came off as arrogant (instead of apologizing for the ridiculous request) points to him being an unreasonable problem-client.
I might even consider a short written reply politely stating the unreasonableness of the requested information.
People have to ask me nicely if they want me to work for them. But then again. I'm just a brush ape.
IMHO, They Want To Know If You Can Fund Their Project
Later on they'll ask you to hold them harmless for their mistakes and non payment to boot.
Paul in PA
IMHO, They Want To Know If You Can Fund Their Project
IMHO, They Want To Know If You Can Fund Their Project
My friend, I can fund their project IF they pay based on my payment terms! That is ususally the IF in these cases.:-D
Got info from another surveyor friend that also got the invitation to join that it was one of those international project management systems - Aconex. Anyone heard of it?
Project is not government related in any way as the property is privately owned.
Just one of those over the top requirements to save their #@$$ from failed projects I would guess.
