Which of the following is NOT considered a component of a bid?

In the context of a bid for construction projects, several components play critical roles in the submission and evaluation process. The invitation to bid, instructions to bidders, and supplementary documents are all essential parts that help outline the requirements and guidance for potential contractors submitting bids.

The invitation to bid serves as a formal request from the project owner, outlining what work needs to be done and inviting contractors to offer their proposals. Instructions to bidders provide detailed guidance on how to prepare and submit the bid correctly, ensuring that all required information is included. Supplementary documents can consist of various additional information like plans, specifications, and other requirements that may impact the bid.

However, a change order is not a component of the original bid. Change orders are modifications to the original contract that arise after the bid has been accepted, usually in response to changes in the scope of work, pricing adjustments, or other unforeseen circumstances. They come into play only after the bidding process has concluded and a contract is established, making them distinct from the initial bid components. This distinction highlights why the correct choice identifies the change order as not being part of a bid.