At Granger Construction, we’re committed to improving how subcontractors engage with our projects. Alexis Nelson, Preconstruction Process Manager, has been instrumental in refining how trade partners engage with the bidding process since joining the company in 2020.
When Alexis began her role, she identified several areas where the subcontractor bidding experience could be improved.
“The bid period is a known chaotic time within a project’s life cycle,” said Alexis. “There is a lot of information being provided and work that needs to be done in only a couple of weeks.”
In 2021, she helped transition teams to use BuildingConnected across all projects. This platform became the central hub for bid documents, pre-bid communication and submissions. Alexis also developed a centralized bidder list to help ensure broader outreach and support our clients’ goals for local and diverse participation.
To further streamline the process, Alexis collaborated with the accounting department to modernize prequalification. This allowed the transition from paper-based submissions to an electronic system using TradeTapp, making it easier for subcontractors to get started.
Features like virtual public bid openings and faster reporting are now standard, and trade partners receive earlier notifications about opportunities. Feedback has been positive, and in 2024, Granger reached an average of three bidders per category. This has improved competition and ensured better bid coverage.
“Our teams are now able to focus more time on bidder engagement, and we can see real-time bid coverage,” Alexis said.
One example of this inclusive approach is the Oakland County 31 E. Judson project. Granger worked closely with the county to develop a local and diverse participation plan. Outreach events and contractor partnerships helped drive inclusion, with 63% of bids coming from local or diversely-owned companies.
Looking ahead, Alexis is focused on creating more consistency in the bidding process across projects so subcontractors know what to expect. She has also launched a series of Trade Contractor Networking events throughout the Midwest to connect trade partners with project teams and strengthen relationships.
