EMPLOYMENT OF AN ARCHITECT WHO WILL DRAW UP PLANS AND SUBMIT PRELIMINARY SKETCHES IS THE FIRST STEP IN THE BIDDING PROCEDURE. THE ARCHITECT USUALLY WORKS WITH A CONSULTING ENGINEER. AFTER APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY PLANS, THE ENGINEER WILL ESTABLISH SPECIFICATIONS FOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND DRAW PLANS ACCORDINGLY WHEN THIS PHASE IS COMPLETED THE JOB IS READY TO GO TO BID. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR BE CONTACTED. BASE BIDS WITH ALTERNATES SHOULD BE SOUGHT. FINAL AUTHORITY IN SELECTING THE BID OR THE ALTERNATE SHOULD REST WITH THE ENGINEER. BIDDERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE MAY, 1966 ISSUE OF AMERICAN SCHOOL BOARD JOURNAL. COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE EDITOR, BRUCE PUBLISHING CO., 400 N. BROADWAY, MILWAUKEE, WISONSIN 53211. (RH)