Read a GAEB bill of quantities: references, descriptions and bidder fields

A bill of quantities is more than a price list

A short item title rarely defines the complete work. Read the long description, section notes, quantity, unit and required additions together. Open X83 or D83 in the GAEB editor and follow the same reading order for each section. This helps identify a precise question but does not replace technical review of the tender and appendices.

1. Distinguish headings from items

A section groups work such as site establishment or drainage. Individual items follow; an explanatory note can sit between items without being a separately priced service. Use the hierarchy rather than visual order alone. Read a section's notes before collapsing it for an overview.

2. Use the complete item reference

The Ordnungszahl, or OZ, identifies an item within the bill. A reference such as 01.02.0030 may show section, subsection and item, but the source defines the actual structure. Do not impose one numbering rule on every tender.

Quote the complete reference and short description in questions. Compare references in drawings, supplier quotations and appendices rather than asking vaguely about “the third drainage item”.

3. Read all relevant text

Text	What it helps you check	Common mistake
Short description	Find an item quickly	Treating the title as its full scope
Long description	Execution and included work	Pricing from one keyword
Section note	Requirements shared by a group	Skipping a note with no price
Project description	Overall context	Using another tender version

“Lay paving” may include supply, cutting, bedding or disposal, depending on the actual description and attachments. Do not invent missing requirements from the title. Keep full text sections open during review. A short-description PDF supports orientation but does not replace the complete descriptions.

4. Check quantity and unit

75 m² is different from 75 m, 75 pieces or a lump sum. The unit price must match the stated unit. Distinguish the tender quantity from your assumptions about execution and clarify ambiguity with the issuer. The X83 calculation example explains unit price versus line total.

5. Complete required bidder responses

The editor places recognised fields with their items and marks missing or reviewable details red. Read each label in context. A voluntary bidder comment is different from a required source field: put the answer in the designated place. The GAEB FAQ on text additions distinguishes issuer and bidder additions.

Before export, check the source version, hierarchy, full descriptions, correct units, complete bidder fields and the recipient's requested output. D83, X83, D84 and X84 serve different purposes. Open the editor with your original documents available.