If changes are made to a bid package before it is due, what is added?

When changes are made to a bid package before it is due, the correct term to describe those changes is an addendum. An addendum serves as an official modification or addition to the original bid package, ensuring that all potential bidders receive the updated information uniformly. This process is critical in maintaining transparency and fairness in the bidding process.

An addendum typically includes changes in specifications, terms, or conditions that are relevant to the bids. It may address anything from adjustments in project schedules to clarifications on project requirements that may have arisen after the initial bid was released. By issuing an addendum, the contracting entity ensures that all bidders are on the same page and have access to the most current information, thereby preventing any misunderstandings or inconsistencies during the bidding process.

In contrast, terms like exemption, contingency, and supplement do not accurately reflect the process of officially modifying a bid package. An exemption refers to a release from an obligation or a waiver of a rule, a contingency usually pertains to conditions that must be met for something else to happen, and a supplement is generally an addition but not specifically tied to the formal adjustments of bidding documents. Therefore, the use of an addendum is the correct approach in this context.