In which phase of the project does the construction manager (CM) provide the awarded bidder a Notice to Proceed?

The awarded bidder receives a Notice to Proceed during the procurement phase of a project. This notice is a critical document as it formally authorizes the contractor to begin the work as specified in the contract. Issuing the Notice to Proceed signals that all necessary pre-construction activities have been completed, such as finalizing the contract terms and obtaining any required permits or approvals.

During the procurement phase, the focus is on selecting the right contractor through bidding processes. Once a contractor is selected, the procurement phase concludes with letting the contractor know they can officially start work, marking a transition from planning and selection to the execution phase of the project. This notification is crucial for establishing the project timeline and ensuring that all parties are aligned on when work begins.