1. Build the surety relationship before the tender
The contractor works with a surety broker to assemble its business, financial and project information. If approved, the surety establishes a bonding facility describing the contractor’s normal single-job and aggregate limits and any conditions. This process can take time, especially for a first-time contractor.
第一步：招標前建立保證關係
承包商與保證保險經紀合作，整理企業、財務及工程資料。如果獲批，保證公司會建立保證額度，列明通常可支持的單一工程及整體工程上限，以及其他條件。首次申請的承包商尤其需要預留充足時間。
2. Review the tender before requesting the bid bond
For each opportunity, the contractor should provide the tender documents, project value, scope, schedule, bond forms and bid deadline. The surety considers whether the project fits the contractor’s experience and approved capacity, and may review unusual contract terms, liquidated damages, warranties, financing, subcontracting and the contractor’s current workload.
第二步：申請投標保證前審閱招標文件
對於每個投標機會，承包商應提供招標文件、項目金額、工程範圍、工期、保證書格式及截標日期。保證公司會考慮項目是否符合承包商的經驗和核准能力，並可能審查特殊合同條款、預定損害賠償、保修責任、融資、分包安排及承包商現有工程量。
3. If the bid is accepted
The bid bond supports the contractor’s obligation to enter the contract and provide the specified security. The owner may then require a performance bond and a labour and material payment bond in the percentages and forms stated in the tender. The surety still reviews the final contract and award details before issuing those bonds.
第三步：投標獲接納後
投標保證支持承包商簽訂合同並提供指定合同保證的責任。業主其後可能要求承包商按照招標文件列明的比例及格式，提供履約保證和勞工材料付款保證。保證公司在簽發這些保證前，仍會審查最終合同及中標資料。
4. During construction
The contractor must manage cash flow, billing, change orders, scheduling, subcontractors and cost-to-complete estimates. The surety may request updated financial statements and work-in-progress reports. Significant losses, disputes, delays, ownership changes or rapid growth should be discussed promptly rather than hidden until renewal or the next bond request.
第四步：施工期間
承包商必須妥善管理現金流、工程請款、變更工程、工期、分包商及預計完工成本。保證公司可能要求更新財務報表及在建工程報告。重大虧損、爭議、延誤、股權變動或快速增長，應盡快主動討論，而不是等到續期或下次申請保證時才披露。
A practical preparation checklist
Before pursuing bonded work, prepare current financial statements, a detailed work-in-progress schedule, bank line confirmation, resumes and organizational information, completed-project history, references, ownership details and a realistic business plan. Start with projects that match the firm’s proven experience and capacity; steady, controlled growth is generally easier to support than one sudden leap in project size.
實用準備清單
在爭取有保證要求的工程前，請準備最新財務報表、詳細在建工程表、銀行信貸額度證明、管理人員履歷及組織資料、完工工程記錄、推薦資料、股權資料及切合實際的業務計劃。應先爭取符合公司既有經驗和能力的項目；與工程規模突然大幅跳升相比，穩健而受控的增長通常更容易獲得支持。