Bidding Best Practices

Winning work starts long before a bid is submitted. Learn how to prepare more competitive bids, understand what general contractors and construction managers look for in trade partners, and avoid common pitfalls that can prevent firms from being considered. Participants will also explore how bonding capacity influences growth opportunities and how to prepare for larger, more complex projects.

MODERATOR

Elizabeth Wambui
Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Impact - Fontaine Bros, Inc.
Elizabeth Wambui is the Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Impact at Fontaine Brothers, Inc. In her role, she supports workforce compliance goals and works to maximize opportunities for BIPOC and women owned businesses while developing partnerships with unions, schools, training programs, and community organizations. She also oversees the Fontaine Community Foundation and serves on the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and Workforce Development Committee for the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts.

PANELISTS

Chelsey Mutrie
Vice President of Preconstruction Services - Fontaine Bros, Inc.
Chelsey Mutrie is Vice President of Preconstruction Services at Fontaine Bros. and has 20 years of experience across architecture, owner’s project management, and construction. She leads Fontaine’s preconstruction and estimating efforts, working closely with owners, design teams, and trade partners from early planning through procurement. Chelsey is passionate about strengthening industry partnerships, improving how teams work together, and creating opportunities for a broader and more diverse group of businesses to participate in the construction industry.

Kara Champagne
Estimating and Preconstruction Specialist - Dellbrook
Kara Champagne is the Estimating and Preconstruction Specialist for Dellbrook Construction. Throughout her nine years with Dellbrook, Kara has cultivated strong relationships across the Quincy and Falmouth offices, as well as with a wide network of subcontractors and industry partners. Her role includes collaboration across estimating, diversity, equity and inclusion, project management, risk management, and project leadership. Kara is passionate about mentorship, professional networking, and creating spaces where peers can support and learn from one another.

Tom Zelem
Procurement Manager - Turner Construction
Tom Zelem is the Procurement Manager for Turner Construction’s Boston office, bringing 17 years of experience in the construction industry across higher education, life sciences, healthcare, aviation, sports and entertainment, and commercial construction. In his role, Tom leads procurement strategy across the New England market, with a focus on subcontractor relationships, market intelligence, contract negotiations, and risk management. His experience across diverse and complex projects provides him with a broad perspective on the construction market and the evolving challenges facing owners, contractors, and trade partners.