Drennan v. Star Paving Co

Brief Fact Summary. Star Paving Co. (Defendant) submitted a bid to Plaintiff, a general contractor, for a paving job. Plaintiff submitted his bid, which was calculated by using Defendant’s bid to the government. Defendant then said that his bid had been a mistake and he would need more money to do the job.

Synopsis of Rule of Law. The offer of a subcontractor is irrevocable before it is accepted.

Facts. Plaintiff is a general contractor. Plaintiff was preparing a bid to build a school. Defendant, a paving company, submitted a bid for the paving work of $7,131.60. Defendants bid was the lowest bid, thus, Plaintiff used it in calculating his bid. Plaintiff submitted the lowest bide to the government. Plaintiff went to Defendant’s office to introduce himself. When he arrived, an employee told him that the bid was a mistake and Defendant could not do the work at the price quoted. Plaintiff tried, for several months, to find another subcontractor to do the work at the price defendant quoted, but had to use a contractor who charged $3,000 more than Defendant’s quote.

Issue. Is Defendant liable for the extra cost incurred by Plaintiff due to Defendant’s mistake?

Held. Yes
Defendant knew that Plaintiff would use Defendant’s bid in calculating his own bid.
Because of Defendant’s reliance on the bid, the fact that the offer was not accepted as such does not matter.

Discussion. The issue of reliance is most crucial here, and the special circumstances involved in general contractors and subcontractors. Bids are irrevocable before they are accepted.