Guardianship Bond, Probate/Fiduciary Bonds, Uncategorized

So, you want to be a guardian? Here’s what you need to know.

To watch your loved one lose the ability to take care of oneself is immensely painful.  In some cases, your loved one may need a guardian to manage his or her affairs.  This article will give you an understanding of the process of applying for guardianship under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law.

            First, how do you end up in Article 81 proceedings?  In some cases, a facility such as a nursing home or hospital will file a petition in court asking for a guardian to be appointed.  This may arise where they need someone to file a Medicaid application so that medical bills can be paid, and the person who is being cared for does not have that ability due to mental or physical issues.  In some of the sadder cases, the facility may file for the appointment of a guardian because care staff believes that the patient or resident needs to be protected from relatives, spouses, etc. who are interfering with medical treatment and/or engaging in financial abuse.

            Additionally, people’s loved ones can file for guardianship.  Those loved ones can include: (1) anyone who has a right to the property of the person if the person passes away, (2) the executor of an estate where the person is or may be the beneficiary, (3) a trustee of a trust where the person controls the trust or is the trust’s beneficiary, (4) the person with whom the person lives, or (5) any other person concerned with the person’s welfare.  People’s spouses and adult children often apply for guardianship.  People may file because they want to make medical decisions on behalf of the relatives, to handle their assets, to protect their assets for purposes of estate planning, or to consent to settlement of a lawsuit on behalf of the loved one (e.g., worker’s compensation, medical malpractice).

            Unless someone else (like a nursing facility or hospital) has already asked the court to appoint a guardian, you will have to file an order to show cause and petition.  The person who you want to be guardian for is called the alleged incapacitated person (AIP). 

Your papers will have to detail which powers you are asking the court to grant you, the reasons why you believe that the person cannot handle his or her own affairs, why you believe that you should be appointed as guardian, and the assets that you will have to marshal (get control of).  One unpleasant aspect is that the papers will have to be given to the AIP.

            The court will appoint a court evaluator, and may also appoint an attorney to represent the AIP.  The court evaluator’s job will be to make recommendations to the judge and tell the judge which assets the AIP has.  The court evaluator will have a position about whether the AIP is incapacitated, or unable to manage his or her own personal needs and/or property.  If the court evaluator finds that the AIP is incapacitated, then the evaluator will also make recommendations about who should be appointed as guardian.  The court evaluator will speak to the AIP, to you, to the social worker if the AIP is in a facility and any other friends or relatives who have significant knowledge about the AIP.  Because the court evaluator will need to know about the AIP’s assets, it will be helpful for you to have copies of items like Social Security statements, pension statements, bank statements, mortgage statements, and brokerage account statements available for the court evaluator to inspect.   If there is significant debt, then you should also have copies of items like credit card statements available.

            Ultimately, there will be a hearing before the judge.  Before the hearing, the judge will likely speak with the attorneys and the court evaluator to determine whether it would be in the AIP’s best interests to attend the hearing at all and if it is, whether it would be more comfortable for the AIP to attend remotely.  You will testify about topics which include, but are not limited to, the history (when and how the AIP became incapacitated), why you are asking to be appointed as guardian, your relationship to the AIP, and the AIP’s financial condition.  The court evaluator will also testify about his or her investigation.  There may also be other witnesses, like a social worker from a care facility, and any other individuals, like other relatives, who want to make their voices heard.

            The judge may ask questions of you, like whether you understand that you will have to take a course, whether you have been convicted of a felony, and whether you understand that you have to submit annual accountings.  We will get to the first and third issues later.

            If the judge appoints you (or anyone) as guardian, then the judge will also appoint a court examiner. 

            You will have to take a course on guardianships, and you can get information about your options from the Guardianship Clerk in the courthouse.  If there are significant assets, the court will also order you to obtain a bond.  Once you have taken the course and obtained the bond, then you will obtain your commission, which will officially give you powers as a guardian.

            The court evaluator, and the attorney for the AIP, will be awarded fees, which will be paid from the AIP’s assets.  If the assets are insufficient to pay the fees, then the court will likely order the person who filed the petition (whether it be you or a facility) to pay anything that is left over.

Once you obtain your commission, the court examiner will give you a due date for your ninety-day report, which will require you to present proof that you completed the course, provide information about what you are doing as guardian, and also list the assets of the incapacitated person.

After a guardian is appointed, then the assets of the incapacitated person will be under the supervision of the court examiner and the court.  It is critical that you keep detailed records of every expense, including but not limited to bank statements, copies of checks, rent stubs, and receipts.  Every May, you will have to submit an annual accounting, which includes records of every deposit, and every debit, made on behalf of the incapacitated person.  You will have to send the accounting to the court examiner with copies of bank statements, checks, and receipts for any significant purchases.  Additionally, you will have to file it with the court.  Whenever you want to make a significant expense for the incapacitated person, you will need to submit an application to the court examiner, who will recommend to the judge whether or not to approve it.  Those expenses will need to be approved by the judge.

Being a guardian is not easy, and it can be tedious.  However, always remember that you are making a huge difference in your ward’s life, by protecting his or her ability to thrive in spite of disability!

Joseph H. Nivin, Esq. is the owner of The Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C. a firm with locations in Forest Hills, Queens, and midtown Manhattan.  The firm handles family and matrimonial law cases, Article 81 guardianships, immigration, foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant law, and bankruptcy proceedings.  You can find more information at www.nivinlaw.com.

Apply for your Guardianship Bond by clicking the link below or call us at 800-921-1008 to speak to a representative today.

Mechanic Lien

Contractors: Release Your Mechanics Lien with a bond

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U.S. mechanics lien filings have risen significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all but the most essential projects in many states, according to notice and lien service provider Levelset.

just as in the Great Recession, which took hold approximately 12 years ago, more contractors are taking advantage of the legal tools available to them in order to secure payment in an uncertain time. It is likely, that once contractors avail themselves of their legal rights in pursuit of payment, they will continue to do so long after the pandemic has passed. ​

A lien release bond may be required to remove existing liens from a property. This should only be considered an option if it is believed by the property owner that the lien either has already been satisfied or should not be on the property. The surety bond allows for the lien to be removed from the property and instead attached to the surety bond.

A release of lien bond creates a financial guarantee for lien holders with valid liens and makes courts feel more comfortable about removing a lien from a property. It’s a sign of accountability for property owners who need to prove that they’re trustworthy.

When applying, the following information should be included for faster bonding.

1) A completed court bond application – Will provide basic information of the bond being requested, as well as information on the principal requesting the bond.

2) Copy of the mechanic’s lien – A copy of the mechanic’s lien can be uploaded in the online application and will provide information about the amount of the lien and the parties claiming that payment is still due.

Call us at 800.921.1008 to speak with a professional regarding your specific situation or apply below for a quick turnaround on your Mechanic’s Lien Release Bond.

Surety Bonds

Require Surety Bonds?

Bernard Fleischer & Sons Inc. is here for you as we continue to stay connected and move forward as a united industry. Let’s meet this moment together, AS ONE! 

As we recover from the COVID-19 crisis and the states begin to reopen, we want you to know that Bernard Fleischer and Sons, Inc. / BFBond.com has the capacity to handle any surety bond you may have in 48 states across the USA.

What does this mean exactly?… We are positioned to aggressively quote your surety business and give you more resources to work with while putting more commission money in your pocket!

We have been a Surety Bond focused agency for over 50 years and there is no bond too big or too small for us to handle. We can write any size surety bond required, for many different credit profiles, good and bad. We invite you to take advantage of our experience and dedication to our work.

We encourage you to click the link below to visit us. Your trusted bonding resource.


We look forward to being able to be of service. 
Best regards,
 
William Fleischer, CIC
Principal
Bernard Fleischer and Sons Inc. / BFBond.com 

Crime Coverage, Surety Bonds, Uncategorized

Moving Companies: insured, bonded, and licensed?

While searching for a moving company, it is crucial to find a reputable and reliable group of professionals. And in that search, it is not always easy to recognize what the right choice is. Myriad business owners will make the claim of legitimacy and expertise, but how does one separate true quality from all of the fakes? Plenty of moving companies will claim to be insured, bonded, and licensed. But does this oft-repeated phrase actually mean something? We’ll delve into that right here. 

Licensing

What does a “licensed” moving company actually entail? When you want to find a reputable company to handle your move, you want one that has the legal right to conduct business in your local area. In other words – a moving company with the appropriate business license. With that in mind, a truly legal moving company will have a license number to display. 

Take a look at the company’s business cards, trucks, advertising, and website. If there is no license number on display, that might mean the company does not actually have one. Also, if you know their license number, you can search for the company online and see if there are any outstanding complaints made by consumers against them; as you’ll see later on, this is important. 

Bonding

One of the most important aspects of a reputable moving business is whether it is bonded. Considering that, you should avoid any kind of moving business that operates without a moving and storage bond. Most often, this is a type of surety bond that will ensure there is no possibility of theft by the movers who will be handling your office space or home relocation. 

If a moving company is bonded, that means they’ve set aside funds with a bonding company like BF Bond in case there is ever a situation where a customer makes a claim against them. This is a good way of recognizing a legitimate business, seeing as the money in question isn’t controlled by the business itself, but by an external and entirely separate bonding company. 

Number of Complaints

As we can surmise from above, bonding and licensing are definitely traits you should look for in a legal and legitimate moving business. But these legalities aside, it is also important to examine the experiences other customers have had with the company’s services. Using the license number of the company, try to see if there are complaints against them at the FMCSA. 

This is particularly true for interstate relocations; the FMCSA website has a search engine that leads to specific moving-related complaints. You can see the entire history of FMCSA complaints against a company – hopefully, there won’t be any. 

Barring this, seeing what you can find on the Better Business Bureau website is also not a bad idea. This website contains information on both interstate and intrastate movers. And the BBB is definitely an impartial judge, as they are a non-profit entity looking to showcase trustworthy companies for all consumers to see. If the moving company you are thinking of hiring has a BBB accreditation, that is definitely a good sign. 

Moving Reviews

In the process of picking a moving company you can trust, it’s not all about looking at officially filed complaints. A large majority of people won’t go to the trouble of registering their grievances officially. More often than not, they will simply leave an angry review online. With that in mind, you should search the Internet for more customer experiences. For obvious reasons, the reviews section on the company’s website isn’t a good starting place; the moving company is not likely to post any bad reviews of their work.

Instead, look at websites like Yelp or other review aggregates, that are more likely to contain legitimately written reviews and the objective truth. However, even these places may contain some paid-for positive reviews; be on the lookout for fakes when you try to recognize bonded moving companies.

Apart from the digital world of reviews, there is still something to be said for word of mouth. Feel free to ask your family, friends, and neighbors for their experiences, opinions, and recommendations. 

The Moving Estimate

Before you enlist the services of a moving company, you should know that the way it performs an estimate of your household is a great indicator of their professionalism. Before providing you with a quote, every respectable moving company will make an in-person visit and inspection, or at least request a video survey. 

If a company simply offers you a quote right away, through the Internet or over the phone, this is definitely a red flag for a moving scam. A bonded moving company has “skin in the game” via the funds they’ve invested in their bonding, meaning they won’t risk working purely based on your own assessment of the household goods. This is a good rule of thumb – any moving company giving you quotes without their own first-hand account is not to be trusted. 

Also, once the inspection is completed – your movers should provide you with an estimate (along with potential additional charges) in writing. That leaves no room for unwelcome surprises down the line. 

Professionalism

All of the factors we have mentioned until now are important – but they are also technicalities. When hiring a moving company, consumers should also resort to their common sense. After all, there are telltale signs that separate a legitimate, bonded moving company from a malicious or untrustworthy one. For instance, do they have their own business email address and an actual office? Do they belong to a renowned van line? Do their movers have uniforms, and do they use professional moving trucks? Does the estimate seem to be too affordable to be real? Your own gut feeling is important when you’re about to do business with someone as well. 

New Car Dealer Bond, Surety Bonds, Used car Dealer Bond

Get Your Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Online

Does your business sell cars? At this time of crisis, we are here to help you get back to business. Applying for a Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond is easy, as we’ve simplified the application process for you. You can apply, get approved, and have your bond quickly, often the same day! All done remotely from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Most US states require a surety bond as a condition of licensing for automotive dealers. Motor vehicle dealer bonds guarantee a licensed motor vehicle dealership will comply with state regulations. Dealer bonds are required to protect consumers from fraud and other wrongful actions committed by dealerships and their employees. The bond’s exact protection will depend on state and/or local laws.


Motor vehicle dealer bond requirements can include motorcycle dealers, mobile home dealers, car dealers, and others. There could be different requirements for new and used vehicle dealers. Some states require a bond for each dealer location.

If you would like to speak with a live customer service representative to walk you through the process of applying and getting approved for a Motor Vehicle Dealer bond today, call us at 1.800.921.1008 or email Info@bfbond.com with any questions. We are here to help.

Administrator, Executor, Guardianship Bond, Probate Bonds, Third Party Administrator

Administrator Bonds

At this critical time, many families will be affected in many ways by the COVID-19 outbreak across the country. One of those ways will be the loss of a loved one and the requirement for estate administration via the court system. This usually requires an Administration surety bond ordered by the court.

As Investopedia writes, “An administration bond is a bond that is posted on behalf of the administrator of an estate to provide assurance that they will conduct their duties according to the provisions of the will and/or the legal requirements of the jurisdiction.”

But it is much more than that. Facing the loss of a loved one can be difficult. Receiving and accepting the job of an Administrator implies a high level of responsibility to be taken on and can add to the stress and difficulty of dealing with that loss.

We are committed to helping ease that strain by making the bonding process easier to understand, navigate and achieve.

Your bond can be processed in as little as a day (sometimes faster, depending upon the complexity of your situation) and does not require trips to an office location. It can be done securely online with BFBond.com

We can assist you with all types of probate bonds: Administrator, Executor, Conservator, Guardian, and Trustee Bonds. Click below to apply today.

Bid and Performance Bonds, Bonds FYI

Surety Bonding for Contractors

One way for a construction contracting company to ensure access to critical relationships needed for sound business advice and for qualifying for surety credit is to partner with a professional surety bond producer, according to experts at the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP).

Most contractors know that surety bonds help establish their credentials, demonstrating their ability to perform through performance and payment bonds. However, they may not realize the full value of building a relationship with an experienced bond producer like BFBond.com / Bernard Fleischer & Sons Inc.

We help guide companies through the process of achieving surety credit and act in many capacities – mentors, educators, advisors – with construction firms to ensure that they mature and remain successful. Check out our Surety Bond Primer below:

A surety bond is a legally binding contract that makes sure three parties carry out their obligations: the surety company, obligee, and principal. The surety company is the one that provides assurance to the owner (obligee) that the contractor (principal) will carry out a contract. Being in the contracting business comes with many tasks one of which is being bonded. Bonding requires a contractor to know requirements of a project, type of bond and the amount involved. As a contractor, you should know that having a surety bond is not the same as securing insurance. A surety bond is meant to cushion the obligee against a shoddy or unfinished job. Below are tips that will assist you to get bonded as a contractor and make the process of getting bonded efficiently:

Understand how surety bonds work

Know the difference between insurance and surety bonds. Insurance protects your business but bonds don’t. A surety bond is an additional security feature for a client. There are three main types of bonds:

Bid bond

This a bond that guarantees a bid has been proposed with good intentions and the contractor will carry out stated obligations at the bidding price.

Performance bond

This is a surety bond that cushions the owner against financial loss in case the contractor fails to carry out the contract as specified in the terms and conditions.

Payment bond

This is a bond that guarantees that the contractor will meet expenses for paying a given cadre of workers, subcontractors, and suppliers of equipment.

Be acquainted with bond pricing

The prices of surety bonds are based on a percentage of the total value of the bond that is required. The bond premiums vary according to the type of bond, size, and duration. The variation is from 0.5% to 10%.

Partner with a credible surety agency

When you work with a credible agency like BFBond.com / Bernard Fleischer & Sons Inc. (Check out our Google Reviews!) you will get a bond that is affordable and fits into your job requirements. We take the time to research surety options available to you and help you decide what’s best for your unique situation.

Learn more at BFBond.com or call us at 800.921.1008

License and Permits Bonds

5 Star Service for License & Permit Surety Bonds with BFBond.com

Are you starting a business or do you own an established business that requires a license from your local Department of Consumer Affairs or State Government? Does that license require you to get a Surety Bond?

We get lots of first time clients that are unaware of what surety bonds are, and how to properly obtain one, and many established businesses that come to us unhappy with their current bond providers. We love educating our customers and giving them the right tools to create or maintain a successful business when it comes to Surety Bonding.

Surety Bonds are sometimes required by a municipality or other public body as a condition to granting a license or permit to engage in a specified activity, this bond guarantees that the party seeking the license or permit (the obligor) will comply with applicable laws or regulations. These bonds can also be structured to provide indemnity guarantees to third parties who sustain injury or damage as a result of the obligor’s activities as described in the license or permit when such a guarantee is required. For example, businesses that hang signs over public sidewalks may be required to provide indemnity guarantees for injuries to pedestrians.

We at BFBond.com / Bernard Fleischer & Sons Inc. take pride in our stellar customer service. (Don’t take our word for it, check our ratings on Google HERE) We will walk you through the process step by step and get you bonded fast, with great rates. If the bond you require needs to be renewed, our renewal process is effortless when the time comes.

The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs  recommends BFBond.com / Bernard Fleischer & Sons Inc. (Formerly Advanced Insurance Services) as a Surety Bonding agency for your consideration, but we also provide surety bonds nationwide! Join our client family and see what the great reviews are all about.

Call 800-921-1008, apply online at BFBond.com and live chat with us or visit our office at 29 Broadway, Suite 1511 New York, NY 10006 directly across the street from the Department of Consumer Affairs’ offices.

 

 

Bond off a Lien, bonding lien off, lien release bond, Mechanic Lien

Mechanic’s Lien Bond aka Bond Around a Lien

Mechanic’s Lien Bond aka Bond around a lien, lien release bond, and bonding off a lien.

What is a Mechanic’s Lien?

Mechanic’s liens in their modern form were first conceived by Thomas Jefferson, to encourage construction in the new capital city of Washington. They were established by the Maryland General Assembly, of which the city of Washington was then a part.

However, it is not likely that Jefferson single-handedly dreamed up the idea. A lien is a mechanism used by contractors and suppliers to force payment of outstanding monies due from the owner, tenant or landowner. A Mechanic’s Lien will assure that the owner completes all required payments to the contractors participating in the project. It is also sometimes called a material man’s lien or supplier’s lien which can be confusing for some people, but they all are in fact the same thing.

What is a Mechanic’s Lien  Release Bond?

A Mechanic’s Lien Release Bond is a type of Surety Bond. If a contractor allegedly receives no payment for products or services, he or she can file a Mechanic’s Lien which prevents the other party from selling or transferring property and it allows the contractor to sue the other party.

With a Mechanic’s Lien Release Bond, the surety company guarantees the claim in the event that the court enforces the payment of the claim. It guarantees that the payment will be made if the lien is not successfully contested.

If a subcontractor or other entity has put a mechanic’s lien on your property, you can get a  Mechanic’s Lien Release Bond to remove the lien.

How Does a  Mechanic’s Lien Release Bond Work?

A Mechanic’s Lien Release Bond allows property owners to do with their property what they would if a lien was not present: sell the property, get further remodeling done, etc. In a way, it works as an extension of credit. The bond proves that the property owner has sufficient funds to pay the people involved.

It can also be referred to as a discharge of a Mechanic’s Lien Bond. The word discharge can cause some confusion because a discharge of Mechanic’s Lien Bond (Mechanic’s Lien Release Bond) does not extinguish the mechanic’s lien entirely. It discharges the lien from the property and attaches it to the bond.

The bond is usually issued at a percentage over the lien amount, depending upon the state in which the lien was placed.

Purpose of a Mechanic’s Lien Release Bond.

There are a few types of bonds that tie in with the construction industry. Each of them serves an entirely different purpose.

Two common entities that need to obtain Mechanic’s Lien Release Bonds are property owners and contractors who are obliged to discharge any mechanic’s liens filed by suppliers or subcontractors.

Its purpose is to remove the mechanic’s lien from real property and the mechanic’s lien then attaches to the bond until it is dismissed in some way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there only one person responsible?

 A: Sometimes. When building a multi-family property all owners could potentially be part of the process and everyone will be responsible for a portion of the claim.

Q: How long does a mechanic’s lien last?

A: Once filed, the mechanic’s lien will last for a period of one year.  Mechanic’s liens on private commercial projects and on public improvements may be extended for one additional year.

Q: How do I satisfy a mechanic’s lien?

A:  A satisfaction of a mechanic’s lien can be filed with the County Clerk or the public entity where the mechanic’s lien was filed. That is after you either post the Bond or pay off the lien.

When applying, the following information should be included for faster bonding.

1) A completed court bond application – Will provide basic information of the bond being requested, as well as information on the principal requesting the bond.

2) Copy of the mechanic’s lien – A copy of the mechanic’s lien can be uploaded in the online application and will provide information to the amount of the lien and parties claiming that payment is still due.

Call us at 800.921.1008 to speak with a professional regarding your specific situation or apply below for a quick turnaround on your Mechanic’s Lien Release Bond.

Bid and Performance Bonds

Bidding War: Preventing Subcontractor Collusion

Collusion is a word we hear a lot lately, did you know that it happens in the bidding process to gain an unfair advantage? According to Construction Business Owner Magazine, it happens in the construction industry by unscrupulous bidders.

Most public and some private companies require a competitive public bidding process to choose the best qualified contractors who will provide the lowest prices, the best services, and the most innovative solutions. The competitive process achieves those goals only when companies compete honestly and ethically and agree to the terms up front. Bid rigging disrupts this natural market competition and often results in shoddy work, cut corners and the use of subpar materials.

Bid rigging occurs when subcontractors (subs), who would otherwise have to compete for the job, covertly conspire to raise their prices or reduce the quality of goods or services to win the project. It’s a criminal act, and fraudsters can be investigated and prosecuted if collusion is discovered.

Here are four of the most common bid-rigging schemes.

  • Bid suppression—This scheme suppresses or limits the number of bids that will be accepted for the project. It occurs when a group of subcontractors secretly assent that some of the bidders will refrain from submitting a proposal. If the bid has already been submitted, the sub may withdraw it. This type of fraud breaches the competitive process so that a predetermined sub in the group will win the bid.
  • Complementary bidding—This scheme is similar to bid suppression. A group of subs conspires to throw the competitive process by predetermining who will win the bid. Unlike bid suppression, in complementary bidding schemes, all participants submit a proposal. Some of the bids will include exclusions or codicils that will disqualify them or render their submission incomplete or nonresponsive. Complementary bid-rigging groups ensure members can be part of the conspiratorial contractor and therefore be awarded a contract at some point for their participation in the fraud.
  • Bid rotation—Just as the name suggests, this fraud scheme involves a collusive group of subs who conspire to “take turns” winning projects. Participants know the others’ pricing up front and price their bids accordingly, thus removing any guesswork from the process.
  • Guaranteed subcontracting—In this bid-rigging scheme, conspirators are awarded pieces of the project in exchange for not submitting a bid that would grant them the entire scope of work. As such, participants have an equal opportunity to be the main sub on the project.

Unfortunately, many general contractors and developers may not even realize their projects involve bid rigging. The following checklist can assist the procurement team in deterring and detecting potential bid-rigging schemes.

  1. Understand market conditions—Contractors and developers know the industry ebbs and flows based on the economy, and the competition and pricing follow suit. Pay attention to current bid pricing on comparable projects to keep a pulse on what things cost.
  2. Provide training—Make sure staff understand the telltale signs of potential bid ridding, such as:
    • Significantly lower prices than have been previously tendered for similar services or goods
    • Identical or oddly similar pricing from multiple bidders
    • Fewer bids than should have been suspected
    • Unnecessary joint bids
    • Seemingly intentional errors or omissions that disqualify an otherwise viable bid
  3. Restrict communication among bidders—Avoid opportunities for bidders to have visibility and contact with competitors. Refrain from hosting group jobsite visits, and use blind copy for any email communications.
  4. Expand the list of potential bidders—Open the request-for-proposal (RFP) process to a broader group of subs or expand the geographical region to increase the diversity of bidders. Another option is to openly state the number of bids required for the RFP to be considered substantial.
  5. Make non-collusion affidavits a standard practice—This should be a regular practice for bidders in all bid documents.
  6. Clearly communicate bid requirements—Provide bid documents that explain what proposals should include and the criteria for their evaluation.
  7. Exercise right of refusal—If the competition feels unfair or raises any red flags of collusion, be empowered to reject the bids and reopen the call for proposals.

Understanding and recognizing potential bid-rigging schemes and setting clear expectations and criteria in all bid documents can help general contractors and business owners achieve the best possible outcomes of their RFPs. More than that, though, is the importance of ensuring public bidding processes are fair, equitable and ethical, and protecting the integrity of the construction industry.

Keep this in mind when you bid, and keep us in mind when you need  Bid, Performance, Payment, Maintenance, and Supply Bonds. Our online application makes it easy to apply for a bond and our excellent customer service (4.9 Stars on Google) and knowledgeable bond underwriters will make sure your bonding goes smoothly. Call us at 800.921.1008, visit us at BFBond.com to live chat with us, or apply for a bond with the link below.