Abstract: A contractor bidding system gets initial bids with line items. The line items are combined to create a bid package template using line items from each of a plurality of initial bids from different bidders. Each trade can have a number of different items that can be included in the bid. Using the example of painting, for example, there can be supplies, stripping, masks, and the like. Other items might be included in the bid or excluded from the bid or alternates to the bid. The bid template can select which items are included in the bid or excluded from the bid so that when the final bids come they all include or exclude the same items.