How to write an acoustic tender specification

Tenders for halls, auditoriums, studios and meeting rooms often fail for one simple reason. The specification lists materials, but never says what the finished room must achieve. This guide shows procurement teams and consultants how to write a clear, fair and testable acoustic specification.

Our team has worked in acoustics since 2003, with 50 projects for 49 organisations across Pakistan, from government departments and universities to broadcasters. We prepare acoustic designs, BOQs and tender documents. Our tender specifications page has sample clauses for common items.

Start with performance, not products

Describe the outcome first. For example: “The hall shall achieve a mid-frequency reverberation time of X seconds when unoccupied, measured to ISO 3382-1.” Then describe acceptable ways to achieve it. This keeps the tender open to several suppliers while protecting the result.

Key performance criteria to include

Ask your acoustic designer to set the target values for your room and its use. Do not copy numbers from another project without checking.

Materials and test reports

For each acoustic material, ask bidders to submit:

• the manufacturer’s datasheet
• a test report from a recognised laboratory for the claimed NRC or STC
• fire performance certificates for panels, fabrics and foams
• physical samples for approval before supply

A datasheet alone is not proof. A test report should name the lab, the standard and the exact product tested.

Brand-neutral wording

Public procurement rules (PPRA and the provincial rules) require generic specifications, so avoid brand names. If a brand reference is unavoidable to describe an item, add “or equivalent” and define what equivalent means in measurable terms. For example, state the minimum NRC, thickness, fire class and finish. This stops low-quality substitutes and avoids single-brand bias.

Drawings and BOQ

Attach drawings that show where each treatment goes. Make the BOQ match the drawings item by item, with units (square metres, numbers, running metres). Vague lines such as “acoustic treatment, complete” lead to wide price gaps and disputes. See how we prepare design, BOQ and specifications.

Submittals during the contract

Require shop drawings, a material schedule and installation details before work starts. Ask for method statements for work at height and in occupied buildings. Government buildings may also need security clearances and protocol for site access.

Testing and acceptance

State how the finished work will be tested, by whom and where. For example: RT60 measured at an agreed number of positions to ISO 3382-1 (or ISO 3382-2 for ordinary rooms such as offices and classrooms), and STI measured to IEC 60268-16 with the sound system running. Link a part of the payment to passing these tests. Also ask for as-built drawings, warranties and an operation manual at handover.

Warranty and maintenance

Specify the warranty period for materials and workmanship, and whether an AMC is required. For sound systems, define response times and spare part availability.

A simple structure for each clause

Write each acoustic item in the same order. It makes bids easier to compare and checks easier to carry out.

1. Purpose: what the item must achieve, for example “reduce echo in the main hall”.
2. Performance: the measurable value, such as NRC, STC or Rw, and the test standard.
3. Materials: core, facing, thickness, density and finish, with “or equivalent” criteria.
4. Fire performance: the classification required and the certificate to submit.
5. Installation: fixing method, substrate, tolerances and protection of existing finishes.
6. Submittals: datasheet, test report, sample and shop drawing.
7. Testing: what will be measured, how and by whom.
8. Measurement for payment: the unit used in the BOQ.

Keep acoustic items separate from AV, electrical and civil items in the BOQ. This makes evaluation clearer and avoids disputes over who is responsible for what.

Common mistakes

• Listing panel thickness but no absorption value
• Asking for “soundproofing” with no STC or Rw target
• Copying a specification from a different type of room
• No acceptance test, so there is no way to reject poor work
• Mixing acoustic, AV and civil works in one line item

How Sound Krafted can help

We review existing BOQs, prepare design and specification packages, and quote against tenders in the required format. Our government and defence projects page shows how we work with public buyers. Our client list shows the organisations we have worked with.

Start from our free BOQ template for acoustic works.

Frequently asked questions

Should an acoustic tender name a brand?

Normally no. Public procurement rules require generic specifications. If a brand reference is unavoidable, add “or equivalent” and define equivalence in measurable terms, such as NRC, STC, thickness and fire class.

What standards should an acoustic specification cite?

Common ones are ISO 3382-1 (halls) or ISO 3382-2 (ordinary rooms) for reverberation time, IEC 60268-16 for speech intelligibility (STI), ASTM E413 or ISO 717-1 for sound insulation ratings, ISO 16283-1 for measuring insulation on site, and ASTM C423 or ISO 354 for absorption. Your acoustic designer should choose the ones that apply.

How do we check the work was done properly?

Write acceptance tests into the contract. Measure reverberation time and, where a sound system is installed, STI at agreed positions. Tie part of the payment to passing these tests.

Can Sound Krafted prepare our tender specification?

Yes. We prepare design, BOQ and specification packages and review existing tender documents. Call or WhatsApp +92 300 8467101 for a free phone consultation.

Do you work on tenders in Islamabad and Karachi?

Yes. We are based in Lahore and support projects in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi and across Pakistan.