12 Miss. Code. R. 3-20-600.29
From time to time, Projects require the inclusion of alternates which decrease or increase the Base Bid, depending upon the funds available. The Construction Contract sum will be determined by the Base Bid and the number of alternates taken.
The Professional should give careful consideration in preparing cost estimates for a project and their relationship to the funds available. The Base Bid should contain the Work which may be accomplished within the funds allowed. If this is not possible, and the Professional anticipates a shortage of funds, then sufficient deduct alternates should be prepared which will insure an awardable Contract.
If the Base Bid contains all the Work to be accomplished and a surplus of funds remain, the Professional may consider add alternates provided all phases of the original Scope are accomplished and the intent of the appropriation is met and not abused.
The Professional should prepare and submit to Bureau Staff cost estimates for the base bid and each of the alternates and should be listed in the order of preference. A maximum of five (5) deductive alternates (i.e.: paving, fencing, roofing, etc.) is allowed. Add alternates will be considered with Bureau Staff approval. However, a combination of additive alternates and deductive alternates will not be permitted.
12 Miss. Code. R. 3-20-600.29