A deductive alternate refers to:

A deductive alternate specifically relates to a situation in the bidding or contract process where an item or a portion of work is deleted from the original scope, and the corresponding cost reduction is reflected in the bid. This type of alternate is used when a client or project owner wants to see how much the overall price would decrease if certain elements are excluded from the project.

The emphasis on the reduction in cost is what characterizes a deductive alternate, as it is designed to provide clarity on the financial implications of removing specific work items from the scope of the contract. By clearly identifying and pricing out these deductive alternates, contractors can offer clients flexible options that allow for adjustments to the project budget while maintaining transparency about costs.

Understanding this concept is crucial in cost management and project planning, aiding in the decision-making process regarding which elements of a project can be modified or eliminated to stay within budget.