Paradox Contractors has been invited to bid on a major bridge project in Maryland.

In CPCU 500, the risk management process is commonly framed around essential activities such asidentifying risks,analyzing risks, andtreating risks(with ongoing monitoring and communication throughout). The facts emphasize that senior managementmet with project managers and suppliers to understand their perspectives on the most pressing risksbefore bidding. This is characteristic of therisk identificationactivity.

Risk identification focuses on finding and describing what could prevent the organization from achieving objectives. It is typically performed by gathering input from stakeholders, reviewing prior loss and project data, using checklists, conducting interviews, holding workshops, and mapping processes. Importantly, it looks broadly across operational, financial, legal, contractual, schedule, safety, supply chain, and reputational risks—especially critical in construction bids where a single overlooked exposure can turn an “aggressive” price into an unprofitable project.

Risk analysis comes after identification and involves evaluating likelihood and impact, prioritizing risks, and understanding contributing causes and controls. Risk treatment comes later still and involves selecting responses such as avoiding, reducing/controlling, transferring, or retaining risk (for example, contract terms, subcontracting strategy, insurance, contingencies, and safety plans). Because Paradox is still gathering viewpoints to surface and define the key exposures, they are in theidentify risksstage, setting the foundation for later analysis and treatment decisions.