Contractor's figure (3)
I believe the answer is:
bid
'contractor's figure' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for bid that I've seen before include "Attempt, offer" , "Offer a sum of money to buy" , "Try" , "Offer (for); demand" , "Make offer for 20 Down" .)