The document provides guidance on planning and preparing an estimate for a construction bidding process. It discusses important steps like conducting a pre-bid site visit to assess site conditions and determine competition; reviewing all contract documents thoroughly to define scope and quantities; and planning logistics regarding permits, staffing, equipment needs. It emphasizes understanding the full scope by looking at all relevant drawings, not making assumptions without approval, and being certified for any installations. The document also covers constructability reviews, coordination with the general contractor, and addressing job requirements in any scope letters.

1. ESTIMATING/BIDDING
Mel Jones
VTA
October 3rd 2013

2. Planning
− Do’s
− Pre-Bid Site Visit
− Reviewing Contract Documents to Determine Scope
− Don’ts
− Unapproved product substitution
− Perform un-certified installation
− Don’t waste a pursuit
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3. Pre-Bid Site Visit
− What to look for?
− Areas of site access, environmental impacts, parking, etc…
− Strategy – Do you ask questions? Or do you listen?
− Ask questions on clarifications of the process. Example: Is this
an all Union project?
− Don’t ask questions on strategy that could potentially give you
an advantage. Example: I notice there is a lift building and the
fuel wash structure, can we pour both slabs at the same time to
condense the schedule?
− Determine Competition
− If the site visit is mandatory, you know who you are bidding
against.
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4. To Estimate or Not ???
− You do not want to estimate an unapproved product
without knowing you can get an approved substitution
request. Ex: Sole sourced materials
− You do not want to estimate installing something you are
not certified to install.
− You do not want to estimate something you know your
competition has an upper hand on.
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5. Reviewing Contract Documents to
Determine Scope
− Setting up your budget:
− Define your scope & quantities:
− Review all available project documents (Drawings, Specs, Soils Report,
Addendums, Etc…)
− Know where to look in the drawings for your scope; keeping the big picture in
mind. Ex.: If you are going to provide site furnishings do not only look at
Landscape drawings, but also look at Civil and Architectural to verify you are
reviewing the full scope.
− Synchronize your process – Schedule, Scope, Logistics
− Track revisions to documents with reasons for changes (Addendums,
Clarifications, etc…)
− Quantify & document all assumptions in writing
− Logistics Planning:
− Form a checklist: Permit, bonds, staffing, fence, trailer, parking, access, laydown, work flow, fork lift, watchman, flagging, waste/recycle, PPE, etc…
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6. Reviewing Contract Documents to
Determine Scope (Continued…)
− Constructability Review
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How to build the project?
Ways to improve cost, schedule, quality?
Coordinate schedule and sequence of events.
Consult with General for difficult process?
− Other things to keep in mind:
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Your particular experience, resources, expertise
Evaluate existing systems where available
Consult Owner Maintenance Personnel if applicable
ISO 18001
LEED
Long lead procurement items
MWESB, Apprentice participation requirement paperwork
Insurance Requirements

7. BIDDING

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10. BIN #05- Drywall and Insulation
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11. Scope Letters
What to look for?
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Is the scope all covered? Cite spec sections.
Exclusions and clarifications
Acknowledge any Addenda
Alternates
Job requirements: Prevailing wage, Owner Requirements (2
yr warranty)

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