Estimator Tipsand

Future Plans

John Riedl P.E.

Lucien Darensburg

2008

Current Successes

• Improvement in the consistency of pricing at PS&E

• Better project information in some cases

• Most are using multiple reference bid prices to select PS&E prices

• All seem to be respecting the “Pens Down” aspects for transferring files at PS&E

Continuing Issues

• Still some overuse of 9Z9 items

• Quantity errors are still surfacing

• Local program estimate quality is still a bit “spotty”

• Still have some missing bid items adding risk to bidders

• Bidder unbalancing is becoming more of a problem – why?

Examples of Problems

• Bid items for site access – temp roads, ramps, site crane platforms

• Bridge components – temporary work bridges, temporary enclosures, work area’s in cofferdams

• Temporary detours are a cost sheet analysis – often prices appear to be guessed – why?

Moving to the 2008 Spec Book

• New and changed bid items

• Old catalogs do not auto-convert item descriptions into 2008 items

• Prices are converted in most cases

• Webinar on-line classes now available in May

• Who needs to take this on-line class?

Estimation Program for Future STIPS

• Scoping to Final PS&E process• Utilize existing software and systems• Include automated inflation impacts

and inflation forecasting• Include simplified systems for bridge

and highway cost analysis at scoping and final estimates

• Oregon is a lead state in developing this system