Cost Estimating Manual
Basis of Estimate Template
Estimate Order of Calculations, Tax Rates, and 700 & 800 Items
Estimating Template
Estimating Forms search by the following form numbers (internal use only):
| Form Number |
Form Title |
| 232-007 |
Design Calculation - Bridge |
| 232-007A |
Design Calculation |
| 232-007D |
Quality Calculation - Design Calculations |
| 230-0031 |
Bridge Quantity |
| 230-040 |
Cost Estimate Summary |
Cost Calculation for Asphalt Cost Price Adjustment General Special Provision (04054.GR5) The worksheet below is used to calculate the amount to be used for Standard Item 5837, Asphalt Price Adjustment, for those contracts using the Asphalt Cost Price Adjustment General Special Provision. This amount will change as the Asphalt Binder Reference Cost Index changes, so frequent updates are recommended. It is also recommended that you download the worksheet each time you use it so that you have the latest version. Revision dates will be noted here.
Last revision date: April 10, 2009
Cost Calculation for CRS-2P Cost Price Adjustment General Special Provision (02052.GR5)
The worksheet below is used to calculate the amount to be used for Standard Item 005294, CRS-2P Cost Price Adjustment, for those contracts using the Cost Price Adjustment Special Provision. This amount will change as the Asphalt Binder Reference Cost Index changes, so frequent updates are recommended. It is also recommended that you download the worksheet each time you use it so that you have the latest version. Revision dates will be noted here.
Last revision date: April 10, 2009
Self-Modeling Tool
This workbook is designed to assist the project teams on developing the projects' cost and schedule estimate considering uncertainty and risks that may affect their projects.
If you or your office needs some "Just-in-Time" training on how to use the Self-Modeling Spreadsheet please contact Blane Long at longb@wsdot.wa.gov or call 360-705-7397 (x7397).
Bid Tabs Pro (OMAN Systems)
A PC based software program using data from EBASE that generates reports or queries. Great flexibility is built into this software. Queries can be by contractor, quantity, county, bid letting dates, and many others. This data is mostly used as a cost estimating source.
EBASE - Estimates and Bids Analysis System
An PC based application that is used for project development, advertisement, and award of a project. It Generates reports such as Proposal, Summary of Quantities, Item reports, Bid Tabulations and others.
BA - Unit Bid Analysis
An online application used to compile reports or by-item information using Bid History data supplied by EBASE. This system is limited in the variety of queries available. This data is mostly used as a cost estimating source.
HQ Construction Office/Vendors/Contractors/Other Project Teams
Estimators can get information about estimating project items from construction offices, vendors, contractors and other project teams. Trends in construction costs http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/construction/constructioncosts.cfm.
Specialty Groups
Specialty groups are often able to provide guidance in finding cost and schedule information for their areas of expertise.
Bridge Manual
FHWA Cost Trends
The FHWA has established a Highway Construction Cost Increases and Competition Issues web page to share information regarding increasing construction costs.
Urban Planning Office
The Urban Planning Office has created an access based Planning Level Cost Estimating package. Contact Murshed Delwar, Senior Transportation Planning Specialist at the Urban Planning Office, 206.464.1263.
Means
RS Means publishes guides for construction cost estimating. Their heavy civil guide includes highways and roads and can be checked out through the WSDOT library.
Tracer
Earth Tech's TRAnsportation Cost EstimatoR (TRACER) software is a parametric cost estimating tool created to help plan and budget for highway and bridge construction/renovation projects at the pre-design and preliminary design phases.
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bicycle Facilities
If your community is considering building a new bicycle facility, you can use this tool to estimate costs, the demand in terms of new cyclists, and measured economic benefits (e.g., time savings, increased livability, decreased health costs, a more enjoyable ride).
Education
Introduction to Project Cost Estimating
Course Code CZV (1-Day)
Course Description: This course offers guidance on how to prepare estimates. The purpose of the course is to provide approaches to improve consistency and accuracy of cost estimates with the objective of increasing the knowledge and understanding of the cost estimating process and how this process is applied in the context of WSDOT project delivery and project management. The course presents a systematic approach to cost estimate preparation including a process flowchart that describes estimating activities and the inputs and outputs of the estimate process. The cost estimating process is further described in relationship to planning, scoping and design. Specific techniques and tools are presented for application during planning, scoping and design.
Objectives: Participants in this class will achieve the following objectives:
1) increased understanding of the importance of cost estimating; 2) know how cost estimating fits into Project Development and Project Management; 3) recognize the factors that influence consistency and accuracy of cost estimates 4) know how to apply cost estimating process steps 5) know how to apply methods, techniques, and tools used to prepare cost estimates.