Construction government bid estimates compared to general contractor bid estimates or government estimating versus general contractor estimating

摘要

The oversimplified government vs. contractor detail estimates discussion is meant to give an overview of some of the major differences, remembering that the estimates vary with each project and each estimator or cost engineer. Construction cost estimating is similar for both government estimating and general contractor with subcontractors estimating in that both use the quantity takeoff of labor and materials, price them out and mark them up. The differences are in who makes the estimates. The government and A&E estimators with their purpose, policy, and rules make the government estimate; while the contractors (general and subcontractors), vendors and suppliers, with their purpose to successfully bid, build, and complete the project with a profit, use their TEAM Combination. The estimates are much the same in that both government and contractors may make an excellent detail organized estimate. This presentation is based on 25 years of government estimating; over 10 years of general subcontracting, construction and estimating experience, with the preparation or review of over 1,000 government and contractor bid estimates for over 1 billion compared with over 6,000 bids received; over 20 years of college and seminar teaching; and over 35 references. It is meant to explain some of the mysteries, difficulties, and misconceptions of government estimating.