Federal Contractor Estimating

We load the wage determination into the estimate and assign each trade classification to the work it performs. Fringe benefits are applied per hour, not as a percentage of base wage. If a classification is not listed, we flag it for a conformance request and show the commercial rate as a placeholder until approved. We also provide a side-by-side comparison of federal versus commercial rates so you can see the labor cost impact. For example, if a Carpenter is listed at $22.50 base plus $10.15 fringe, we apply that to all carpenter hours, including those for formwork and framing.

We price each option and alternate as an add/deduct to the base bid, following the bid schedule format. If the schedule requires standalone line items, we provide both. We show the incremental cost and quantity difference so you can see the impact. Pricing them incorrectly can make your bid non-responsive, so we map them exactly as the solicitation requires. For example, if an alternate adds a 500 SF mezzanine, we take off the steel, deck, and finishes separately and show the total add.

We do not fill out the forms, but we provide the unit prices and quantities that go into them. Our estimate is organized to match the bid schedule line items, so you can transfer the numbers directly. We also show the build-up behind each unit price, which helps if you need to defend your bid in a price-reasonableness discussion. For example, if the form requires a price per CY for concrete, we provide the concrete, formwork, rebar, and labor components that make up that unit price.

We need the full solicitation, including Section 01 30 00, the bid schedule, and any amendments. The bid schedule controls how the work must be priced, and Section 01 30 00 defines administrative requirements. Without these, we cannot map the estimate correctly. If you only have plans, we can still take off quantities, but the estimate may not match the required format. For example, if the bid schedule has a lump sum line for "General Conditions," we need the solicitation to know what to include.

We flag any specified products that may not have domestic sources and note the certification requirements. If a product is non-compliant, we indicate the need for a waiver or substitute. We do not certify compliance, but we make sure you are aware of the risk. For example, certain electrical panels and HVAC units may have limited domestic sources, and substitutes may carry a premium. We also check if the product is covered under the Trade Agreements Act, which allows products from designated countries.

Turnaround is 24–48 hours for most projects, with rush available. Federal solicitations often have short windows, so we prioritize based on your bid due date. For large or complex projects, we may need additional time, but we will tell you upfront. We work backward from the bid due date to set the delivery schedule. For example, if your bid is due in 10 days, we will schedule the takeoff and pricing to allow time for your review and any adjustments.

Yes, we can send a sample Excel workbook organized by CSI MasterFormat division. It includes tabs for each division, a summary tab, and a bid schedule mapping. We also provide marked-up plan sets and a Davis-Bacon rate comparison. The sample uses illustrative quantities and does not represent a specific project. Contact us to request a sample. For example, the concrete division tab will show line items for footings, walls, and slabs with quantities and unit prices.

Yes. For primes, we provide a complete estimate mapped to the bid schedule. For subcontractors, we take off your scope and provide a quote you can carry into the prime's bid. We use the same unit structure the prime will use, so your numbers integrate smoothly. We also help you understand how Davis-Bacon rates affect your portion. For example, if you are a mechanical subcontractor, we will take off ductwork, piping, and equipment and apply the appropriate wage classifications.

We flag it immediately. You will need to file a conformance request with the contracting officer before award. We show the commercial rate as a placeholder in the estimate and note the classification. The conformance process can take time, so we recommend starting early. We can provide the documentation you need to support the request. For example, if a classification for "Solar Photovoltaic Installer" is missing, we will note it and use the commercial rate until the conformance is approved.

We show bonding as a separate line based on the penal sum, which is the full contract amount. Insurance is not included because it is carrier-specific. We recommend you obtain quotes from your surety and insurance agent. For multi-year contracts, the bond premium can be significant, so we break it out so you can see the impact on your bid. For example, a $1 million contract may have a bond premium of 1-2% of the penal sum, which we show as a line item.

Yes. If the solicitation includes an escalation clause, we can add an escalation line based on a rate and period you provide. We also flag if the contract allows for price adjustments and what conditions apply. For example, if you expect a 6-month delay and 4% annual escalation, we apply 2% to material costs. We show it as a separate line so you can adjust. We also note if the escalation applies to labor, materials, or both.

We provide an Excel workbook organized by CSI MasterFormat division, a PDF for review, marked-up plan sets, a Davis-Bacon wage rate comparison, a bid schedule mapping, and an assumptions and exclusions list. Rush delivery is available. The estimate is designed to be auditable, with sheet references for each quantity. For example, each line item will reference the drawing sheet and detail number so you can trace the quantity back to the plans.

Yes. For GSA schedule estimating, we map your labor categories to the awarded GSA rates and build the estimate so the task order pricing matches the schedule. We take off quantities from the IFC drawings, apply Davis-Bacon prevailing wage where the Service Contract Act or Davis-Bacon Act applies, and organize the workbook by CSI MasterFormat division. The schedule of values and cost breakdown structure follow the task order format, and we flag any labor category that is not on your schedule so you can address it before submission.

Yes. Outsourced federal estimating works best when we receive the full solicitation, the wage determination, and the subcontractor quote package. We level each quote against our own material takeoff and quantity takeoff, check that the quoted labor classifications match the wage determination, and carry the lower responsive quote into the bid. We show the comparison in the workbook so you can defend the selection. If a quote omits Division 08 Openings or Division 26 Electrical scope, we flag the gap before you submit.

FAR compliant estimating starts with the bid schedule and the evaluation criteria in Section M. We build the estimate so every line maps to the schedule of values, and we separate overhead and profit from direct cost. For DFARS-covered work, we note domestic sourcing requirements and flag any material that may need a Buy American or Trade Agreements Act exception. We do not certify compliance, but we give you the line-item backup your contracts or pricing team needs to complete the certification. Confirm the applicable FAR and DFARS clauses with your contracting officer.

Send the full solicitation package: IFC drawings, specifications, the wage determination, and the bid schedule. We also need the SAM.gov posting and any amendments. From there, we take off Division 03 concrete, Division 05 metals, Division 09 finishes, Division 22 plumbing, and Division 23 HVAC by CSI division, so every line maps to the schedule.