36C24419R0078-003.pdf

AEQA 10-95

Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities Management Office

VA hires the best cost consulting firms in the country and yet we experience repeated errors and omissions on every project. These are not new or unusual items, but they consistently get past A/E and VA quality assurance reviews and result in construction change orders. Please review your project documents and make sure you do not make these mistakes.

Estimating, Design Development Phase:

Investigate pending major projects and pending legislation that could impact the local costs, (e.g.) legalized gambling, etc.;

Include building area take off with diagram for each major building component, dedicated wing - laundry, energy plant, etc.;

Verify and include documentation to the reasonableness of detail unit costs used, such as: subcontractors pricing, suppliers’ costs, etc.

Track labor rates, noting expiration dates and possible increases, including imported skilled labor;

Provide back up data supporting the submission and drawings;

Use VA estimating format 12 category building system with each estimate submission - note the level of detail required, and the units of measure as shown in the Manual. Identify and explain differences from previous estimate.

Estimating, Contract Document Phase:

investigate pending major projects and proposed legislation that could impact the local cost. Identify all material and labor shortages or over-supply within local market;

AEQA 10-95

Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities Management Office

Include building area take off for each major component, buildings or dedicated wings adjoining the main building;

Verify and include documentation to the reasonableness of detail unit costs used on

VA project - such as subcontractors pricing, suppliers’ costs, etc. Track labor rates, noting expiration dates and possible increases;

Provide back up data supporting the level of development of the submission drawings - no lump sums - should have quotes from general contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers;

For this submission a complete quantity survey is required no lump sum will be permitted without explanation.

Use VA estimating format 12 category building system note the level of detail required and the units of measure as shown in the Manual for Preparation of Estimates. Identify and explain differences from previous estimate.