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Cost Estimating

The following is a collection of policy, tools, guidance, training, best practices and lessons learned being made available to assist in the development of cost estimates that are complete and accurate, reflecting the true scope of work to be performed and reflecting current market trends. This is a dynamic collection and in no way reflects a complete universe of material that is available for use. If you have any contributions that you would like to make to this website, or have comments or concerns regarding its content, please contact:

Tim Craggs,
Assistant Division Chief,
Division of Design at Tim_Craggs@dot.ca.gov

This Page is Under Construction.

Department Policy and Guidance

• Caltrans Cost Index rolling averages
• Certification of Project Cost Estimate
• Construction Cost Indexes
• Engineer Estimates
• PDPM - Chapter 20 - Cost Estimating
• PDPM - Appendix AA
• Project Cost Escalation for Highway Operations and Protection Program

Data

• Office Engineer Construction Cost Index, Asphalt Price Index, Coded Item List and Annual Cost Data Report
• Contract Cost Database

Best Practices

• Caltrans Estimating Practices
• Central Region QC-QA Certification of Project Cost Estimates
  • Draft Proposal
  • QC-QA Certification of Project Cost Estimates
  • Certification of Project Cost Estimate
  • Proposed Estimate Certification Timeline
• District 4 Cost Estimating Certification Forms
  • District 4 Cost Estimating Certification Form v.1
  • Sample of District 4 Cost Estimating Certification Form
• District 8 Cost Estimating and Certification Process
  • Preparation of Cost Estimate Memo from District Director
  • Certification of Project Cost Estimate
  • Certification of Project Cost Estimates Over $5M
  • Certification of Project Cost Estimate for Project Reports
  • Unit Price Estimate Documentation Form
  • Unit Price Documentation Form - Sample
• North Region Cost Estimating Practice
• New Jersey DOT Construction Cost Estimating
• Washington State DOT Cost Estimate Validation Process (CEVP)
• Washington State DOT CEVP and Cost Risk Assessment (CRA)
• Division of Engineering Services Cost Estimating Practice
• Report on Cost-Estimating QC-QA
• District 11 Eleven-page estimate form (english)
• District 11 Eleven-page estimate form (metric)

Presentations

• CTC Estimating Presentation - 3/16/06
• CTC Estimating Presentation - 1/12/06
• CTC Estimating Presentation - 11/02/05
• CTC Estimating Presentation - 9/29/05
• Transportation Building Facilities, Cost Estimating

Industry Publication Articles

• Roads & Bridges: Highway construction material costs skyrocket 22% in past two years

Lessons Learned

• FHWA's Highway Construction Cost Increases and Competition Issues Webpage
• AASHTO Survey on Construction Cost Increases and Competition

Tools

• Supplemental Work Cost Estimating Guidelines

Q&A

Training

This page last updated October 15, 2008