237.6 Project Estimates

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non-contractual costs

An estimate is prepared by the district for each project using the microcomputer and instructions given in the “Estimate Program Manual”. The estimate is valuable since it is used to program and schedule improvements and evaluate bids received to determine whether a contract is to be awarded. Since many things depend on this data, its accuracy is to be checked very carefully by the district. The estimate will be reviewed by Design. Unit prices may be adjusted when the complexity of a job is judged to merit further consideration, or it is necessary to reflect statewide trends in bidding practices or adjustments in labor rates. The final estimate is confidential information and must not be discussed with anyone outside of MoDOT.

237.6.1 Unit Prices

Terrain Considerations

Unit prices for the estimate are developed by the district. Basic unit price information is available. To produce proper estimates, project characteristics such as size of project, rural or urban location, terrain, size of the major items of work, method of handling traffic, required delays to the sequence of construction operations, etc. are identified so the basic unit prices may be revised, if necessary. This fully evaluated unit price is then used to complete the estimate.

Data for analyzing unit prices can be obtained from recent bid openings where comparable or nearly comparable work was performed. The district is furnished with a summary of bids awarded during the previous three years for each bid item. These listings are valuable to note trends in average bid prices.

237.6.2 Surfacing for Temporary Use

When it is determined surfacing for temporary use is necessary to satisfactorily provide traffic ingress and egress to private property, across the project or along the roadway, the district estimates the quantity of temporary surfacing.

237.6.3 Sediment Removal

When sediment removal is specified for temporary erosion and sediment control plan, the district estimates the quantity.

237.6.4 Mobilization

Mobilization costs are included on every project. These costs may be estimated at 4% of the total construction cost of the project. This figure will be more carefully analyzed and adjusted by Design Division.

237.6.5 Field Laboratories

Field laboratories are required on jobs as stated in the standard specifications. Type 1 and Type 3 field laboratories are specified at no direct pay. For grading projects that require a Type 2 field laboratory, the designer is to consult with the district construction and materials personnel on the core team to determine whether it is necessary to include a pay item for the laboratory. There may be cases where the project is located in close proximity to a Resident Engineer’s office and the Type 2 field laboratory can be eliminated from the project. Also, a project might be located in close proximity to another project in progress where the laboratory can be shared between the projects.

237.6.6 Special Estimates

Because of auditing procedures, separate special estimates for work with special funding must be prepared. An example of work requiring special estimates would include work done for a city included in the contract, with costs reimbursed by the city. All guardrail items and attenuator items must have separate estimates as they may use special safety funding. These items are distinguished with footnotes on the estimate.

237.6.7 Alternate Bid Items

For proprietary work items, or in other special circumstances, alternate bid items are used. Pay items, descriptions, and quantities are included in the itemized proposal for each of the two alternates; the bidder can select only one. The designer’s estimate indicates a unit price for only the more likely of the two alternates. A job special provision describing the alternates and the bidding procedure is included in the proposal.

237.6.8 Non-Contractual Costs

Non-contractual costs are those costs incurred on a construction project utilizing MoDOT’s own labor, equipment or materials. Non-contractual costs are part of the estimated project cost as shown in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and are approved by the Commission at the time of the STIP approval.

Intelligent transportation system monitors

All non-contractual items will be charged to the district’s operating budget and coded to the appropriate project number to ensure the total expenses for the project are accurately tracked. Exceptions to this policy include right of way monumentation, specially fabricated steel, signal equipment, lighting equipment and intelligent transportation system equipment. The district is authorized to charge the exception items, including utility relocations, directly to the right of way and construction program and appropriate project number.

All MoDOT labor incurred on non-contractual items shall be charged to the district’s operating budget and coded to the appropriate project number. If the district encounters a non-contractual item not listed as an exception totaling more than $3,000, the district may request approval from Planning to charge the cost of the item directly to the right of way and construction program. In order to receive approval, the district must ensure the item was included in the final program estimate of the project.

Non-contractual costs are included in the district’s program estimate. Non-contractual costs are also included in the tabulation of final project costs for completed projects, regardless of whether the costs were paid for with right of way and construction funds or district operating funds.