FREE TOOLS!
Yes, we are giving our tools away…for free! As a leader in the independent cost estimating industry, Innovative Contracting and Engineering strive to positively influence the use of alternative delivery methods. One way we do this is by improving the practice of independent cost estimating. We believe that if we can help other cost estimators improve, then the entire industry will improve, and more projects will be delivered using alternative delivery methods. President John F Kennedy made famous the saying “a rising tide lifts all boats” in a speech he gave in 1963. We believe the same is true in our industry today. If we can help improve independent cost estimating, then more Owners will be inclined to use alternative delivery methods and there will be a larger need for independent cost estimators.
Several years ago, we were providing ICE services on a CMGC project in a state where the delivery method was new to them. We attended the project kick-off meeting, and the Project Manager for the Owner shared several spreadsheets that she wanted the Contractor and ICE to use on that project. Imagine our surprise when we saw more than one of our spreadsheets included in her presentation. That experience made us think about two things - first, it’s a small world, and second, why not provide our tools to anyone and everyone?
Accordingly, we want to give all independent cost estimators some of the tools we use on CMGC and Progressive Design-Build (PD-B) projects. To be clear, these tools are spreadsheets that we have developed over the years. We are not giving away any proprietary cost estimating software. However, each of these spreadsheets plays an important part in successfully delivering CMGC and PD-B projects. Click on this LINK to access the free tools. Each of ICEBOX Newsletters published this year will include instructions on the use of these tools. However, you don’t need to wait until the next newsletter to learn about a specific tool. If you have questions about any of these spreadsheets, simply contact Dan Bender at (702)523-2354.
Another way we improve our industry is we consult Owners on the proper use of alternative delivery methods. We often present alongside FHWA and other proponents of alternative delivery methods on CMGC and PD-B “Best Practices”. If you work for an agency that is new to alternative delivery methods and would like a presentation on CMGC and/or PD-B best practices, feel free to contact Dan Bender and he will coordinate a presentation for you.
quantity reconciliation (tool and Process)
Uncertainty. It’s often the biggest challenge in our industry and that’s why our program focuses so much on risk management. But what about the uncertainty an owner faces with discrepancies between cost estimates? To reduce discrepancies between the Contractor’s estimate and the ICE estimate, quantities and bid items are reconciled before cost estimates are developed.
At Innovative Contracting and Engineering, we use the project Quantity Reconciliation Sheet to navigate the first variables of project estimates. This tool is a simple, logical, and time-tested process that provides clear communication to the team. Collaboration and transparency are essential. Here’s how it works.
1. The Designers provide an engineer’s cost estimate. The ICE copies the bid items and engineer’s quantities into the Quantity Reconciliation Sheet. The Contractor and the ICE reviews the plan documents, and each performs a quantity take-off. Each team fills out their respective columns in the Quantity Reconciliation Sheet.
2. We then hold a quantity reconciliation meeting. We compare columns for the Designer, the Contractor, and the ICE, and discuss assumptions, provide clarifications, or commit to re-evaluating the data.
3. The goal of this meeting is to fill out the “Agreed to Quantity” column. This is the data that the Contractor and ICE will use to generate project costs.
NOTE - because the Designers continue to progress the design as we perform these costing exercises, it is important to “draw a line in the sand” and stop adjusting quantities. Remember that this exercise is a snapshot in time.
Reconciling potential differences in quantities early in the process is just another way that Innovative Contracting and Engineering is bringing confidence to the process and proven efficient practices.
Working together we all win!
Abdi Fatemi, Senior Cost Estimator
Abdi Fatemi has played a major role as Senior Cost Estimator in our company since its inception. Abdi was born in Tehran and came to the US to attend university and learn English. His original plan was to return to Iran and take over his father’s construction company. However, Abdi started his estimating career in 1978 after getting his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Utah and has lived in the US ever since. While in college he met his wife Barbara and they were married in 1975. Prior to finishing his degree, Abdi competed in volleyball for the Iranian National Team in the 1972 Olympics held in Munich, Germany. Yes, we have an Olympian on our team! Abdi played volleyball while in the Iranian military and won medals in the Asian Olympics and the Military Games.
Abdi began his career with Kiewit Construction Company in 1978 as an Estimator and Project Engineer. While at Kiewit he worked on projects like the construction of the spillway and dike at Kennecott Mine and the construction of a section of I-80 near Emery, Utah. In 1982 he transferred to Gilbert Western as the Project Engineer leading all the drilling and blasting in the Stanley Idaho Mine and then onto New Mexico to build roads for the Santa Fe Railroad. Abdi was traveling most of his career so far and decided to plant himself in a place to be closer to family. Family has always been very important to Abdi. So, he took a position with Staker Paving in Salt Lake City, Utah, and began working on multimillion-dollar projects for the Utah Department of Transportation.
Abdi has built quite the reputation in Utah. He was known in Utah as the “King of Change Orders.” He constructed over 4,000 miles of highway. In 2010 Abdi retired, but soon after became bored of retirement and started consulting contractors and for the Utah Department of Transportation. In 2011 he worked with Stanley Consultants and decided to join their team as a consultant doing production-based cost estimating. During that time, he reviewed all UDOT projects on constructability and cost estimates before they were advertised. In the year 2011, Abdi helped his clients realize over $90 million in documented savings. While working on the UDOT Cost Estimating Support Team, Abdi developed 180-200 cost estimates each year. His team estimated ALL these projects using contractor-style cost estimating techniques (well over 1,000 project estimates in 6 years!).
In 2016 Abdi joined Innovative Contracting and Engineering and has been a lead contributor in the success and growth of our team. With over 40 years of hands-on construction experience and a wealth of cost estimating expertise, Abdi mentors our team and helps guide our clients in the implementation of alternative delivery methods. We are so honored to have Abdi on our team, and we hope he never actually retires.
Alternative Delivery Consulting Services (PDB, CMGC, CMAR, DB, P3)
Independent Cost Estimating (Production-Based Cost Estimating)
Critical Path Scheduling Using Primavera P6
Constructability Reviews
Risk Management/Mitigation
Innovation in Construction Techniques
Negotiation
Change Order Reviews
Training
We love what we do! We have a passion for finding creative approaches to construction. We are constantly looking for innovative construction techniques to add value to the projects we are working on. Our team has found ways to reduce schedule and/or construction costs on every project we have worked on to date!
Innovative Contracting & Engineering (ICE) is a team comprised of former contractors and professional engineers who have a thorough understanding of market fluctuations, pricing trends, construction strategies, and innovations. Our experience working on alternative delivery projects across the United States has provided our team with a tool bag full of industry best practices. Construction cost estimating and scheduling is our primary focus. This focus is how we stay current on construction trends and price changes, and that helps us produce more accurate estimates than our competition. We have a passion for finding creative approaches to construction. We are constantly looking for innovative construction techniques to add value to the projects we are working on. Our team has found a way to reduce schedule and/or construction costs on every project we have worked on to date! ICE works closely with our clients to improve the quality of their most challenging projects.
Past Newsletters:
Early completion milestone bonuses in CMGC contracts
Risk Management Best Practices
Vision 2020?? Nobody saw this coming!·
How can we help you? Send us your questions, comments, and request.
Email, Call, or Text: Dan Bender, 702-523-2354, danbender@iceteams.com