Electrical Estimating Methods, 4th Edition

CHAPTER 9 Prebid Scheduling

The value of planning and scheduling is evident once the contract is signed and work commences on the project. However, scheduling is also important during the bidding stage. Not to the extent that one would schedule for performing the work but for different reasons. The following are just a few of those reasons:

• To determine if the project can be completed in the available time using a normal workweek schedule
• To determine if normal crew sizes will complete the work within the available time
• To identify potential premium time requirements
• To determine the time requirements for supervision
• To anticipate possible temporary costs for facilities
• To price certain General Requirement items and project overhead costs
• To identify weather considerations that may impact costs
• To budget for equipment usage
• To coordinate and evaluate delivery dates for long lead items
• To help evaluate supplier quotes relative to delivery times

The aforementioned is by no means a comprehensive list, but an introduction to the scheduling considerations that should come to mind during the bidding process. While the schedule produced prior to bidding is not as detailed as a progress schedule during the work, it still must address major categories of work, phases, milestones, lead times, and all constraints imposed by the contract.

This chapter introduces the reader to basic scheduling theory and the Critical Path Method (CPM) of scheduling in general. It is not meant to be a ...