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 constructio n change orders. Please
review your project documents and make sure you do not make these
mistakes.
Estimating, Schematic Phase :
o Does the estimate reflect major projects and large re-zoning actions pending within the
region;
o Include building area take off with diagram for each new building and major building
component - dedicated wing - laundry, energy plant, etc.;
o Insure design team has Identified all interface problems and costs associated with
additions to existing structures;
o Verify and include documentation to the reasonableness of unit costs used on VA
project. Review labor rates, noting expiration dates and possible increases;
o Document pre-design decision made by VAMC and the design team and their impact
on costs;
o Provide separate estimate for New Construction and Renovations;
o The overall conversion factor (GSF vs. NSF) for the New Construction should not
exceed 2.0.; and
o Use the Manual for Preparation of Estimates. 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.
AEQA 10-95
Department of Veterans Affairs
Facilities Management Office
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