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 construction change orders. Please
review your project documents and make sure you do not make these
mistakes.
Estimating, Contract Document Phase:
o investigate pending major projects, large re-zoning actions, proposed legislation that
could impact the local cost. Identify all material and labor shortages or over-supply
within local market;
o Include building area take off for each major component, buildings or dedicated wings -
laundries, energy plants, NCHU's, etc. adjoining the main building;
o Continue to identify all interface problems and costs associated with additions to
existing structures;
o Verify and include documentation to the reasonableness of detail unit costs used on VA
project - such as subcontractors pricing, suppliers' costs, etc. Track labor rates, noting
expiration dates and possible increases;
o Provide back up data supporting the level of development of the submission drawings -
no lump sums - should have quotes from general contractors, sub-contractors, and
suppliers;
o For this submission a complete quantity survey is required no lump sum will be
permitted without explanation. Asbestos abatement shall be shown as a separate bid
item; and
Use VA estimating format 12 category building system note the level of detail required and
the units of measure as shown in the Manual for Preparation of Estimates. Identify and
explain differences from previous estimate.
AEQA 10-95
Department of Veterans Affairs
Facilities Management Office
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