Guides

This guide is designed for public owners seeking to improve transparency, consistency, and control in their estimating and bidding processes. It outlines the essential elements of effective estimating and bidding—from defining scope and developing structured cost frameworks to engaging qualified experts, leveraging data, and proactively managing risk.

It also highlights how modern technology enables centralized estimating and bidding, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across capital programs.

By approaching estimating and bidding as strategic, data-driven processes, agencies can deliver infrastructure that is cost-effective, timely, and resilient.

This guide covers the following key topics:

• The end-to-end estimating and bidding process for capital projects
• Phase-by-phase best practices for estimating and bidding
• How technology enables centralized estimating and bidding