Content and Structure Flashcards
7 cards from real CEC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Content and Structure flashcards as text
Which document within an estimate file records all written communications and answers received during the bid period?
Answer: Addendum log
An addendum log tracks every addendum issued by the design team during bidding, ensuring all pricing is based on the latest, complete project information.
When an estimate includes an 'allowance' for a specific work item, it means:
Answer: A fixed dollar amount is included for work that cannot yet be fully defined or quantified
Allowances reserve a budget amount for scope that is undefined at bid time, with the understanding that actual costs will be reconciled later.
The 'scope letter' sent with a subcontractor bid is used to:
Answer: Clearly define what work is and is not included in the subcontractor's price
A scope letter documents the exact inclusions and exclusions in a subcontractor's bid so the general contractor can compare apples-to-apples across multiple quotes.
Equipment costs in a detailed estimate are typically broken into which two components?
Answer: Ownership cost and operating cost
Equipment costs are divided into ownership costs (depreciation, insurance, taxes) and operating costs (fuel, maintenance, repairs) to accurately reflect total equipment expense.
A 'crew balance analysis' included in an estimate helps identify:
Answer: Bottlenecks where one trade's output limits another trade's productivity
A crew balance analysis matches the output rates of sequential crews to minimize idle time and prevent one trade from restricting the next.
Which estimate structure is required by most public agency contracts in the United States?
Answer: Unit price schedule with measurable bid items
Public agencies typically require unit price schedules so quantities can be adjusted in the field and payments can be made based on actual measured work.
When reviewing an estimate for completeness, the estimator should verify that every CSI specification section in the project manual has a corresponding:
Answer: Cost entry or documented exclusion in the estimate
Every specification section either requires cost coverage in the estimate or must be explicitly excluded to avoid gaps or scope disputes during construction.