Estimating and Purchasing
Aurora’s Estimating and Purchasing Department performs all of our Lump Sum bidding;
Subcontract, Materials and Equipment Purchasing; and is an integral part of Aurora’s
Construction Management, Pre-Construction and Value Engineering services.
Further information on each of the services provided by Aurora’s Estimating and
Purchasing Department can be found below:
Preconstruction Phase of Construction Management Services
A project’s success is determined during the planning stage. Years of experience
have demonstrated that preplanning is the key to cost and time savings, as well
as to the solution of complex construction issues.
Several of the key aspects of the Preconstruction Phase are:
- Project organization meetings with all team members, including the Owner, architects
and engineers, setting goals and confirming roles and responsibilities of all involved;
- Participating in design review meetings;
- Developing a logical and objective phasing plan and milestone dates for both design
and construction;
- Early mobilization for site preparation and development of infrastructure;
- Anticipating and coordinating document review and approval with proper local government
agencies. Assisting the Owner in expediting the permitting processes;
- Working with the Owner to understand their needs and how the final project result
will meet those needs; developing a realistic schedule for turning over areas of
the project prior to 100% completion to expedite the use of the new facility;
- Acting as a proactive member of the design team and serving as the Owner’s advocate
in monitoring scope, program adherence, budget, and schedules;
- Anticipating problems and difficulties and seeking solutions that work in the Owner’s
favor; and
- Working closely with the design consultants, providing input and design insight
necessary to perform value engineering studies and recommendations.
Value Engineering
The value engineering process examines and quantifies the areas where significant
contributions can be made to reduce cost, speed construction and enhance a project’s
value. Aurora does not view value engineering as a process to eliminate scope, but
rather as an opportunity to develop innovative approaches to achieve the design
intent. Value engineering is successful because of the abilities, experience and
expertise our technical services support staff brings to the process throughout
the Preconstruction Phase. Aurora’s knowledge of the marketplace and sensitivity
to our clients’ needs and wishes are taken into account when developing value engineering
items.
Our value engineering group includes professionals in the mechanical, electrical,
communications, structural and architectural disciplines, as well as cost estimators,
scheduling professionals and logistics planners. These professionals work as an
essential part of the Aurora project team.
Supported by state-of-the-art computer systems and programs, they provide such services
as:
- Detailed analysis of the project’s programming requirements, including existing
conditions, trade schedules and target budget;
- Accurate cost estimating, which depends on having experienced professionals who
know building construction and the contracting business;
- Utilizing various computer-based systems to assist in quickly and accurately performing
tasks;
- Estimates - comprehensive quantity takeoffs, including detailed cost items by trade
and alternatives that provide a basis for cost control throughout all phases of
the project; and
- Value Engineering – a thorough evaluation of construction alternatives to identify
possible project enhancements, as well as possible cost reductions.
Lump Sum Bidding
Competitive bidding for building construction and site development projects is undertaken
by Aurora’s Estimating Department on a continual basis.
Successful competitive bidding provides a consistent source of contracts for construction
services and demands the Estimating Department remain updated on current pricing,
means, methods and the latest advances in construction and information technology.
Purchasing
Aurora’s Estimating and Purchasing Department also provides centralized purchasing
in coordination with the Owner/Management and our own Project Management team. This
practice assures all project team members have input in the many variables that
make up a subcontract purchase.
Criteria for subcontract awards are based upon pricing and which subcontractor is
best suited for the particular project. Additionally, it is Aurora’s policy not
to award too many subcontracts in a particular trade to the same subcontractor.
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