Step 9:
Enter Estimate

This is the main screen where the breakdown of the bid is created and the costs are entered.

Create Bid Breakdown:

Enter Sections (S):
The estimate and the resulting bill of quantities can be grouped into main sections. To create a section, point to “Current Bid” in the bid breakdown window and click on the “Create New Section Icon”. Enter the description of the section in the “Notes” box. You can also setup sub-sections by pointing to the section and following the same procedure. You can setup an unlimited number of sub-sections.

Enter Items (I):
Point to the appropriate section and click on the “Insert New Bid Line” icon. Under Detail in the right window enter the Item Number, Type, Description, Quantity, Unit of Measure and Status.

Select Item Type:
By default an item is assumed to be a “Direct” cost item, also referred to as a bid item. Items can also be tagged as “Indirect”, “Alternate”, "Plant" or "Engineering". “Indirect” items are normally site overhead items that are automatically spread over direct items when calculating the final bid prices. “Alternate” items are setup for comparison only and are not included in the total. "Plant" consist of fixed plant costs that can be spread across a range of direct items. "Engineering & Development Cost" are summarized separately from Construction Costs.

Select Line Status:
By default any line in the bid, including items, are initially assumed to be “Plug” rates. The unit rate or total plugged cost can be entered directly here. If resources are entered into the line, the status automatically switches to “Bid”. If a quote is awarded, the status changes to “Quote”. To enter a cash allowance, switch the status to “Allow”.

Enter Activities (A):
Point to the appropriate item and click on the “Insert New Bid Line” icon. The system will allow the user to add up to 20 more activity levels below an item. Resources can only be entered at the lowest level. A quotation can be awarded at any level and will override all cost below that level. Under detail in the right window enter the Line Number, Description, Quantity, Unit of Measure and Status.

Tag Lines
for Alternate Breakdowns:
Point to the appropriate line in the bid, then under detail, enter or drill down to select previously entered tags. For alternate breakdowns are available including Bid (Procurement) Packages, Work Groups, Joint Venture Comparison or Location. Various reports are available that summarize the bid according to these alternate breakdowns.