COURSE NAME: CPM110 Quantity Surveying, Estimating and Bidding Procedures

Credit Value: 4
Total Course Hours: 56
Prerequisite Course(s): None
Corequisite Course(s): None

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Foremost among the challenges faced by project managers is ensuring the financial viability of a project. This
begins with the development of the project bid. Unreasonable estimates reduce the chances of success and
increase stress levels. Students work through the bid process and prepare estimates with varying levels of
detail that are both reasonable and achievable.

PLAR INFORMATION
This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. Students are advised to discuss options
with their program coordinator.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, the student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1.0 Describe the cost planning process and the
various aspects and tools used to manage
project costs from project inception to
completion.
1.1 Draw a flow diagram that describes the cost
planning process, beginning with the preliminary
estimate and finishing with cost control during
construction and through to the end of the
project.
1.2 Describe the information required to
complete a preliminary estimate.
1.3 Identify and explain the importance of
historical cost data on similar projects when
preparing and tracking estimates during early
phases of a project.
1.4 Define what an elemental cost breakdown is
and identify what level of design development is
required to produce it.
1.5 Explain how tender results are compared
against an elemental cost breakdown.
1.6 Identify three sources of variation between
an elemental cost estimate based on historical
cost data and tendered cost results.
1.7 Explain how the final elemental cost
estimate is used as a basis for assessing and
controlling costs during the construction phase
of a project.
1.8 Explain how to adjust properly for inflation
and higher market/labour rates.
1.9 Describe the importance of comparing
others bid results (low or high) in comparison to
yours.
2.0 Explain the role that the estimator plays in
cost management and the tools and techniques
available.
2.1 Explain the importance of listing design
assumptions in a preliminary estimate and
communicating them to the owner and design
consultants.
2.2 Explain how generating sufficient subtrade
bids ensure cost competitiveness and
contributes to overall cost management.
2.3 Describe how the estimator tracks the
design development against his or her early
design assumptions, and provides feedback to
the owner and design consultants on resulting
cost impacts.
2.4 Explain how procurement is considered
early in a project to assess subtrade availability,
material availability, bid competitiveness by not
single-sourcing products or systems.
2.5 State the importance of procurement
analysis early in a project and why it is valuable
information for the design team.

CPM110 2020-2021 Page 1

Quantity Surveying, Estimating and Bidding Procedures
2.6 Describe how the estimator uses their
elemental cost breakdown as a baseline to
assess and vet claims for extras during
construction, and how to keep this information
up to date and relevant for justification to the
owner.
2.7 Describe the importance of stating "holding
price" assumptions and how majority of prices
are only good for 30 days to protect against
market fluctuation.
3.0 Explain the most important aspects of risk
management and analysis undertaken by an
estimator.
3.1 Identify the various components of internal
competency that must be considered when
assessing the risk of a prospective project,
including experience, track record, availability of
subtrades, personnel, and cash flow projections.
3.2 Describe why a cash flow projection is a
valuable risk analysis tool for a project, and how
a builder must be able to manage its own
accounts payable with its accounts receivable.
3.3 Explain how a preliminary schedule is used
to assess risk of scope durations, weather, and
other factors that can impact the ability of the
builder to finish the project within the contract
time.
3.4 Define what "Liquidated Damages" are and
why a builder must consider them as part of a
risk analysis, and why an owner would want to
include liquidated damages, and what projects
would it apply to.
3.5 Describe how a special requirement such as
window air and water leak testing can impact
the risk profile of a project, and methods for
mitigating that risk through effective
procurement and management of the window
subtrade.
3.6 Describe the risk profile of having one or
two large projects vs. several smaller projects.
3.7 Define "bonding capacity" and how it affects
a decision to bid or not to bid a project.
3.8 Explain the importance of sub trades
submitting test reports for their products as an
pre-acceptance evaluation.
4.0 Describe various bidding procedures.
CPM110 2020-2021
Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology
4.1 Describe the process of bidding quantities
that is used in the UK and Europe.
4.2 Describe the process of bidding scope
packages that is used in North America.
4.3 Compare and contrast the quantity and
scope bid procedures described above,
highlighting the pros and cons of each system.
4.4 Explain how an estimator uses the
elemental cost breakdown to analyze scope
package bids at tender closing time, identifying
inclusions and exclusions, and arriving at a single
stipulated sum for presentation to the owner.
4.5 Interview a professional estimator and
review a bid form with him or her, identifying
and defining the line items and information
required to submit a complete and valid bid.
4.6 Describe the difference between a lump
sum, a unit price and time/material bids.
5.0 Define the process of value engineering and
how it is used on a project.
5.1 Define "value engineering" and why it
becomes necessary on a project.
5.2 Create a value engineering decision matrix
for considering a masonry fire wall versus a
conventionally framed fire wall, showing
analysis of cost, effectiveness, durability,
sequence of construction, and other factors that
affect long term value.
5.3 Research and complete a value engineering
assessment using the matrix developed above,
and considering masonry vs. conventionally
framed fire walls.
5.4 Describe how an estimator can value
engineer prior to tendering a project, and the
importance of having the alternate scope
approved before signing the tender.
5.5 Describe how an estimator can value
engineer post-tender by soliciting and assessing
trade feedback on alternate designs, systems,
products, or equipment.
6.0 Explain the creation of and use of class
estimates and design-build estimates for
construction management and design-build
projects, respectively.
6.1 Define what a Class D estimate is and at
what stage of a project it is created.
Page 2
Quantity Surveying, Estimating and Bidding Procedures Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

6.2 Define what a Class C estimate is and at construction industry.

what stage of a project it is created.
6.3 Define what a Class B estimate is and at
what stage of a project it is created.
6.4 Define what a Class A estimate is and at
what stage of a project it is created.
6.5 Describe how an estimator combines
schematic design and specification from a
consultant team with his or her own outline
design and specification assumptions to obtain
pricing and prepare a design-build estimate to
an owner based on very preliminary design
information.
7.0 Develop a preliminary understanding of the
estimating process and how it works.
7.1 Interview a quantity surveyor and identify
and explain the use of metric vs. imperial in the
7.2 Prepare a quantity take off division 3
(concrete) of an example building project, giving
quantities of concrete, wall length, and wall
thickness.
7.3 Review the most recent Hanscomb
Yardsticks for Costing manual and describe how
it would be used to develop a preliminary
estimate for an example building project.
7.4 Explain the difference between organizing
an estimate by bid package vs. building
elements.
7.5 Explain how life cycle cost analysis alters a
project estimate by considering both capital and
operational costs of building materials, systems,
and assemblies over a long period of time.

GENERAL EDUCATION
This is not a General Education course.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES
This course contributes to the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities approved program learning
outcomes (PLO):
Construction Project Management
1. Assess requirements for construction industry business planning and management to ensure effective and
efficient construction operations.
4. Monitor that all work is completed in compliance with contractual obligations, applicable law, standards,
bylaws, and building code.
5. Utilize collaborative leadership and communication skills to influence project stakeholders to achieve
project goals.
6. Manage and execute a variety of construction projects using project management principles, practices and
tools.
7. Build and lead interdisciplinary teams throughout the project lifecycle using negotiation and problem solving
skills.

ESSENTIAL EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS OUTCOMES

This course contributes to the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities approved essential
employability skills (EES) outcomes:
1. Communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfils the
purpose and meets the needs of the audience.
2. Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication
3. Execute mathematical operations accurately

CPM110 2020-2021 Page 3

Quantity Surveying, Estimating and Bidding Procedures Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

4. Apply a systematic approach to solve problems

5. Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems
6. Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
7. Analyse, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
9. Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the
achievement of goals.
10. Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
11. Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

EXTERNAL COURSE ACCREDITATIONS AND CONDITIONS

COURSE EVALUATION
Assignments 40%
Quizzes 25%
Final Exam 35%

PROGRAM SPECIFIC GRADING

Per College Grading System

GRADING SYSTEM
A+: 90-100% B+: 77-79% C+: 65-69% D: 50-54% S - Satisfactory
A: 85-89% B: 73-76% C: 60-64% F: 0-49% I - Incomplete
A-: 80-84% B-: 70-72% D+: 55-59% F - Repeat course
*For a complete detailed description please refer to the College website.

LEARNING RESOURCES
Required: Gould & Joyce (2014). Construction Project Management, 4th ed. PEARSON. ISBN-10: 0132877244
ISBN-13: 9780132877244 - e-text available

Recommended: Peterson, Steven J. D'Agostino, Frank R. (2018). Estimating in Building Construction. S.l.:
PEARSON. (e-text available)

Resources listed on the course outline support the achievement of learning outcomes, and may be
used throughout the course to varying degrees depending on the instructor’s teaching methodology
and the nature of the resource.

CPM110 2020-2021 Page 4

Quantity Surveying, Estimating and Bidding Procedures Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Discussions
Case Studies
Assignments

DELIVERY MODE
This course may be delivered, in whole or in part, in a number of modalities, including in class, online, hybrid,
in a synchronous or asynchronous manner or a combination thereof, as per accreditation and/or regulatory
standards where appropriate.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

Canadore College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and expects students to adhere
to these standards as part of the learning process in all environments. The College's Academic Integrity policy
seeks to ensure that all students understand their rights and responsibilities in upholding academic integrity
and that students receive an accurate and fair assessment of their work. Please review the Academic Integrity
policy (A-18) and other academic policies found on our website:
https://www.canadorecollege.ca/about/policies.

COLLEGE POLICIES
• Protecting human rights in support of a respectful college community

For college policies please see: http://www.canadorecollege.ca/about-us/college-policies.

STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES - Your Success Matters!

We provide student-focused services to facilitate students' success in their studies. Staff provide support by
reducing and/or removing educational–related barriers through accommodation planning with students with
disabilities, learning strategies, mental health and wellness events. Visit our webpage to learn more:
https://www.canadorecollege.ca/support/student-success-services

FIRST PEOPLES' CENTRE:

A culturally safe environment offering CONFIDENTIAL student focused services, drop in or make an
appointment to access:

• One on one counselling

• Elder in residence program
• Peer tutoring
• Peer mentorship

CPM110 2020-2021 Page 5

Quantity Surveying, Estimating and Bidding Procedures Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Lunch & learn workshops on study skills, self-care, life skills

• Learning Resource Centre
Drop by our offices at C254 College Drive, E101 Commerce Court or call 705 474 7600 Ext. 5961 College Drive /
5647 Commerce Court.

WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY
Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of this information as of the date of publication. The college
reserves the right to modify, change, add, or delete content.

HISTORICAL COURSE OUTLINES

Students use course outlines to support their learning. Students are responsible for retaining course outlines
for future use in applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.

CPM110 2020-2021 Page 6