CHAPTER 9 PLANNING, ESTIMATING, AND SCHEDULING

Good construction planning and estimating procedures are essential for the Naval Construction Forces (NCFs) to provide quality construction response to the fleet's operational requirements. This chapter gives you helpful information for planning, estimating, and scheduling construction projects normally undertaken by Seabees. The material is designed to help you understand the concepts and principles involved; it is not intended to be a reference or to establish procedures. The techniques described are suggested methods that have been proved with use and can result in effective planning and estimating. It is your responsibility to decide how and when to apply these techniques.

Later in the chapter, you will encounter helpful tables to aid you in effective planning and estimating. Keep in mind that these tables are not intended to establish production standards. They should be used with sound judgment and in accordance with established regulations and project specifications. Man-hour tables are based upon direct labor and do not include allowances for indirect or overhead labor.

We provide helpful references at the end of the chapter. You are encouraged to study these, as required, for additional information on the topics discussed.

DEFINITIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Upon completing This section, you should be able to identify basic planning, estimating, and scheduling terms.

In planning any project, you must be familiar with the vocabulary commonly associated with planning, estimating, and scheduling. Here, we'll define a number of terms you need to know as a Builder.

PLANNING

Planning is the process of determining requirements, and devising and developing methods and action for constructing a project. Good construc- tion planning is a combination of many elements: the activity, material, equipment, and manpower esti- mates; project layout; project location; material delivery and storage; work schedules; quality control; special tools required; environmental protection; safety; and progress control. All of these elements depend upon each other. They must all be considered in any well-planned project.

ESTIMATING

Estimating is the process of determining the amount and type of work to be performed and the quantities of material, equipment, and labor required. Lists of these quantities and types of work are called estimates.

PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES

Preliminary estimates are made from limited information, such as the general description of projects or preliminary plans and specifications having little or no detail. Preliminary estimates are prepared to establish costs for the budget and to program general manpower requirements.

DETAILED ESTIMATES

Detailed estimates are precise statements of quantities of material, equipment, and manpower required to construct a given project. Underestimating quantities can cause serious delays in construction and even result in unfinished projects. A detailed estimate must be accurate to the smallest detail to correctly quantify requirements.

ACTIVITY ESTIMATES

An activity estimate is a listing of all the steps required to construct a given project, including specific descriptions as to the limits of each clearly definable quantity of work (activity). Activity quantities provide the basis for preparing the material, equipment, and manpower estimates. They are used to provide the basis for scheduling material deliveries, equipment, and manpower. estimates are used to prepare Because activity other estimates and