Federal Estimator

 

Federal Estimator

The Federal Estimator is a key member of Terra Site Constructors’ preconstruction team and plays a strategic role in securing federal construction contracts across diverse agencies. This individual is responsible for the development of accurate, well-structured, and fully compliant cost estimates across a broad range of procurement types, including Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, MACC/MATOC, IDIQ, Sole Source, and Task Order contracts.

With a minimum of 5–10 years of direct federal estimating experience, the ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of federal regulations (FAR/DFARS), Davis-Bacon Act requirements, cost loading, escalation, bonding, and project delivery methods. This role collaborates closely with Capture Managers, Project Executives, and subcontractors and provides technical and pricing support to both Business Development and Operations.

The Senior Estimator is expected to embody Terra’s values of integrity, collaboration, and technical excellence. This role requires a high degree of accountability, adaptability under shifting priorities, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to a fast-paced, deadline-driven estimating environment.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Estimate Development and Proposal Support

• Prepare detailed cost estimates based on drawings, narratives, and technical specifications.
• Lead quantity takeoffs, labor hour forecasts, and pricing efforts for materials, labor, and equipment.
• Create Basis of Estimate (BOE) narratives and support bid package development including cost breakdowns (e.g., SF-1411, government forms, bid schedules).
• Collaborate with Business Development and Capture Management to develop early-stage budgets, scope narratives, and win strategies.
• Support internal bid reviews with financial insight and risk mitigation analysis.

2. Subcontractor and Supplier Coordination

• Develop scopes of work and issue RFPs to subcontractors aligned with CSI divisions.
• Facilitate pre-bid meetings and engage in subcontractor clarifications.
• Analyze and level subcontractor quotes for accuracy, compliance, and coverage.
• Build and maintain strong vendor and subcontractor relationships.

3. Procurement Strategy and Compliance

• Price projects using appropriate burdened labor rates, escalation factors, insurance, bonding, general conditions, overhead, and profit.
• Apply knowledge of Davis-Bacon, SCA, and federal wage determinations.
• Ensure all estimates comply with FAR/DFARS, Buy American Act, and relevant procurement guidelines.
• Coordinate proposal requirements such as Small Business Participation, 8(a) compliance, and limitations on subcontracting.

4. Cost Validation and Value Engineering

• Utilize historical data and industry cost databases (e.g., RSMeans) to validate pricing.
• Offer value engineering alternatives to improve project competitiveness and constructability.
• Identify scope gaps, long lead items, and potential cost risks and incorporate into bid strategies.

5. Technical Review and Preconstruction Involvement

• Attend pre-bid site visits and perform constructability assessments.
• Review 35%, 65%, and 100% design submittals for budget alignment.
• Provide estimating support during design development and scope evolution.

6. Mentorship and Process Development

• Mentor junior estimators and support staff; lead by example in estimating best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Terra’s estimating templates, cost databases, and internal pricing procedures.

Qualifications

1. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture preferred.
• Equivalent field experience (e.g., Superintendent, QC Manager, or PM roles) considered.

2. Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years of federal estimating experience in vertical and/or horizontal construction.
• Successful track record of securing bids with NAVFAC, USACE, GSA, NPS, USFS, and other federal agencies.
• Experience with contracts valued from $1M to $25M+, including complex scopes and design coordination.

3. Technical Proficiency

• Advanced proficiency in:
  • Bluebeam Revu
  • Microsoft Excel (including formulas and pivot tables)
  • Estimating software such as RSMeans, Sage Estimating (Timberline), HeavyBid, or PlanSwift
  • Bid distribution platforms (e.g., Building Connected, Procore)
• Experience with government portals such as SAM.gov, eVA, and FedConnect.

4. Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge

• Strong working knowledge of:
  • FAR/DFARS
  • Davis-Bacon Act, SCA
  • FAR Part 31 Cost Principles
  • Buy American Act and Prompt Payment Act
  • UFC Criteria, LEED, and EM 385-1-1
• Familiarity with Section 106 and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (for historic preservation projects).

5. Communication and Leadership

• Excellent communication and writing skills; able to prepare detailed narratives and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent bids under tight deadlines.
• Commitment to collaboration, accuracy, and respectful communication in team environments.
• Stable job history with demonstrated reliability and leadership potential.

6. Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as:
  • Certified Professional Estimator (CPE)
  • LEED AP
  • PMP
• Experience supporting 8(a) Sole Source contract negotiations.
• Experience with vertical construction such as administrative buildings, visitor centers, barracks, and secure facilities.

Working conditions

• Primarily office-based with periodic travel required for pre-bid site visits, proposal interviews, or field validation.
• Site visits may require PPE and involve outdoor terrain, extreme weather, or restricted federal installations.
• Candidate must be able to travel by car or air as needed.

Physical requirements

• Must be able to sit and use a computer for extended periods.
• Light physical tasks may include lifting up to 25 lbs of documents or materials.
• Occasional field walks may require standing, climbing, or navigating uneven surfaces.

Direct reports

• Reports to: Vice President of Estimating
• Supports: Capture Managers, Project Executives, and Proposal Team

·  May oversee: Estimators I/II, Interns, or Estimating Assistants