GTechnical Sanction of an Estimate: What Gets Checked
Technical sanction is the point where an estimate is tested against design, rates and rules. Knowing what is checked is the fastest way to get an estimate through without return.
Scope and design basis
The first thing a sanctioning authority reads is whether the estimate matches an approved scope and a sound design basis. The population and demand assumptions, the source adequacy, the hydraulic design and the drawings should hang together; an estimate whose quantities do not follow from a stated design is the first to be returned for clarification.
A short design note at the front of the estimate — the population served, the demand, the source, the storage and the key pipe sizes with their basis — answers most of these questions before they are asked and speeds the sanction.
Quantities, rates and leads
Each quantity must trace to the drawings and the design, and each rate must trace to the current Standard Schedule of Rates or to a supported rate analysis where the item is not in the schedule. Leads for materials — the distance they are carried — must be realistic and stated, because inflated leads are a common way estimates are padded and a common reason they are cut at sanction.
Contingencies and work-charged or supervision provisions are allowed within the prescribed percentages; exceeding them without justification invites a cut. An estimate that uses current SSR rates, honest leads and in-limit contingencies rarely has its rates disturbed.
Why are estimates returned at technical sanction?
Usually because quantities do not follow from a stated design, rates do not match the current SSR or a supported analysis, leads are unrealistic, or contingencies exceed the prescribed limits. A clear design note prevents most returns.
Where must estimate rates come from?
From the current Standard Schedule of Rates, or from a supported rate analysis for non-schedule items. Material leads must be realistic and stated, as inflated leads are a common reason rates are cut.