2. Title: |
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1 - Junior Estimator 56 - Estimator 59 - Senior Estimator 51 - Chief Estimator 10 - Vice President of Estimating |
4. Annual Company Revenue: |
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25-- less than 1 Million Dollars 18 -- 1 to 5 Million Dollars 32 -- 5+ to 20 Million Dollars 66-- 20+ to 100 Million Dollars 111-- 100+ Million Dollars |
| 5. List in priority order the top three topics would you like see at ASPE’s national Estimating Academy? |
|
Topic 1 Ethics; mep; ethics; Estimating Escalation in today's market; Sitework; Bid Day Requirements; Front End - General Conditions; Estimating Organizational Skill; Electrical Estimating; Sitework; Nationwide Certification; Parametric/Conceptual Estimating; Estimating Guidelines and Standards; Mechanical; AIA contracts; Through knowledge of project; Parametric Estimating/Cost Modeling; Growth; man hour pricing; technoligy available; Testing Scope for those interested in being certified; Inflation and Escalation; Escalation Control; Conceptual Estimating; certification classes with passing recieving certification; Fundamentals of Estimating; ESTIMATING FOR DEFECT LITIGATION; Ethics; Indirect Costs; Basic Estimating; Presentation Skills; Conceptual Estimating, Div. 1-14; Competitor / Market Analysis; Advanced Electrical Estimating (Unusual Jobs); Escalation Factors in Construction; Estimating challenges in the global changing market; General Building Construction-UniFormat; Estimate Databases; Automated Estimating courses; Estimate Organization & Format; Computer Estimating; estimating efficientcies (takeoff); Conceptual Estimating; Software; Systems Estimating; Techinical Subjects taught by Subcontractors for a specific trade; Conceptual Estimating (I teach this); Technical Estimating Topics-How To Topics; Organization; Tools; Front End Documents; Estimating for Health Care Facilities; Conceptual /parametric estimating; Preconstruction Budgeting; Labor and Material; Electrical Estimating; Estimating Industrial Plants; Cost Engineer vs. Construction Estimator; Labor Productivity; budgeting and conceptual estimating; conceptual estimating; Relationship building - clients, architects, engineers; Mechanical - Piping; Hands ON Estimating Techniques; Design-Build Estimating on gov projects.; Bid Day Software; conceptional estimating; Begining Estimating Classes; Estimating Spreadsheet Development; Selecting Electronic Estimating Tools and Programs; Methodology; Defining the Chief Estimator; Ethics; Project Management; Digital Takeoff; Estimating Database Development; Scope definition and development; Accuracy; BIM Estimating - Hands on lab too; Conceptual Estimating; Computerized Estimating; People Skills; Forecasting cost escalation; Ethical Buyout; Sales Technics; Project Entitlement Process; Electronic Document Estimating Tech; CONCRETE; Estimating Bldgs. with Speed & Acuracy; Mechanical - Plumbing/Pipe Fitting; Preconstruction Services & Fees; Standard Estimating Practices; Attracting college grads to the estimating profession; Thoroughness of Estimate(s); Earthwork; Understanding scopes for subcontractors when bidding; Estimating with Excel; Understanding of the different MEP and structural systems for different building types and the estimating issues with each (not how to do take offs, how to understand and scope subcontractors); New CSI Master Format; Bid Ethics; Market Trends; understanding other trade plans and how they interfaces with my work.; Estimating for LEED Green Buildings; Design / Build Negotiated Cost Projects; How to be sure you have included everything in your estimate.; Structural Steel; Tilt-up; Unit pricing in various areas; Estimating Design Build Project Delivery/Negotiated Work; Negotiating with subs; Any current legislation affecting us; ETHICS; Estimator Certification; various estimating programs; Constructability Responsibility; Bid Analysis; Mechanical Conceptual Estimating; Proper Take-Off principles; Conceptual Estimating; Process Plant Estimating; Estimating Public Facilities; Latest in technology-hands on; Computer Estimating system Skills; see previous; Pricing & Bidding Strategy; Estimating with exel; Quantity Take Offs / Labor hours; 3,4,& 5D Modeling; Being a leader; Tools and Techniques to Help Advance Career Path; more technical presentations; Sitework; Defining the Chief Estimator Role; Construction Cost versus Project Cost; Detailed Masonry Estimating; Reliable Takeoff Practices (i.e. the basics) for each discipline/CSI division; Using BIM (Building Information Modeling) for Estimating; Conceptual Estimating; Mechanical/Plumbing Estimating; Bid Organization; Crew Based Estimating; Standard Estimating Practice; Conceptual Estimating; Depending on where the National Estimating Academy is, I will most likely not be able to attend unless it's local.; How to Estimate the Cost of General Conditions; How to do the conceptual estimate; To get Certification; Estimating software; Life Cycle Costing; Any; How to calculate project cost escalation; Learning the AIA Documentation; Conformity; Role of a chief estimator; Education; how to present an estimating job; Labor Hour Estimating & Resources; AIA Contracts & General Conditions; Business Development; Legal information on Contracts; discipline-specific quantity takeoff; General Conditions; risk analysis; Mechanical; Claim cost analysis (post construction); Contract Language; Excel Estimating; Cost Data Forum; World costs for construction; Steel & Precast Erection Estimating; Conceptual Estimating; Discussions on use of Uni-format systems estimating logic; Current trends and methods; overhead; Mechanical Estimating; Building Electronic Security (prisons-govt. bldgs.-college campus, etc.; Handling Escalation; Not Specified; Process Piping; Multi-Family estimating; skilled labor production; Technological Advances in Estimating; on line courses; Using Terramodel; Scope Analysis and Comparison; Techniques for assessing inflation.; Estimating with Timberline; Bid document reading; General Conditions, Fee, Insurance & Risk; Structural Design estimating; General Conditions or GC's; Conceptual Estimating; Certification globally; Quantity Survey; Different levels of some of the classes you currently do. Such as Introduction, Intermediate, and Advanced...classes.; quantity surveys; Productivity Tracking Simpified in Field; Specialty Trade Estimating; Conceptual / Budget Estimating; Concrete estimating; Structural Estimating Topics - Price related; Miscellaneous Steel Standards; Design/Build Estimating; Proposal Writing and Presentation of a Proposal.; speed vs. accuracy / short cuts; ALLOWING MINORITIES IN THE ESTIMATING FIELD; Putting together accurate conceptual estimates; Electronic Media transfer and online document processes; What to do about poor quality contract documents; Heavy Industrial Process Equipment Erection; Estimating Electrical; Feedback to Estimating; Bid Shopping/Pedling; estimating software; Cost Escalation in Construction; Computer Aided Take-Off Tools; Material cost trends and escalation; Sitework Takeoffs & Estimating; How to be more competitive in todays market.; Conceptual Estimating; Evaluating unknown subcontractors; Actual Costs for the geographic regions; basic estimating/quantity survey; General Conditions; price escalation; Estimating and Contract Administration; Concrete work; Scheduling for Estimators; Conceptual estimating; Computer Take Off; Budgeting During Price Instability; Site Development; Total owner's budget vs. construction cost; |
| Topic 2 Education; site work; software usage; Estimating War Stories; Formwork; General Conditions Items; Tips and Tricks to find those hidden items; Takeoff techniques; Mechanical Estimating; HVAC/ Plumbing; Continuing Education; Historical Cost Reporting; On-Screen and Take Off Methods, Software and Techniques; Drywall & metal studs; Conceptual estimates; Mechanical/Electrical nomenclature; Risk Assessments/Contingency; education; blueprint reading; design build projects; Design Build - Cost Estimating; How long should it take to estimate various trades; Standardization operating software; Central Plants/Co-gen; how to estimate ????? (different subjects); Basic Knowledge Tools required; NEW COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION; Selective demolition; Bid stratagies; Estimating Technics; Escalation and Shortages; Conceptual Estimating for MEP; Understanding better general conditions requirements for GC's; LEED/Sustainable Building; Use of Technology in Estimating; Forecasting market trends; Estimate Case Studies; General Conditions; Estimating for Build Design Projects; getting the best & most complete material & sub bids; Mechanical & Electrical Estimating; Spread Sheet; Inflation & Escalation; Specific current pricing issues in specific trades; Recommended Practices; Specific Estimating Software Presentations; Solicitations; Format; Overhead Costs; Understanding OSHPD3; Electrical; Framing Takeoffs; Planning and Scheduling; BAS Estimating; Estimating Software Available; Estimating Uniques vs. Book Units; Creating Historical Data Bases; LEED projects and green building; project cost adjustment for time and location; Integrated on-screen takeoff & pricing; Mechanical - Controls; ON Screen Takeoff; How to identify a complete scope of work from a sub.; Electronic Plan Rooms; half day sessions on trade specific estimating; Intermediate Estimating Classes; Estimating Location Adjustments & Escalation Adjustments & Change Order Estimating; Estimating as a Business - Insurances and Professional Liabilities; Legal Obligations; Scheduling for Estimators; Estimating Software; Project Scheduling; Computor Estimating; On Screen Take Off; Cost Trending during early design; Risk analysis; Conceptual Estimating; Notification of material price increases; Legal Issues; Aptitude / Attitude; Cost reporting in different market segments; Cost Management Strategy for negotiated jobs; Time Management; MEP Estimating for Dummies; Data Management & Updating Tech; MEP; R.S. Means Techniques for speed; Mechanical - HVAC & Control Systems; Chapter Development; Developing Historical Databases; Cost of green/sustainable construction; Time Allottment to Bid; BIM Building Information Model; Building conceptual budgets quickly; tools of the trade; How to use new estimating software (on screen take off, ITB systems, etc.); LEEDS - Green Buildings; More hands-on training; Building Information Modeling - How will this affect estimators in the future?; Construction Scheduling; What does LEED cost?; Metal Framing; pipefitting; Delivery methods and cost impacts; Estimating LEED Projects; the latest estimating techknowlegy; ESTIMATING GENERAL CONDITIONS; Estimator Resources; conceptual estimating; Quantative Take-off vs Assembly or Sq Ft.; Bid Solicatation; Electrical Conceptual Estimating; Quick Checks for accuracy; Estimating for design build projects; Electrical Estimating; Estimating Water Treatment Facilities and Piping; estimate review techniques / checks / tips; Computer Estimating Advanced Topics; see previous; Estimating Methodology; OSHA regulations update; General Condition Requirements; Elecrtronic Takeoff; Managing the estimating process; How to Deal with Escalating Costs; technical papers; Budget Estimating for Negotiated work; M & E Conceptual Estimating; City Cost Adjustments; Detailed Concrete Estimate; Developing hours and production rates for labor productivity; Estimating for Design-Build work; Estimating Soft Costs ie: Taxes, Insu,Home Office overhead, Transportation, Delivery Costs, Cost of funding; Electrical Estimating; Leed's; Market Conditions; Estimating Ethics; How to Eliminate Scope Gaps; How to Identify Factors that Affect Productivity; Unit Prices and inflation; Value Engineering; Any; How to deal with material and labor cost increases; Estimating the Scope of Work; Standarzation; Products; Division 15 & 16; Labor Productivity; Square Foot Estimating; Insurance; crew composition and pricing of labor; Basic Methods; estimating software; Sheetmetal; Claim cost analysis (Pre construction analysis); Insurance; Takeoff Tools and BIM; Network; Masonry Estimating; Scheduing; Estimating training programs for mgmt trainees; Software availible to meet firms needs; safety; Estimating HVAC; Alternative energy systems ie. solar,wind,geothermal,etc; Recruiting; Not Specified; Equipment Installation: Treatment Plants, Power Houses; Ethics; genl= separate u/p for L+M+Q (union+non); On-line Sources for Pricing Information; Ethics; Techniques for assessing market pressures on bids.; On-Screen Takeoff; Productivity factors; Estimating Construction Defects; Fastest way to Take-Off Finishes; Mechanical Sheetmetal; General Conditions; State use of CPE's; Estimating - manhour, material, sc, equipment breakout; For subcontracors, "How to submit a proper bid".; developing labor rates; Site Work; Cost Drivers by Trade (Especially MEP); HVAC estimating; Exterior Closure - Price related; Structural Steel Standards; HVAC Estimating for non-mech. estimators; Public Speaking for Estimators & professional Conduct.; document control / on-line services?; ALLOWING MORE WOMAN OWNED BUSINESSES IN THE ESTIMATING FIELD; Importance of including Div 1 spec requirement s when doing sub estimate; Estimating email processes document management, pdf files etc; How to integrate 5D modeling into a project; Power Heavy Process Equipment Erection (Boiler, T/Generator, AQCS); Estimating HVAC; Maintaining Historical Data; Choosing Software; earthwork estimating; Construction Management Cost; Historical Database Management; estimating by CSI divisions; MEP Takeoffs & Estimating; New computer technology.; Estimate development through the Estimate Classifications; Increasing sub coverage on competitive bids; Senior level instructors; scheduling/pricing/plan & spec reading; Warranty/Punchlist; indirect job expenses; Standardization of the Estimating Practice; Earth work; Using the Estimate as a Prj. Mgmt .Tool; Estimating Systems-; On Screen Take Off; Budgeting for LEED; Design Build Planing; Value engineering the right way (SAVE); |
| Topic 3 Career advancement; masonry/concrete; organizational skills; How to use a computer to save estimating time; Basic Education; Concrete Estimating; Multiple projects organization; Estimating for Developer vs General Contractor; Electrical/ Telephone & Data; A Master Cerification; Roundtable on identifying subs in new market areas; Electrical; market trends/ future costs; Site nomenclature; Escalation; worth; understanding specifications; pulling a project together; New Products; Specialized Certifications; Bio-tech; how to use _____ software for estimating; TENANT IMPROVEMENT ESTIMATING; Management topics; Software for Estimating; Pricing General Conditions, Overhead and Profit; Estimating w/BIM; Estimating High-Voltage/Medium Voltage; How to Develop more Estimators; Bidding Procedures; Scheduling; Scope Development; reading the architect's intensions; Preconstruction Management; On Screen Take Off; Alternate Delivery methods; Anything related to subcontractors.; Estimate Integration with Schedule, Accounting Purchasing (I teach this); Estimating Industry Standards & Practices; presentation; Transfer of Liability; Unit Costing; Mechanical; Subcontractor Overhead & Profit Structure; Life Cycle Cost Analysis; Awareness of Available Trade Labor; Managing Cost Information; sub, general and owner relations; How to sell the concept of contingency to clients; Electrical - Swithchgear; Buy Out of Projects; Vertical Construction and increase efficency.; Elimination of errors and omissions; sessions on how an estimate is used...what happens to it through construction; Advanced Estimating Classes; Various Specialty Trade; General Conditions, Fee, Insurance & Risk; Take-off & estimating earthwork; LEED; Estimate vs Job Cost; Developing indirect costs; Mark up Stategy; What to look for in Scoping MEP's bids; Escalation; Specialized Topics as brakeouts; Networking; Cost modeling; Take off stragegy for subcontracted scopes.; Ethics; How to turn estimating knowledge into a professional estimating seminar; Software types, uses, and info; CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS; Estimating Earthwork; Roofing - EPDM and Metal Roofing Systems; Using Historical Data for Budgeting or Sq Ft pricing; Using labor Coefficients; estimating in a volatile escalation market; Risk Considerations; Subcontractor relationship; Material price escalations--how to deal with them; reduction of estimating time; How to approach conceptual estimating for different market segments; Estimating Ethics; Going through examples on how to do an estimate rather than just talking about the procedure used; Construction Waste Recycling; Estimating / Digitizer Software; A series of topics given by subs talking about what things they watch for when they do their estimates.; Electrical; caissons & piling; Escalation; Future Trends in construction-Project Delivery Methods; Estimating Voice & Data; ESTIMATING CHANGE ORDERS; newestimating tools & their uses; On screen takeoff; Plumbing Conceptual Estimating; Knowledge of rates; Tracking costs through design phase; Instrumentation & Controls Estimating; Estimating Transportation Projects; data management / historical costs; "General Conditions"; Steel Erection; Change Order estimating; Trade Specific Presentation - 1/2 segments; Managing Risk on Projects; Estimating w Excel hands-on lab; Current Trends in Estimating Technology; Predicting Inflation; Overview of MEP Estimates; Developing Indirect Cost Estimates; Estimating Green Buildings; Estimating True CO Impact Costs, TVM, etc.; Conceptual Cost Modeling; Pros Cons Estimating Software; Certification Program for new members; Use & Benefits of Prime Bid Software; How to Identify and Deal with High Rates of Spot Escalation; New Materials & unit costs; New inovations in Construction; Any; New estimating software products for estimators; Keeping Current with Labor/Material Costs; Prrepairing to start estimating projects; Seminars; CSI master formats; Detailed Concpetual Estimating; Advance Electrical Estimating; Site-Earthwork; risk assessment and valuation; Potential Unknowns; hard bid techniques and strategies; Plumbing; Legal/Claim cost - allowable costs; Open Book, Design/Build estimating methodologies; Training Programs; Establishing better Productivity History; MEP fro non MEP's - estimating; PreCon client marketing strategy(s) on value of professional estimating services; conceptual estimating; knowing your costs; Estimating PLBG; Alternate Delivery Systems and how to Estimate them, GMP, Design/Build/, CM @ Risk; Not Specified; Isometrics Drawings; Indexing; mech+elct= u/p values, (+area adjustments); Productivity Impact Studies; Fireproofing/Firestopping; Maintaining bidder feedback.; Excel; location factors; Scheduling for Estimators; Escalation - Good way to predict %; Mechanical Piping; New CSI Format; General Conditions & Soft Costs; How to do Life Cycle Costing; developing data; Bidding Strategies of Preparing Competitive (Estimates) and Submitting (Proposals); Trade specific estimating overview - cost variables; Internet Services for finding prices for related; Bidding Strategy/Fee considerations; How to conduct a Meeting.; addendum comprehension; MINORITIES AND WOMAN OWNED BUSINESSES A COMPLETE COURSE IN THE FIELD OF ESTIMATING; Differing requirements when doing estimates at differing stages of a project; Excel at all levels; Hosting a recruiting event; Food Processing Process Equipment Erection; Budget Pricing; Choosing projects to bid.; estimate presentation; Unit Cost Estimating; Scheduling; Estimating in the Industrial Market.; Estimate Databases and management; New estimating technology; Estimating Software Demonstrations; bid solicitation/forms/digitizer-excel basics; Successful Estimating Procedures; Structural Steel; Forensic Estimating; Mechanical Systems; M2 System; Methods of Bid Advertising; Subcontractor Management; Contingency and escalation; |
| 6. If you were going to attend an Estimating Academy, would you like the format to be: |
| 14 presentation -- power point |
| 15 some hands-on lectures for topics such as software training |
| 236 A mix between presentations and hands-on lectures |
| 7. Which months of the year would be best for you to attend an Estimating Academy? (Please mark all that apply) |
| 113 - Jan | 50 - May | 49 - Sept |
| 127 - Feb | 44 - June | 81 - Oct |
| 97 - Mar | 52 - July | 68 - Nov |
| 68 - Apr | 39 - Aug | 51 - Dec |
| 8. Where would you prefer to attend an Estimating Academy? |
| 127 -- Local |
| 97 -- Regional |
| 46 -- National Event |
| 2 -- None |
| 9. ASPE offers Estimating Academies at Local, Regional and National events. Please indicate for each type of event what duration you feel an estimating Academy should be: | |||||
| Local | 42-- 1/2 Day | 128--1 Day | 77--2 Days | 3--None | |
| Regional | 7-- 1/2 Day | 91--1 Day | 120--2 Days | 3--None | |
| National | 7-- 1/2 Day | 26--1 Day | 154--2 Days | 13--None | |
| 10. Which of the following times would you prefer to have the Estimating Academy held? (Please mark all that apply) |
| 40 - Starting on Monday |
| 67 - Starting on Tuesday |
| 150 - End of week ending on Friday |
| 61 - End of week ending on Saturday |
| 11. How important is it to you for Estimating Academy to be held in conjunction with ASPE’s annual convention? (Mark only one) |
| 15 - Extremely |
| 34 - Very |
| 56 - Somewhat |
| 132 - Does not matter |
| 37 - I would prefer that it is not held in conjunction with the annual convention |
| 12. If you attended an Estimating Academy, would your employer sponsor you to attend? |
| 180 - Yes |
| 29 - No |
| 58 - Partial sponsorship by employer |
| 13. Would receiving Continuing Education (Con Ed) credits from AIA, AACE, CSI, State Licensing or other organizations influence your decision to attend an Estimating Academy? (Mark only one) |
| 236 - I would attend with or without Con Ed credit |
| 26 - I would only attend if Con Ed credits are available |
| 14. Which Con Ed’s are you interested in? (Please mark all that apply) |
| 38 - AIA |
| 48 - AACE |
| 66 - CSI |
| State Licensing (which State) |
| States NY; CO; CA; PR; Professional Engineer, Oregon; NV; FL; MD; Cecil County, Maryland; Oregon; California; Colorado; Puerto Rico; Nevada & California; Pennsylvania; Texas; nv, az; Iowa; California CCE program; Florida; Florida; Pennsylvania; Tennessee; North Dakota; maryland; Nevada; Michigan; FL; Florida; Florida; New Jersery; Florida; TN; Florida; Alabama, Guam; New York; Florida; Iowa; TX; |
| Other Continuing Education Credits |
| CPE; ASPE; CPE ?!!; CPE, LEED; IICRC, CRS,; none; CPE; Unimportant; Not Specified; Continuing Certification Points; PMI; RICS; Pubilc Work Contracts , Etc.; ASPE; ASPE CPE; Do not apply to me.; CMAA - Construction Management Assoc. of America; Professional Engineer; Professional Development Units - PDUs (see Project Management Institute www.pmi.org); none; Construction Engineering; DBIA; |
| 15. How interested would you be in being a presenter at an Estimating Academy? |
| 35 - Very Interested |
| 59 - Interested |
| .172 - Not Interested |
| 16. Which of the following estimating software packages would you like training on? (Mark all that apply). |
| 68 - MC2 |
| 11 - Quest |
| 114 - Timberline |
| 33 - WinEst |
| 116 - On-Screen Takeoff |
| 17 - Vertigraphs BidScreen |
| 11 - Capture |
| 113 - Excel |
| 58 - Customized based upon a spreadsheet |
| 0 - Customized programmed software |
| 0 - Other |
| 17. Other comments you would like to give to the National Education Board: (limit 255 characters) |
| Comments -- You all are doing an exceptional job especially that Ed Board Rep representing the ASPE Northeast 16 Chapters. Please congratulate him for me. -- I would like to see a Nation Wide Certification that it is industry wide accepted to put all estimators on the same playing field. -- More information and documentation on the value and direct benefit of the ASPE and the CPE Certification. -- Due more at a local level/regional level. Have academy at least one day per quarter. -- I would like to know more about being a Certified Cost Estimator. Can you send me some information? Thanks Rick Aguilar - Sacramento Chapter, California. 209-795-9300 -- I would like to see a program set up for senior estimators to go to class and earn the CPE. It is difficult for us as parents / grandparents to spend the time, but I believe it is important that one goal all members should have is the CPE. Also, it woul -- THIS IS A GREAT FIRST STEP IN HELPING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MEMBERSHIP. ALL THE BEST TO YOU, KEVIN, AS YOU CONTINUE THIS PROCESS. -- Now that I am dead overhead, I no longer practice estimating. I answered the questions based on the needs of the estimators in my company. -- Not sure where all this is leading. I am passionate about professional education and making it available to those in the construction industry. It benefits us personally and professionally. My time is rather limited (as we are all busy). I am interest -- Total Document Processing from pre-bidding plan review to writing contracts, scheduling, quantifying utility costs accurately prior to bid, how to estimate traffic fees accessed in a building permit. etc. -- IS the Society interested in supporting local academies or in running its own in local venues? We have not seen the Society getting involved in local affairs and we are planning our own next February in the Cincinnati, Ohio area (the chapter is 14 months -- I would like to learn from subcontractors in order to improve my estimating skill. I estimate all divisions. There are no formal classes (that I am aware of) for this type of estimating. Anything ASPE can provide in arranging subcontractors to teach wo -- This is a good survey, but it should have started out with what an Estimating Acadamey is and does. Never have been to one. I've made a guess as to what it is and answered the questions above based on these assumptions. -- My attending a conference would depend on when it was held and what programs where being presented. -- I would be interested in refresher estimating courses covering all aspects of general building estimating, and perhaps in a recertification process whereby we old grizzled estimators can test and update our skills. -- It is nice to see an expanding focus for the Board. Although I may have limited skills to offer, at the end of my current Chapter role, I would consider helping the National Education Board in some manner. -- I would like to see a few areas increase such as design build estimating and increasing effecencies in construction labor, equipment, materials. Finally more LEED stuff. Thanks, Jon -- The classes at this years national convention estimating academy did not have enough time to cover the entire subject matter in some case and there was no time allowed between classes and thus the setup for change of speakers took place in the time actual -- good luck! -- As I am in Canada, it is difficult to attend the National Conventions, although I intend on doing it very soon. ASPE is a very small group in Canada and the designation is not well know. My answers above may not be relivent. Many of the designations re -- Classes should come with detailed handouts and instructions for: Takeoff, Pricing extentions and analyis. -- As a Sole Proprietor, Most of my work is with a very few clients, and I am gathering technology and equipment to branch out my client base and resources. I'd like very detailed feedback and a sharing of resouces amongst estimators - passing on the knowled -- Cincinnati Chapter #38 is planning a local academy for Feb '07. How can the National Ed Bd assist or co-host, etc? -- Timberline offers free software for schools and colleges. As a certified trainer for Timberline, I would like to see the ASPE add Timberline to our training format either through a local college or the ASPE. -- I think this is a very important function of ASPE. -- I have attended all the Estimating Academies but 2 since Cleveland that were held in conjunction with the National Convention and they have gotten better every year. Our Chapter is now co-hosting an Estimating Academy with WIAGC. They insist on out of s -- Currently working as a Project Manager so my ability to attend any meeting would be nil. Continuing Education Credits are important for anyone like me who is a licensed engineer. -- Topics need to be beneficial for all estimators / sales people. Topics should be applicable to construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. -- Thanks for you time and efforts -- Good survey questionaire. We appreciate your dedication and hard work for ASPE! -- Keep up the good work, we appreciate your efforts and look forward to reviewing the Acamdemy programs for 2006-07. -- This Board does a fantastic job of organizing the national academy! The only suggestions I would have is to continually get new topics at the academy. The last few years of estimating academys, at the national level, have focused around the same topics. -- I have presented on a topic called "A contractor's perspective on pricing and building green" which I would be happy to tailor to an estimating class and present at an academy. -- Would like assistance in promotion of Estimating Academies at the local level -- I think topics may need to vary in length. For example - Estimating LEED Green buildings could easily take a whole day assuming that someone was already familiar with the program. Others courses might be best offered in 2 hour segments. Thus, I think flex -- Keep up the good work! -- Thanks for the opportunity to voice my opinion. Gordon -- should be part of ASPE certification When will ASPE certification switch to CE's? We need to be more in line with other orgs and to take advantage of their offerings. I have gone as about as far as I can in learning from ASPE sources, as presently existi -- I attended the recent academy at the National Convention and found it informative and pertinent. The mix of seminars offered was diverse, and provided a good selection of choices. -- Include seminars as part of the National Convention registration fee and run numerous 1-2hour topics on different 2-3 tracks including ASPE Chapter Workshops as a track. -- We are all busy - could you do the Estimator Certification on line? -- I would prefer CE credits, but it is not a life or death issue. -- I am retired and work part-time at New York State EMO. I feel that the younger people should be trained as I commented because when I left full-time employment, the new people were not versed in "common sense" mathematical procedures like checking your work. -- I found your web site from the ASC site. I am interested in joining through MN State University, Mankato. I am also able to present estimating seminars, if desired. -- If there were an interest in Process Plant construction, I can provide extensive training. I'd be happy to send you copies of presentations I made at AACEI only becasue there has been no interest at ASPE. ASPE is my preference of choice, but my current expertise is in VERY BIG process plants (currently the lead on an $8 billion Upgrader in Alberta Canada). I wish you the best of success in your endeavors. Call me on my cell at 610-304-5059 if you ever have anyone interested. -- Schedule training around local or regional issues that will benefit employers. If ASPE provides a proven benefit to employers, they will send individuals and support society. I think tying in with AGC and ABC would be good. -- Interfacing w/ otheer organizations such as RICS, CMA, PMI, AACE. Also, fyi, AACE is planning to have their own estimating certification, how will this impact aspe? -- The talent level of the presenters varies at the National Academies I have attended. Some have been very good, while others just shared war stories and did not teach anything. For the most part it was when a presenter backed out and someone filled in that the classes sucked. When 20 to 30 people have registered for a class advetised with a highly qualified instructor and a replacement shows up that is not qualified it makes a very bad impression. This happened to me and has factored into my companies decision on whether or not we send anyone to the National Academy. -- It would be beneficial to see you do something with this information so ASPE can regain the lead in educating the estimators and upcoming estimators in our profession. Seminars should be 2 ½ days to 3 days in length. if you were to research the previous conventions you would see that the price to attend the education seesions used to be included in the registration for the convention. This is a member benfit that has disappeared in recent times. -- I am a Regional Sales Manager who has limited travel scope. An Estimating Academy (unless held locally) would most likely be attended by staff from our Corporate offices in NY. My answers to this survey reflect our local market involvement and that we do not estimate projects for construction (yet provide access to "tools" to do so). We, however, support those who do the construction estimating through our various services. Being a member of ASPE is important to The Blue Book, so we are active locally and gladly support the local chapter and the National organization. -- 1) We have placed so much emphasis on "How to Estimate the Cost of ..." direct costs of construction, we may be neglecting valuable perspective of "big picture" matter such as labor productivity and escalation that substantially influence our estimates. 2) I believe we would increase attendance at estimating academys by offering short programs locally during evenings and/or on Saturdays. Time off during the week and extensive travel makes attendance difficult for many. -- One of the recent chalenges in estimating is the affects of Leed. There have been some new inovations(or new to US construction)such as rain screen exterior wall systems and vegitated roofs that need to be addressed. -- Please keep in perspective the target audience. Most of which will be sub-contractors in varied disciplines, while some are more general. We should offer up something for all disciplines to benefit. Great survey! good luck with the findings. -- Give us a license with all state and federal agencies -- I would like to gain CPE certification. Can this be done for only electrical? -- Topics should cover real estimating for whatever designated specific disciplines training is targeted for. Academies should not be used for software instruction/training. Instruction/training duration with good material should be 5 days -- One of the most common problems from estimator to estimator is labor hour type estimating, unless working with or for a subcontractor. Those who do not work for a subcontractor typically rely upon labor costs per unit of material rahter than labor hours per unit of materials. For the larger divisions (sitework, concrete, metals, mechanical, electrical and plumbing) one would have to have worked with a subcontractor for all three in order to understand productivity and labor hour estimating. That is unless there were a school or academy that taught this in multiple sessions. -- Gentlemen, At the conventions I have attended I was impressed by the programs offered. The seven convention I attended had seminars included so I attended each one. -- Last year I completed my paper for ASPE Certification, one other person in my chapter also completed his. When it came time for testing, my work load was such that I could not test on the dates given to me. The other person and the chair ignored my concerns over those dates and went ahead and tested. I ofcourse was given a failure. As many of you know a great deal of effort goes into preparing a paper, and to not be able to complete the process because of work load, has left me with no interest in continuing, and a feeling that it is over rated. -- This questionnaire does not apply to me. -- Perhaps the Ed Board would consider offering two "tracks"; one for estimators with 3-5 years experience that deals with more specific estimating topics and another "executive" level for senior and chief estimators that would address topics like risk analysis/migitation, staff development and organization, estimating for collaborative versus hard bid projects, etc.... -- I recently took the GEK test at the national convention. Being a Mechanical Estimator I was surprised that the content had more to do will company financials than it did estimating. I believe that this makes it much more difficult for trade specific estimators. -- Hi Kevin, Vertigraph would be interested in discussing automating any takeoff and estimating process. With heavy emphasis on eTakeoff tools and the future of quantity takeoff with BIM. We would also like to present an educational/training session regarding our new BidScreen XL version 3 software. It may be beneficial to show all eTakeoff tools together and allow the vendors to compare and contrast all products presented in one setting. For example, allow a 20 minute presentation for each vendor in random order with followup questions and answers at the end. Attendees will be able to clearly see and evaluate the differences along with the various benefits and costs of all the products. -- None -- none -- Im a mechanical estimator. I would like to become a CPE. -- Dispite what changes are or are not carried out by virtue of survey information, I have always enjoyed the estimating academy, They are filled with informative instructors and good speakers in my opinon. Thanks Very Much -- Not Specified -- WITHOUT VERY MUCH FORETHOUGHT, MY PREFERENCES STATED ABOVE ARE BY FIRST IMPULSE ONLY, SO THEY ARE SUBJECT CHANGE. ASPE SHOULD SPONSOR, DEVELOP AND PUBLISH THEIR OWN ESTIMATING BOOK. SEPARATE BOOKS FOR ALL GENERAL WORK, MECH+ELCT TRADES. ONLY SUPPORTIVE WORK (LIKE TRENCH + COVER) COULD DULICATED INTO EACH BOOK. JUST ONE EXAMPLE= THERE COULD BE MULTIPLE EXAMPLES OF A SINGLE ACTIVITY, SUCH AS SAWCUTTING AND COREDRILLS TO FLATWORK/WALLWORK. ALTHOUGH WE ALL WANT TO LEARN MORE, MANY INDIVIDUALS STILL WANT TO SIT ON THEIR HARD EARNED EXPERIENCE AND RESIST SHARING IT WITH OTHERS. JUST TWO EXAMPLES ARE THE SHORTCUTS STEEL WEIGHT AND LUMBER MEASURE. confidential #1= there are several levels of labor cost= regional, union, nonunion, piecework. confidential #2 whatever the wage, civil service nearly always has the lowest production. -- Kevin, I attended the Est Acad in Key Bisq, but due to client conflicts I was not able to in CA. Keep up the good work you are doing. I hope my schedule will permit more support this year. Thanks for the reminder email. -- I would like to see those of us who participate in convention be able to attend the Estimating Academy also. -- Thanks -- The above listed software suppliers should be attendies at the national convention. The Estimating Academy should be part of the ASPE Certified Estimator program for continuing education requirements. -- I am the third vice president in the Chicago ASPE Chapter #7. If you could offer some advice on how we should schedule bi-monthly events I would be thankful for any advice. Also could offer some suggestions on what events to hold? With your survey hopefully you will find out what people in the construction industry are interested in. -- IT IS GOOD YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO TEACH YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO. MAY BE YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING OUTSIDE THE SOCIETY. ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, MINORITIES, WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS, SUBCONTRACTORS. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO COULD USE THIS KNOWLEDGE AND ARE SEARCHING FOR IT. AS A FELLOW EDUCATOR IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE THE TALENT THAT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU. THERE ARE MANY MINDS OUT THERE THAT WANT TO ABSORB THE KNOWLEDGE WE HAVE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE IT TO THEM. -- My interest is in training opportunities for our junior & senior estimators. This then is at both the basic and advanced levels. It needs to be local/ regional if possible because it is hard to step out of our day jobs. Months of the year in which to hold the training is tough to tell - we get slammed with work all the time when ever we think there is going to be a slow period. Thank you for the good work in providing Estimating Academy training opportunities. -- thanks -- education is vital and continuing education is very important! -- Keep up the good work. -- Keep on trying. I know time is short and I appreciate all your work. -- Something BIG needs to happen to speed up notifications after taking certification tests and submitting the paper. Turned in paper June 1 and this is second week of Sept with no response. AND something needs to speed up the process for approving the paper topic faster. Submit by Dec 1 and then finally notified about topic middle of Feb? -- Vigorous recruiting in general contractor's and subcontractor's estimating departments needs to happen nationwide. |