Key Points
FEMA’s Cost Estimating Format (CEF) is a uniform methodology that is applied when determining the cost of eligible permanent work for large construction projects. Skilled FEMA specialists partner with grant applicants to develop clear damage descriptions and scopes of work that capture the work needed to repair, restore or replace facilities damaged as a result of a declared disaster.
Applicants benefit from using the CEF because:
- Administrative costs are reduced
- The project’s budget will reflect an upfront calculation
- Large projects can be managed with a greater degree of confidence
Detailed Discussion
The Cost Estimating Format Tool
CEF is comprised of eight parts that reflect the proposed costs associated with each large project. The structure of the tool mirrors the applicant-general contractor-subcontractor relationship for eligible work.
- Part A - Base construction cost for labor, equipment and materials required to perform eligible work.
- Part B – Costs associated with work execution such as temporary services and utilities, safety and security measures, field supervision, quality control and administrative submittals.
- Part C – Construction cost contingencies such as project unknowns and complexities, and the degree of difficulty for site access, storage, and staging.
- Part D – Applies to contracted work for the general (or prime) contractor's home office overhead, insurance, bonds, and profit.
- Part E – Accounts for cost escalation at certain points over the duration of the project.
- Part F – Fees for building permits, plan checks and special reviews.
- Part G – Owner's reserve for change orders and differing site conditions.
- Part H – The applicant's project management and design costs.