RIICWM503A
Prepare civil works cost estimate

This unit covers the preparation of civil works cost estimates in Civil Construction. It includes planning for the civil works cost estimates process, confirming the bills of quantities and the schedules of rates, developing and gaining agreement on the estimated cost of the civil works project, and supporting and reviewing the application of the cost estimate.

Application

This unit is appropriate for those working in a management role or as a technical specialist, for the preparation of civil works cost estimates within:

Civil construction


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for the civil works bills of quantities

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Identify and confirm the civil works project requirements and information required for the preparation of the cost estimate

1.3. Review and confirm the draft works program that details the various tasks or activities to be undertaken to complete the required civil works

1.4. Confirm agreement on the draft works program

2. Confirm bills of quantities

2.1. Review and confirm the on-site labour bill of quantities for the civil works project

2.2. Review and confirm the materials bill of quantities for the civil works project

2.3. Review and confirm the sub-contractor services bill of quantities for the civil works project

3. Confirm the schedule of rates

3.1. Review and confirm the on-site labour bill of quantities for the civil works project

3.2. Review and confirm the materials bill of quantities

3.3. Review and confirm the sub-contractor services bill of quantities

4. Develop and gain agreement on the estimated cost of the civil works project

4.1. Apply the appropriate confirmed schedule of rates to the confirmed bill of quantities and estimate the civil works project cost

4.2. Gain approval of the civil works cost estimate

4.3. Complete and submit the documentation of the civil works cost estimate

5. Support and review the application of the cost estimate

5.1. Provide clarification and advice to those applying the cost estimate

5.2. Review the application of the cost estimate and recommend changes for the continuous improvements of civil works cost estimate preparation processes

Required Skills

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to prepare civil works cost estimates:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

interpret plans and drawings

interpret specifications

interpret Australian and other appropriate standards

interpret engineering survey information

interpret hydrological data

interpret geotechnical information

interpret civil works construction materials test results

interpret meteorological data

interpret cultural and heritage data

carry out risk assessments

interpret civil works options selection data

select civil works options

size civil works components

chose appropriate construction techniques

calculate areas, volumes, labour hours, materials quantities, sub-contractor service capabilities, productivity and required hours

apply computer based works planning technology

maintain cost records

provide clarification and advice

apply client feedback techniques

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to prepare civil works cost estimates:

risk assessment and management requirement and procedures

statutory compliance requirements and procedures

occupational health and safety requirements and procedures

environmental management requirements and procedures

cultural and heritage requirements and procedures

quality management requirements and procedures

communication requirements and procedures

Australian and other relevant standards requirements and procedures

industry and organisational construction procedures and practice

current industry best practice

civil works options

potential hazards, constraints and conditions that may affect civil works construction

current industry best practice in civil works construction

techniques for choosing preferred options

operational techniques required for the execution of civil works construction tasks

civil works construction plant and equipment capabilities

labour, materials and sub-contractor services estimation techniques

bill of quantities review principles and procedures

documentation requirements

reporting requirements and procedures

cost estimates approval requirements and procedures

cost estimates records filing requirements and procedures

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for the preparation of civil works cost estimates

implementation of procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient preparation of civil works cost estimates

the identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

the identification of viable options and the selection of civil works cost estimates that best meet the required outcomes

working with others to undertake and complete the preparation of civil works cost estimates

consistent successful preparation of civil works cost estimates

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Evidence for assessment is best gathered using the outcomes of products and processes of the workplace.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a civil works environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge to apply in undertaking of the preparation of civil works cost estimates

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of civil works cost estimates that best meet the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial and documentary evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the preparation of civil works cost estimates

provision of clear and timely required support and advice on the preparation of civil works cost estimates

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation

may include:

legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Confirm

may include:

consultation with the client(internal and external)

consultation with others within the organisation

consultation with relevant authorities

conducting a risk assessment of the existing and potential hazards

review and confirmation of bills of materials data

review and confirmation of the schedule of rates data

obtaining further site data, including:

known and potential hazards, constraints and conditions

cultural and heritage data

geological data

survey data

hydrological data

meteorological data

Project requirements and information

may include:

project specifications

contractual requirements

client's requirements

project site geological data

project site hydrological data

project site engineering survey data

project site cultural and heritage constraints

existing project design and drawings

Australian or other relevant standards

Civil works

may include:

land clearing

bulk earthworks

surface drainage works

water storage dams construction

tailings dams construction

topsoil management

rehabilitation works

road works preparation (including the sub grade)

pavement construction, including:

flexible pavements, including:

natural pavement materials

manufactured pavement materials

asphalt placement

spray seal application

stabilisation

rigid pavement construction

underground services construction

construction of civil structures

tunnelling

dredging


Sectors

Civil Works (Management and Supervision)


Competency Field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.