Overview
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 826 provides guidance for estimating preconstruction services (PCS) costs for transportation projects. PCS includes project-specific engineering and other professional services performed before construction, whether provided by agency staff or consultants.
This guidebook describes the main sources and components of PCS costs, estimation methods, and trends that may affect costs, including changes in technology, design standards, program requirements, and the professional workforce. It also discusses agency policies and practices that can help manage risk through improved cost estimates.