Which systems should be separated?
Use the project work breakdown and Division 26 sections as the starting structure. Separate utility, medium voltage, generators, UPS, switchgear, distribution, grounding, lighting, controls and interfaces when the documents support that split.
| System | Measure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Medium voltage | Equipment, cable and terminations | SLD and schedule |
| Emergency power | Generators, fuel and connections | Equipment and plant drawings |
| UPS and batteries | Units, bypass and distribution | UPS schedule and SLD |
| Branch distribution | Panels, feeders and devices | Plans and schedules |
| Testing | Required records and witnesses | Specification and ITP |
Sources: Construction Specifications Institute: MasterFormat 2026, National Fire Protection Association: NFPA 70, National Electrical Code
How should drawings and schedules be reconciled?
Use tags as the bridge between plan, elevation, single line and equipment schedule. Flag an item shown in one source but absent from another. Do not create a quantity from a typical detail unless the project makes that detail applicable.
- Record drawing number and revision
- Keep measured and allowance quantities separate
- Note equipment supplied by others
- Flag missing routes or terminations
- Review interfaces before pricing
What is the final takeoff review?
Filter the takeoff for unreferenced rows, inconsistent tags, open scope and quantities changed by addenda. The estimate basis should make those issues visible to the reviewer.
Sources: Telecommunications Industry Association: ANSI/TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers, Uptime Institute: Tier Standard: Topology
Common questions
What else should the bid team know?
Does a checklist produce a complete estimate?
No. It controls the review. Quantities, rates, scope and commercial treatment still need project inputs and estimator approval.
Can data center work be estimated from the room name alone?
No. Use the issued drawings, schedules, specifications, interfaces and equipment information. A room label is not a quantity basis.
Who approves engineering assumptions?
The responsible project engineer approves technical design assumptions. The estimator controls the pricing treatment and records the source.
Primary sources
- MasterFormat 2026Construction Specifications Institute
- NFPA 70, National Electrical CodeNational Fire Protection Association
- ANSI/TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data CentersTelecommunications Industry Association
- Tier Standard: TopologyUptime Institute