Practice Test Geeks(PC) Professional Electrical Contractor Practice Test
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Bidding and Estimating Flashcards

7 cards from real PC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the primary purpose of a 'bid leveling' sheet when comparing subcontractor proposals?

    Answer: To adjust bids to a common scope baseline for fair comparison

    Bid leveling adjusts all proposals to the same scope baseline, ensuring that apparent price differences reflect cost, not missing or extra scope.

  2. A contractor's direct labor cost for a job is $95,000. If the labor burden rate is 42%, what total labor cost should be included in the estimate?

    Answer: $134,900

    $95,000 × 1.42 = $134,900, representing direct wages plus all associated burden costs like FICA, insurance, and benefits.

  3. Which term describes the practice of a general contractor using a subcontractor's bid to win a project, then negotiating a lower price after award?

    Answer: Bid shopping

    Bid shopping is the unethical practice of using a subcontractor's bid price to solicit lower prices from competitors after the prime contract is awarded.

  4. When estimating transformer installation, which cost factor is often overlooked by inexperienced estimators?

    Answer: Rigging, crane, and heavy equipment costs for placement

    Large transformers require cranes and rigging equipment for placement, which can be a significant cost that inexperienced estimators miss.

  5. A 'retention' clause in an electrical subcontract typically holds back what percentage of progress payments?

    Answer: 5-10%

    Standard retention rates are typically 5-10% of each progress payment, held by the owner until substantial completion to ensure project completion.

  6. Which item is NOT typically included in an electrical contractor's material estimate?

    Answer: Concrete formwork for equipment pads

    Concrete formwork is typically a civil or general contractor scope item; the electrical contractor installs equipment on prepared pads, not the formwork itself.

  7. What is the significance of the bid 'alternates' section in an invitation to bid?

    Answer: It requests separate pricing for optional scope additions or deductions

    Bid alternates allow owners to adjust project scope based on budget by accepting or rejecting separately priced optional additions or deductions.