In the highly competitive engineering environment of today, obtaining projects and guaranteeing financial sustainability depend heavily on precise pre-bid estimates. Businesses can make well-informed decisions on project feasibility, budgeting, and resource allocation with the aid of a well-structured approximation, which offers a thorough cost breakdown. It takes a thorough grasp of numerous technical specialties, project complexity, and industry norms to produce accurate cost estimates, though. In this situation, multidisciplinary engineering teams are useful. Through the integration of knowledge from several disciplines, businesses can improve accuracy in pre-bid estimations, reduce risks, and obtain a competitive edge. By offering accurate pre-bid estimates, Rishabh Engineering’s vast multidisciplinary design engineering experience helps clients maximize their bidding process and enhance project results.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance & potential challenges with pre-bid estimations and how a multidiscipline design engineering company can help enhance efficiency.

Pre-bid estimations serve as the foundation for project planning and execution. They help:

• Determine project feasibility: Assessing expenses, resources, and schedules helps ensure that the project is feasible right from the beginning.
• Enhance bid competitiveness: Accurate cost estimates increase the chances of winning bids while ensuring profitability.
• Minimize financial risks: Reduce the likelihood of unforeseen costs and cost overruns to lower financial risks.
• Streamline procurement and planning: Make procurement and planning easier by providing accurate information on project schedules, labor costs, and material requirements.

Discover how multidisciplinary engineering enhances pre-bid success by improving bid quality, reducing risks, and ensuring seamless project execution. Read more on the strategic value of pre-bid engineering.

Despite their significance, pre-bid estimations present several challenges:

• Incomplete project details: Many projects have undefined scope elements at the bidding stage.
• Uncertain market conditions: Fluctuating material prices, labor costs, and regulatory changes can impact estimations.
• Integration of multiple disciplines: Civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering all contribute to cost estimation.
• Lack of historical data: Insufficient reference projects can lead to inaccurate cost predictions.
• Technology limitations: Using outdated or incompatible software can hinder precise estimations.

A multidisciplinary engineering team brings together professionals from various engineering disciplines to ensure comprehensive and accurate pre-bid estimations. Here’s how:

1. Integrated Approach for Comprehensive Costing

Each discipline plays a crucial role in accurate pre-bid estimates:

• Process Engineering: Defines system specifications, material requirements, and equipment selection.
• Mechanical Engineering: Estimates costs for piping, equipment, and mechanical components.
• Civil & Structural Engineering: Determines structural loads, foundations, and material needs.
• Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering: Assesses power distribution, control systems, and instrumentation.
• Project Management & Planning: Integrates inputs to form a complete cost estimation package.

2. Use of Advanced Engineering Software

Pre-bid estimations require sophisticated tools to improve accuracy. They leverage industry-leading software such as:

• Aspen HYSYS, HTRI – For process simulations and heat exchanger design
• CAESAR II, AutoPIPE – For pipe stress analysis
• STAAD.Pro, Tekla – For structural analysis and modeling.
• MS Project – For scheduling and cost control.

3. Standardization and Compliance with Industry Codes

Ensuring compliance with international codes and standards such as ASME, API, AISC, NFPA, and IEC and more helps reduce estimation errors. A multidisciplinary team ensures every aspect of the project aligns with regulatory requirements, thereby avoiding costly modifications later.

4. Risk Identification and Mitigation

Pre-bid engineering focus includes risk analysis to identify potential cost escalations due to:

• Design complexities
• Site conditions and constraints
• Vendor limitations
• Safety and environmental considerations

By conducting feasibility studies and risk assessments, a multidisciplinary engineering team minimizes uncertainties in cost estimation.

Rishabh Engineering offers a structured approach to pre-bid estimation accuracy through multidisciplinary expertise. Our services include:

1. Detailed Cost Estimation & Budgeting

Our team provides itemized cost estimates covering:

• Material take-offs
• Labor and installation costs
• Equipment and procurement costs
• Contingency and escalation factors

2. Value Engineering & Optimization

Through in-depth analysis, we identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality. This includes:

• Alternative material selection
• Efficient layout designs
• Modularization strategies

3. Feasibility & Concept Studies

Before bidding, we conduct thorough feasibility studies covering:

• Project scope definition
• Preliminary design and engineering
• Site suitability analysis

4. Procurement & Vendor Support

We assist clients in:

• Vendor selection and evaluation
• Cost benchmarking
• Technical bid analysis

5. Scheduling & Planning Support

Using scheduling tools, we provide:

• Critical path analysis
• Resource loading and allocation
• Time and cost forecasting

6. 3D Modeling & Simulation

Leveraging software like Navisworks and PDMS, we create:

• Digital prototypes for cost validation
• Clash detection analysis to reduce rework costs

Client:

A major Southeast Asian energy company operating a power station in Singapore. The client required pre-bid engineering support for natural gas compressor systems to address critical pressure drops affecting turbine operations.

Challenges:

• The power station faced a significant pressure drop in its natural gas supply, posing a risk of turbine shutdowns.
• Existing reciprocating compressors at CCP 1 & 2 required modifications to optimize performance.
• New compressor systems were needed for CCP 3 & 4, with provisions for future expansion.
• The client required a comprehensive pre-bid engineering package to ensure optimized system design, risk mitigation, and future scalability.

Solution Approach

Rishabh Engineering provided end-to-end pre-bid engineering support for engineering of natural gas compressor system, including:

• Compressor System Modifications: Redesigned reciprocating compressors at CCP 1 & 2 for a parallel 2×50% configuration, enhancing gas flow capacity.
• New Screw Compressor Design: Engineered two new screw compressors for CCP 3 & 4 with future expansion capabilities.
• Hydraulic Analysis: Conducted detailed calculations to optimize piping and compressor system performance.
• Updated P&IDs: Seamlessly integrated new and existing systems into the design.
• Procurement Assistance: Developed RFQs for compressors, buffer tanks, and air fin coolers.
• Multidisciplinary Layouts: Created detailed layouts and specifications covering piping, civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and firefighting systems.

Outcome

• Mitigated risks of pressure drop, ensuring uninterrupted gas turbine operations.
• Provided an optimized, scalable system design for future expansions.
• Enabled the client to enter the bidding phase with confidence, backed by a robust engineering package.
• Reduced operational risks and prepared the groundwork for seamless project execution.

Pre-bid estimates must be as accurate as possible to secure projects and guarantee financial success. By incorporating knowledge from multiple disciplines, using cutting-edge technology, and adhering to industry standards, a multidisciplinary engineering strategy improves precision.

Rishabh Engineering offers comprehensive cost estimation, risk analysis, value engineering, and procurement support as part of its end-to-end pre-bid engineering services to assist clients in optimizing their bid strategy. Our team’s commitment to accuracy and efficiency helps clients make educated bid decisions and complete projects successfully.

Our multidisciplinary engineering team optimizes pre-bid estimations, enhances accuracy, and helps you secure successful project bids with confidence.