Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Estimating and Bidding (Face-to-Face)

CM 3240-01

Course: CM 3240-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ET
CRN: 30777

Course Description

Estimating plans and specifications to determine material quantities, labor, overhead, and profit on residential structures will be covered. Computerized estimating systems will be examined and used. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): MATH 1050 and MATH 1060 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C-

Required Texts

No textbook is required. Students will use instructor-generated and Web-based materials and their experience in heavy civil construction projects.

Required Software: 
  1. BlueBeam
  2. Insite Elevation
  3. Procore
  4. MS Project

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand the process of estimating, bidding, negotiation, contract award, and construction with the support of industry-standard software and emerging AI-enhanced tools for cost analysis and decision-making.
  • Demonstrate a cursory understanding of earthwork cross-section techniques and the preparation of piling calculations, incorporating AI-based terrain analysis and modeling tools where applicable.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing on concrete, formwork, and steel reinforcement using both traditional methods and AI-assisted estimation platforms for improved speed and accuracy.
  • Conduct quantity surveys and pricing of masonry work using structured workflows enhanced by AI-supported data extraction from drawings and specifications.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs for carpentry, finishes, doors, windows, and structural framing, integrating AI tools to streamline material recognition and cost prediction.
  • Develop complete bids including sub-bid analysis, overhead and profit, and related costs, with the use of AI algorithms to simulate competitive pricing scenarios and optimize bid strategy.
  • Evaluate equipment costs, depreciation, fuel use, and cycle times for heavy earthwork, using AI-enabled productivity and lifecycle analysis tools.
  • Prepare detailed project estimates using Bluebeam Revu, RSMeans, and selected AI-driven quantity takeoff and cost prediction tools introduced during the course.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in Procore software, and present a fully developed estimate for a prospective owner using integrated AI dashboards and reporting features for enhanced visualization and data interpretation.

Course Requirements

To successfully complete CM 3240, students are expected to engage in a combination of individual and group-based learning activities. The total course grade is based on 1,000 points, distributed across the following components:
1. Class Participation – 150 points
Active engagement in class discussions, group activities, and feedback sessions is essential. Students are expected to contribute constructively and attend regularly.
2. Hands-On Assignments (Individual Evaluation) – 100 points
These assignments focus on individual application of estimating and bidding principles, including AI-based estimating tools, manual quantity takeoffs, and pricing exercises.
3. Quizzes (Individual Evaluation) – 100 points
Short quizzes will assess understanding of key concepts related to estimating techniques, bidding procedures, cost components, and the integration of digital tools.
4. Computer Labs (Group Evaluation) – 150 points
Students will work in teams to complete structured lab assignments using industry-standard and AI-powered software platforms (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, RSMeans, and Procore). Team collaboration and equal participation are required.
5. Term Project (Group Evaluation) – 150 points
Groups will develop a comprehensive estimate and bid proposal for a simulated construction project. This includes cost breakdowns, bid documentation, and a formal group presentation using AI-driven estimating and reporting tools.
6. Mid-Term Exam (Group/Individual) – 175 points
The exam will consist of both individual and group components assessing knowledge and practical application of bidding procedures, cost estimation, and software usage.
7. Final Exam (Group/Individual) – 175 points
The final exam will evaluate cumulative understanding of the course material. It may include takeoff exercises, pricing scenarios, and group-based case studies.
Total: 1,000 Points
Successful completion of this course requires active participation, accurate and timely completion of assignments, demonstrated software competency, and engagement in collaborative projects.

Course Outline

Lectures/Modules will cover the following topics:
  1. Introduction to Cost and Engineering Economics
  2. Construction Project Cost Estimating
  3. Cost of Construction Equipment
  4. Project (01): Preparation of the Technical Proposal
  5. Measuring Quantities
  6. Project (02): Preparation of the Financial Proposal
  7. Quantity Takeoffs Using Bluebeam Revue
  8. Computer Labs of a Commercial Project
  9. Measuring and Pricing Siteworks
  10. Measuring and Pricing Excavation and Piling
  11. Measuring and Pricing Concrete Works
  12. Measuring and Pricing Masonry Works

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  1. Missed Lectures: Students are responsible for all material covered in class during an absence. Students who are absent from a lecture should ask a classmate or the instructor for lecture notes. The PowerPoint slides do not cover everything discussed in class. 
  2. Missed/Late Assignments: Contact the instructor to check about missed assignments. Students are responsible for completing assignments made on time during their absence. Assignments handed in late will be penalized 15% of the total point value for each class day late.
  3. Missed Quizzes: Quizzes are usually given during the first 10 minutes of class. There will be no makeups for missed quizzes. 
  4. Missed Labs: In-class portions of the labs cannot be made up. An absence will result in a 0 for that day’s lab activity, and the lowest lab grade will be dropped. When students are asked to finish a lab at home, labs handed in late will be penalized 15% of the total point value for each class day late.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required if you are registered for a Face-to-Face, Synchronous Remote, or Hybrid course. If you are ill, you may request that a faculty member record the class and share it with you or request other reasonable accommodations. Your instructor will work with you to develop a plan for completing coursework. To receive academic accommodations and ensure that your request is communicated to faculty, you must submit this self-report form.

Course Fees

N/A

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.