User Guide

How the Grant Central Estimator Calculates Costs

The Grant Central Estimator uses MassDOT's Weighted Bid Prices to generate preliminary estimates. The tool automatically:

• Calculates quantities based on your project specifications
• Applies district-specific unit prices
• Includes standard construction items and allowances
• Adds percentage-based items/contingencies (e.g., mobilization, traffic control, engineering design)
• Adjusts for inflation for the expected construction year (if provided)

Browser Compatibility

Grant Central Estimator is run in a web browser. Currently, the application fully works in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. The latest versions of these browsers are recommended. Other web browsers may also be able to run Grant Central Estimator. If you have any issue accessing the site please contact support.

Create an Account

You can register for a Grant Central Estimator account using just your email address by clicking the register button on the home page or above. You'll receive a verification code (one-time password) to activate and log in to your account. Grant Central Estimator accounts are passwordless, so on future logins the same process is followed.

Create Your First Project

After logging in, you can create a new project by clicking the "New Project" button in the upper right corner of your projects page, or using the one above. Once on the new project page you can enter basic project information and click "Create Project" when finished. You will notice descriptive text and tooltips are provided to help describe the fields.

Using Tooltips

Desktop: Hover over the help icon to see tooltips instantly.

Mobile/Tablet: Tap the help icon to open a drawer with the same information.

Account Settings

You can access account settings, get back to this page, change your display settings, or logout, by clicking your avatar in the top right corner.

There are four (4) main tabs when using the Grant Central Estimator.

General

The General tab includes project elements that are independent of roadways and intersections. This includes amenities for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, signage, lighting, utility poles, roadside barriers,and walls.

Roadways

For each road segment in your project, you can build a cross-section using the graphically interface, and include drainage, paving, and curbing details.

Intersections

With the intersection tab, you can add intersections at the crossing of roads, or a midblock crossing on a street. crossings.

Intersections can be signalized or unsignalized. Three to five adjoining streets are supported. you can configure existing/proposed control types, crosswalks, approaches, and signal equipment modifications. Based on your configuration a suggestion for the proposed signal will be provided.

Midblock crossings can be configured for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) or Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs).

Summary

The Summary tab provides a comprehensive overview of your project estimate with detailed cost breakdowns and data insights. This is also where you can export the estimateto be shared with MassDOT.

Top Navigation Bar

The top navigation bar shows the project name. Clicking "projects" will bring you back to the projects page. can be used to open and close the left estimate sidebar.

Saving

The save button appears when there are unsaved changes. If you navigate away from the page with unsaved changes then a prompt will appear with the option to discard or save your changes.

Project Settings

Click the settings icon to update information that was provided when creating the project, or to delete the project.

Project Totals

Click the calculator icon to view a summary of quantities and materials across all roads and intersections in the project.

Estimate Sidebar

The left sidebar provides real-time cost information. You can search, filter, and sort your bid items, as well as click on them to edit details or access advanced settings. When filtering items, a total cost of the filtered items will show above the total project cost.

Bid Price Version

The Grant Central Estimator uses MassDOT's Weighted Average Bid Prices, which are updated periodically with new construction contract data. You can select which version of pricing data to use for your estimate at the top of the estimate sidebar.

It is recommended that the latest pricing data available should be used when starting a new project. The latest data is denoted with a Latest tag in the dropdown menu. Historical versions are indicated with an outline around the icon. Older pricing datasets may be useful for comparing estimates over time or maintaining consistency with previously submitted proposals.

When you change the pricing version, all bid item unit prices will be updated automatically to reflect the selected dataset, unless overridden, by editing the item. Your project configuration and quantities remain unchanged - only the underlying unit price data is updated.

Custom Items

Custom items can be added with the button below in the sidebar. After saving a custom item it will appear with a tag.

Editing Bid Items

You can click on any bid item to open the edit pop up menu and make adjustments to quantities, unit prices, add notes, and access advanced settings. If an item has been edited then it will show in the sidebar with a tag.

Exporting Estimates

Clicking the "Download Preliminary Estimate Form" button at the bottom of the Summary tab will download your estimate in PDF and XLXS formats. These can then be shared with a MassDOT Project Manager when seeking funding through a local aid reimbursable program.

Assumptions & Overrides

The Grant Central Estimator automatically calculates quantities and costs based on your project specifications, but sometimes you need to make adjustments for local conditions or specific requirements. The Advanced Settings provide detailed control over these calculations.

Accessing Advanced Settings

Advanced settings are available for some bid items that have detailed calculation parameters. When editing a bid item in the estimate sidebar, look for the "Show Advanced Settings" button:

What You Can Adjust

Advanced settings allow you to override calculation assumptions for items such as:

• Pavement Calculations: Layer thicknesses, material specifications, and treatment areas
• Drainage Systems: Pipe materials, sizes, depths, and catch basin configurations
• Traffic Control: Duration, complexity, and specific equipment requirements
• Site Work: Excavation depths, material types, and disposal methods
• Concrete Work: Mix designs, reinforcement details, and finishing requirements
• Survey Costs: Project complexity factors and required survey types

Common Use Cases

• Site-Specific Conditions: Adjust excavation assumptions for rocky soil or high groundwater
• Local Requirements: Modify traffic control durations based on local agency standards
• Design Variations: Override pavement thickness based on detailed geotechnical analysis
• Utility Conflicts: Adjust drainage calculations when existing utilities affect design
• Maintenance of Traffic: Customize phasing and duration based on traffic volumes

Best Practices

• Document the reason for any assumption changes in your item notes
• Coordinate with design engineers before making significant modifications
• Use local contractor pricing when available to override unit prices
• Review advanced settings after major design changes to ensure they're still appropriate
• Consider creating custom items for specialized work not covered by standard calculations

Common Issues

Estimates Seem Too High/Low

• Check that all project dimensions are accurate
• Review material selections and treatment types
• Verify that percentage-based items are appropriate
• Consider if custom overrides are needed for local conditions

Missing Bid Items

• Ensure all project features are properly configured
• Check that accommodation types and materials are selected
• Add custom items for specialized work

Data Not Saving

• Check your internet connection
• Try refreshing the page and re-entering data
• Contact support if problems persist

Are all bid items reimbursable?

Bid items provided in estimates generated by the Grant Central Estimator are not necessarily eligible through all MassDOT funding programs. Always confirm eligibility of specific items with the Program Guidance of the relevant funding program or the appropriate MassDOT staff.

How many roads and intersections can be included in each project?

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How are survey costs calculated?

Survey costs are calculated using an average base price developed through analysis of past design projects. This can be very sensitive to location and project scope, so it is recommended to get a survey quote from a qualified firm. This price can then be overridden in "SURVEY" bid item generated in the sidebar when a survey level is selected in the Roadway tab.

How do I include bridges?

Projects that include bridges or structural retaining walls over four feet are not good candidates for SARPET. A structural engineer should be consulted to estimate these costs.

Are costs associated with environmental mitigation, landscaping, permitting and right-of-way included in this tool?

No

Are costs associated with stormwater quality measures or sedimentation and erosion control measures included in this tool?

No