Expert: Lee Kilcup - 12/17/2008

Question
Dear sir,
I have recently joined with a building design and consulting company based in Abu dhabi, UAE. Currently we are working on a prison construction project and its preliminary design drawing preparation and Equipment/system specifications literatures making are almost over. Now I need to prepare a BOQ to enable bidding contractors to put their price prior to tender floating. Can you guide me regarding a typical Electrical & Mechanical BOQ for medium sized building. We have to give full responsibility to the contractors to supply and install all types of lighting, power, safety, security, HVAC, plumbing systems etc.

Thanks and regards,
Anup

Answer
The term BOQ is not used in the US so I am uncertain exactly what you mean. If it is the invitation to bid for the Mechancial, Electrical, Plumbing and Low Voltage work I would look to a mechanical and electrical consultant to help develop the bid package and would look to the construction manager to add their input regarding scheduling, contract terms, rules of engagement, general conditions responsibility, etc.
In addition you use the terms preliminary documents and also bidding?
If you are bidding preliminary documents I would assume that the contractors for the trades that are noted above are design build?