The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) plays a pivotal role in regulating public construction projects across the state, including many in New York City. For estimators, contractors, and consultants, understanding OGS’s guidelines and cost structures is essential when preparing bids for public works projects.
At True Bid Data, we specialize in preparing compliant, accurate, and streamlined estimates for government-funded projects by aligning them with OGS frameworks—ensuring you meet every technical and procedural requirement.
What is OGS in Construction Estimating?
The OGS manages construction, rehabilitation, and facility upgrades for a wide variety of New York state properties, including courthouses, schools, health facilities, and administrative buildings. Estimators must ensure their takeoffs and pricing structures reflect OGS’s standardized estimating protocols.
These include:
- NYS prevailing wage compliance
- Standardized CSI division formatting
- Use of unit price estimating
- Budget adherence across phases
- Strict documentation and backup requirements
Why OGS Matters in New York City Estimating
Many New York City projects—particularly education, healthcare, and public safety facilities—are funded or managed through the OGS framework. These projects require detailed takeoff breakdowns, clear material cost breakdowns, and precise unit labor analysis.
Whether you’re bidding on roofing, mechanical systems, or foundation works, applying OGS standards ensures that your submission is both competitive and compliant.
OGS Estimating Structure: Key Elements
Detailed CSI Division Takeoff
OGS estimates are structured by CSI division—not just for organizing trades, but to ensure budget transparency. From Division 3 Concrete to Division 26 Electrical, each scope must be separated for review.
Accurate Quantity Takeoffs
Estimates must reflect field-verified quantities or validated drawings. Whether you’re preparing a plumbing takeoff, drywall takeoff, or masonry estimating, accuracy in drawings takeoff is non-negotiable.
Prevailing Wage and Labor Costs
Estimates must include prevailing wage rates, which vary across counties. In New York City, these rates can significantly impact your bid competitiveness if miscalculated.
General Conditions and Prelims
OGS projects require a defined allocation of general conditions, prelims, and overhead costs, including security, logistics, insurances, and temporary facilities.
Vendor and Subcontractor Cost Integration
Your bid must include material cost breakdowns and supplier quotes—especially on items like HVAC estimating, steel quantities, or specialty joinery.
How True Bid Data Supports OGS-Compliant Estimates
We understand the challenges contractors face when bidding on OGS-funded projects. Here’s how we help:
Precise Digital Takeoffs
From PDF plan takeoffs to asbestos abatement scopes, we prepare meticulous quantity takeoffs aligned with OGS submission formats.
Labor and Material Cost Analytics
We use historical pricing data, RSMeans databases, and NYC-specific labor rates to ensure each item in your bid reflects market accuracy.
Material Cost Breakdown and Forecasting
We incorporate real-time cost databases to deliver unit material costs, location-adjusted for New York City. We also project escalation trends, helping clients budget realistically over multi-year projects.
Bid Tabulation and Formatting
OGS bids often require line-item spreadsheets and forms. We format all estimates in bid-ready files—removing your admin burden and reducing errors.
Schedule and Phasing Estimates
Our team helps with cost forecasting, scheduling implications, and phased budgeting for multi-year OGS projects in New York City and beyond.
Example: OGS Roof & Window Replacement
Consider a bid for an OGS-funded project replacing roofs and windows at a state health facility. The scope might include:
- Demolition takeoff of existing envelope
- Drywall and insulation estimates
- Window units and flashing systems
- Steel lintels
- Labor costs for roof membrane installation
- General conditions for scaffolding, waste removal, and weather protection
Each component must be listed under its respective CSI code, priced using OGS methodology, and supported by material and labor analysis. At True Bid Data, we handle all of this under one roof—on time, every time.
Streamline Your OGS Estimates with True Bid Data
When it comes to public bidding in New York City and across New York State, mastering OGS estimating standards is a key to securing contracts. Whether you’re bidding on schools, correctional facilities, or admin buildings, our experienced team delivers accurate estimates, formatted to pass state-level scrutiny.
Visit True Bid Data to get started with your next OGS submission and bid with confidence.
