About Us

At our organization, we prioritize a transformational approach that benefits all stakeholders. By empowering organizations to reduce administrative burden, mitigate waste, improve quality, and shorten project delivery cycles, we aim to make a significant impact. Our uniquely collaborative model is designed to enhance decision-making by providing current, objective, and actionable information to our clients.

Key principles guide our work:

– Systems-thinking

– Integrity

– Value delivered

– Respect

– Transparency

In the realm of public sector organizations and facilities management, poorly developed budgets can significantly undermine credibility. Similarly, cost overruns and project delays can have adverse effects on mission-critical operations.

Establishing trust and rapport with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and cultures is paramount for the success of repair, renovation, maintenance, or new build activities. Real property owners, designers, engineers, builders, suppliers, and other stakeholders must cultivate positive and respectful relationships to foster collaboration and effective communication.

At 4BT, our team and solutions play a crucial role in helping clients integrate internal and external teams within a supportive, transparent, and productive environment. By prioritizing collaboration and communication, we contribute to the overall success of projects and initiatives.

 

We specialize in providing comprehensive planning, procurement, and project delivery solutions for repair, renovation, maintenance, and new construction projects.

Our focus is on fostering collaborative environments that support team-based achievements and facilitate continuous learning to enhance collaboration effectively.

Our solutions ensure that all project stakeholders have access to real-time information whenever and wherever they need it. We strive to challenge traditional project management approaches by emphasizing collaborative and continuous improvement principles to drive productivity enhancements at every project phase.

Through collaboration, organizations can combine resources, information, and capabilities to achieve common goals that would be unattainable individually. By establishing robust processes, participants can navigate differing perspectives, build trust, and address governance challenges, ultimately leading to improved productivity, cost efficiency, and project quality.

Effective collaborations, characterized by shared understanding, trust, and strong leadership, can yield significant benefits such as accelerated project timelines, cost savings, and enhanced participant relationships.

It is essential to emphasize compliance, rationality, and accountability to ensure successful collaboration outcomes.

While external pressures often drive collaboration initiatives, genuine effectiveness stems from trust-building, shared commitments, leadership, and the establishment of clear guidelines, workflows, and governance structures. Research indicates that organizations can maximize the effectiveness of collaboration by focusing on these key elements.

Four BT, LLC – CAPABILITY STATEMENT

Established in 2016, Four BT, LLC. (“4BT”) is a certified veteran-owned small business. We focus on providing objective, verifiable, and current local market construction cost data. Our services include secure cloud-based technology for construction cost estimating and full related support services.

Four BT, LLC   84 Cottonwood Lane  Naples, FL

Phone 903.326.9965 
Email info@4bt.us    
DUNS number 080379826        
EIN 81-2495737  
CAGE 7RB80  
Website  https://www.4bt.us                                   

Mark Powell
President and Cofounder
Four BT, LLC

CMMC Level 2 Certified

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0) is a program by the Department of Defense (DoD) that aims to enforce the requirements of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 and 172, and the Final CMMC Rule. The program has three distinct levels of certification, each with its own set of requirements.

Level 2 Advanced requires organizations to establish policies around each of the CMMC domains and document that their practices implement these policies. CMMC Level 2 introduces 93 new practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171 to the 17 controls in CMMC Level 1. Organizations must undergo triennial third-party assessments for critical national security when working with sensitive, controlled information and an annual self-assessment when dealing with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) for scheduled upgrades are now permitted.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

4BT’s solution stands out for its superior cost visibility and enhanced cost management capabilities compared to conventional national average cost databases like “RS Means Online.” Our data is meticulously researched locally, ensuring accuracy tailored to specific location(s) and eliminating reliance on location factors.

Robust Cost Data Research Practices

4BT construction cost data sets are made up of labor, equipment, materials, and associated productivity for a defined task.   Productivity is defined by the associated crews and current commerical construction practices.  It is critical that data is gathered per the local market and that users can view, change, enhance, and share granular cost items with respect to the individual labor, equipment, material, and crews.

4BT creates local market granular cost data for each location as per our methodology.  Data is organized via expanded CSI MasterFormat and supported within cloud estimating software.  Our cloud technology enables intuitive, fast, and easy access to construction cost datasets and estimates and management across multiple disparate yet collaborative teams and locations. Our SaaS (software as a service) technology is hosted by Microsoft Azure Government Cloud or Amazon AWS.

Our fully dedicated team of cost researchers and engineers, who have decades of specialty field experience, source the data for integration within our cloud software and work collaboratively with our technology professionals. Our team has worked for firms including The R.S. Means Company, LLC, VFA, Inc., and 4Clicks Solutions, LLC.

Our cost data development team leverages multiple resources including business manufacturers, commodity suppliers, and wholesale chain information and pricing, dynamic cost databases across disparate domains of materials and equipment, and local general contractor and subcontractor labor costs across multiple trades.

Our continuously researched cost datasets are used as the basis for updating and/or creating granular construction task lines.

Unlike other traditional databases, these elementary cost elements are the foundation for, and link with, all granular tasks enabling over one (1) million updates for each localized dataset.

4BT was founded to provide a superior alternative to traditional “industry leading” cost data that relies upon “national average cost data” and location factoring for labor, material, and equipment. This outdated approach cannot accurately account for the variables associated with local market conditions, resulting in significant errors in cost estimation for all types of repairs, renovation, maintenance, and new construction activities. This issue has been been readily demonstrated in multiple e studies/reports. The following are examples.

“Location factors are used during preliminary project evaluations. They are not intended to be used when preparing appropriation-quality estimates. They often are applied to conceptual estimates for identifying “go/no-go” projects at an early stage.” (Peitlock, B.A., ccc, Developing Location Factors Using a Factoring Method, International Cost Engineering Council, ICEC International Cost Management Journal (ICMJ), 1998.)

Location factors are primarily used in class 4 and 5 estimates and are not intended to be used for higher quality estimates, such as class 3, 2, or 1. The RSMeans city cost index (CCI) and the Department of Defense area cost factor (ACF) index are two primary examples of location factor publications. (Martinez, A., Validation of methods for adjusting construction cost estimates by project location , University of New Mexico UNM Digital Repository, 2010)

“Despite its potential weaknesses, estimation by adjustment factors is a very common approach for all types of construction. A very common approach for performing quick-order-of-magnitude estimates is based on using Location Cost Adjustment Factors (LCAFs). The accuracy of cost estimates in the early phases varies within an expected range that spans from -100% to +200% ” “Using the results of this study, various commercial entities (e.g., RS Means) could enhance their online tools by uploading publicly available socio-economic variables and allowing users to perform geostatistical analysis. As a result, a cost engineer could input the location of a project and obtain the most accurate location adjustment factor through a mix of interpolation and geostatistical prediction techniques.” (Migliaccio, G., Empirical Assessment of Spatial Prediction Methods for Location Cost Adjustment Factors, J Constr Eng Manag. 2013)

“Problems within the methodology, unfortunately, will continue to arise as standardized estimation tools (CCI) simply cannot account for the unique characteristics of individual states. Unfortunately, the accuracy of program wide CCIs occasionally led to swings of ±20 percent after projects had gone through the bidding process. Additionally, no direct application of market or economic conditions existed in this conventional CCI process, which was theorized by FHWA to potentially be a significant influence on resulting project estimate accuracy. ” (University of Colorado Denver College of Engineering and Applied Science Department of Civil Engineering, Validation of Project-level Construction Cost Index Estimation Methodology, 2017)

“In the United States, RSMeans and other published construction cost data are useful for estimating the overall cost of a project. However, these are typically nationally aggregated mean costs and intended to be used with a local multiplier. Prior studies have found that locally adjusted RSMeans costs vary from actual local material prices. For example, Estes (2016) found that for a slab-on-grade foundation assembly with 0.1 m (4 inches) thick slab, vapour barrier and welded wire fabric in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States, concrete was found to be underestimated by 18% and vapour barrier by as much as 67%. Additionally, assembly costs for 0.1 m (4 inches) thick concrete slab were found to differ significantly (p = 0.004, α = 0.05) when comparing locally sourced costs and adjusted RSMeans cost data (Estes, 2016). Published cost data also lack accuracy due to the type and manner of data collected and represented. For example, RSMeans data do not account for variations caused by local codes, productivity rates, climate conditions, labour quality and availability, or costs related to land prices and permit fees (Ontario Construction Secretariat, 2001)

Prices derived from commodity and labour prices based on economic trends are used in published construction cost databases such as RSMeans.  Such databases are typically national averages published for each year. However, such aggregate costs cannot be applied without adjusting for location and time using an inflation factor. Since material prices do not vary in tandem across time, a single inflation factor cannot represent actual current prices across the board. Additionally, construction material prices can vary with factors such as project scale and supplier discounts. (Kodavatiganti Y, Rahim MA, Friedland CJ, Mostafiz RB, Taghinezhad A and Heil S, Material quantities and estimated construction costs for new elevated IRC 2015-compliant single-family home foundations, 2023)

While RSMeans and similar construction cost databases are helpful for estimating project costs in the US, they provide national average prices and require adjustment using local multipliers to accurately reflect regional material costs; studies like Estes (2016) have shown that even with these adjustments, locally adjusted RSMeans costs can still deviate significantly from actual local material prices, highlighting the need for careful consideration when using such data for specific locations. 

Unlike traditional national average cost data providers, we do not cobble together statistical datasets base upon selects cities and building types or use hidden “black box” formulae, and/or rely upon “location factors” and/or “economic factors”.

The use of local market cost data and associated robust processes can easily achieve 30%-40%+ in overall cost savings and/or improved cost visibility when combined with the use of included line item modifiers as well as adoption of associated robust processes.

Since inception 4BT’s unique and proven approach and tools have supported thousands of projects, serving hundreds of government professionals, designers, and builders, replacing outdated methods. Furthermore, 4BT products have replaced products/solutions provided by Gordian/RSMeans by providing higher levels of service and significant cost savings.

4BT researched LOCAL labor, material, and equipment costs and are organized by expanded CSI MasterFormat and updated quarterly or as otherwise mutually agreed upon. Accounts are set up for with usernames and passwords. Users are able to create, store, update, and download detailed line-item construction cost estimates using the 4BT local market construction cost database. Users can also create their own line items and any user created line items are so indicated within the software.

Each line item contains an appropriate unit of measure and detailed description of the construction task, in plain English, without the excessive use of acronyms or abbreviations, to make the cost estimating data intuitive and clear about what each task is intended to accomplish.

Individual line items are included for demolition and for quantity, means and methods, or other variables impacting cost.

Our construction cost data is designed to capture the most common units of construction tasks. That said, when requirements exist for items not included, there are two options available. First, any user can create a new line item with an associated description, labor, material, and equipment costs and is designated as non prepriced within the 4BT estimating software .

Secondly, based upon client requirements, 4BT can research and add new prepriced line items based upon owner approval. This process ensures overall database integrity. It is important to note that 4BT is highly responsive to client requests.

Labor Costs

Unlike other cost data suppliers, 4BT’s research spans over 130 trades on a local market basis. Hourly wage rates, workman’s compensation, and other detailed aspects that vary widely based upon trade and location. As labor cost can account for 50% to 60% of a repair, renovation, maintenance, or new build activity, the importance of reliable cost data cannot be under emphasized. The application of a factor to a cost line item, or even to labor cost specifically, cannot account for local variations.

(Note: Gordian/RSMeans CCI only covers 66 materials, 21 trades and six pieces of equipment, plus fuel and maintenance costs. It is a factor that compares materials, labor, and equipment to a national average of 30 major U.S. cities. Material, labor and equipment prices and quantities are input into “ a composite cost model”, which is weighted to attempt to reflect construction costs.)

Material Costs

Sourcing is a critical aspect of determining reliable materials costs. Based upon the type of material, local, regional, or national suppliers are available. Costs must therefore be researched for the specific project location.

Reliable suppliers and prices can fluctuate significantly over time, so it is essential to use up-to-date pricing information to ensure the reliability of the estimate. 4BT first attempts to source all materials locally, then expands area based upon need.

Equipment Costs

Equipment costs pertain to expenses associated with using/renting and operation of construction equipment on the project site. Transportation of the equipment to the site is not included in the 4BT cost data.

By intensively researching local labor costs, material costs, and equipment costs, 4BT enables real property owners and their design builders to avoid the pitfall of outdated traditional cost estimating methods and significantly contribute to successful project planning and execution.

4BT applies a robust disciplined and thorough process to our cost data research. While the benefits of locally researched cost data are obvious, the process has been tested and proven thousands of real-world applications.

 

CLOUD TECHNOLOGY

4BT recommends the use of our 4BT Benchmark Construction Estimator™ cloud technology platform for estimating and our 4BT-PEP for JOC Program Management.

The 4BT Benchmark Construction Estimator™ is a powerful purpose-built cost estimating solution created by teams of construction professionals and cost estimators in collaboration with technology developers with broad subject matter expertise. 4BT Benchmark Construction Estimator is infinitely scalability to support performance for an unlimited number of users with an unlimited amount of storage as well as access by any enabled user from any device with internet connection including desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, or smart phones with an internet browser.

While other vendors can claim decades of market use, none can claim superior performance, higher functionality, or greater ease-of-use.

Features and capabilities of the 4BT Benchmark Construction Estimator include the following:

· Activity Dashboard

· Support for Multiple Users

· Support for Multiple Cost Databases

· CSI MasterFormat Cost Data Architecture

· Ability to Create Estimates

· Ability to Create Estimate Templates

· Ability to Reuse and Modify Estimates

· Ability to Update Estimates with Another Cost Database

· Ability to Select Line Items and View the Estimate on the Same Page

· Audit trail capture

· Ability to Select Line Items and View the Estimate on the Same Page

· Ability to Approve an Estimate

· Estimate Export to MS Excel or PDF

· Ability to add User Defined Markups (Percentage or Dollar Value)

· Estimate and Line Item Search

· Estimate/Template Data Integrity

· Automatic Identification of User Created Line Items

· Full Audit Trail

The 4BT Benchmark Construction Estimator™ combined with 4BT current and actionable local market construction cost data enables robust cost estimate creation, updating, sharing, and downloading with the highest possible degrees of cost visibility.

 

 

OUR PURPOSE & VALUES

We work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to reduce administrative burden, mitigate waste, improve quality, and shorten project delivery cycles.

We have developed a uniquely collaborative model fueled by the goal of helping our clients to improve decision-making with current, objective, and actionable information.

• Systems-thinking
• Integrity
• Value delivered
• Respect
• Transparency

#1   Poorly developed budgets continue to weaken credibility of PUBLIC SECTOR organizations and facilities management professionals.

#2   Cost overruns and project delays negatively impact mission-critical operations.

 

Building trust and rapport with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and cultures is essential for successful repair, renovation, maintenance, or new build activities.

Real property owners, designers, engineers, builders, suppliers, and other stakeholders must establish a positive and respectful relationship that facilitates collaboration and communication.

4BT’s team and solutions  help our clients to integrate internal and external teams within a supportive, transparent, and productive environment.