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Commission Planning and Estimating Room

What is the Planning and Estimating Room?
The Commission on Economic Inclusion’s Planning and Estimating Room, located in Suite 509 of the Terminal Tower in downtown Cleveland, is a resource to help MBEs in construction and construction-related industries become more competitive by providing low-cost access to blueprints and estimating experts. The space was donated by Forest City Enterprises, a Commission-member company.

Why was it created?
Planning and Estimating Room services will help leverage clients’ capabilities and capacity, as well as better prepare them to bidg on projects. Research shows that many MBEs that are able to secure contracts and deliver on the work often barely break-even or actually lose money after project completion

What services does it offer?
Experienced contractors, engineers, and estimators will work directly with MBEs to help educate and provide hands-on training in blueprint reading, bidding, project estimation and project management. The room has four stations:

• Estimating the job: The basic "how-to"
• Virtual planning room, which offers convenient online access to blueprints
• Project estimating tools to help accurately prepare the estimate
• Construction management software that integrates project management solutions

Who is eligible to participate?
Clients of the Minority Business Accelerator 2.5+ will have access to the room at no cost. MBEs who are not Accelerator clients also also have access to the facility but will be expected to pay a minimal fee to access the room, blueprints, and our professional estimating staff.

How do I register?
To register or to schedule an appointment, please contact Brian Barnes at (216) 592-2261.