“If you are really in the game, you’ve got to understand what’s happening in governments and markets and see a deal before they put it out to bid. If the first time I hear about a big project is when the proposal is on the street, then I don’t have a good win plan.” - Riley P. Bechtel, Chairman of Bechtel Corp 

For a contractor to get involved early at the programming and schematic phases, they need to add value to the process.    

That value starts with understanding the entire budget for developing a project.  

1. Have great conceptual estimating skills that help all parties see a more complete 5D Model of the project early. 
   
   
2. Have strong operational and value-engineering skills to keep the cost of construction down while still providing value.  
   
   
3. Bonus - having connections that help with other aspects of the development budget.