Power Engineering: SOR and schedule of rate

Schedule of Rates (SOR)

SOR stands for Schedule of Rates which is used generally for execution of job through contract. It includes the job either supply and installation or only execution. Supply and installation involves supply of material and execution part. Execution or installation involves only man power.
All bigger organizations, state government and central government have their own schedule of rate.Advantages-·         The major advantages are that it helps in the making estimate for the projec or maintenance job.
·         In entire network wherever it is enforced, rate is similar.
·         Estimate pricing time is minimized.
·         Agency or contractor has clear concept that they will get the job done for said amount and scope of work.
·         Company is sure that fair expenditure is being paid for particular job.
·         Company executive has to post only quantity, amount of execution will be calculated automatically.

A large number of contractors can be asked to participate in tendering as the process is inexpensive and quick.

Very few designs are needed.

Disadvantages-

The first time it becomes a tedious job to make SOR.
Numbers of data are required to make SOR.
After all effort, it has been seen practically that SOR is not possible for all job at the time of execution.
Escalation is required due to change of rate if any.
SOR remains valid generally for 2-3 years and need to revise
Variations are easy to estimate and normally cheaper than traditional contract.
Additional resources are required to measure work and certifying payments.
The client does not have a final price when going to start work.
It is difficult for contractors to plan long-term resources due to change of rate of material or labour
There is no real incentive for contractors to treat such work with any sense of urgency and its best staff will be placed on the projects where more risk is covered.
The tender documents will be a substantial package looking a bill.

General conditions of contract (GCC):

A document is prepared detailing how to execute the contract and comply the different regulation. The GCC remains applicable for all work agreement between contractor and client. The document comprises-

Approved list of suppliers.
Approved list of brand/make.
Methods of measurement.
Site condition
Treatment of overtime rates.
Codes of practice.
Inclusion of protection, waste, transportation and health and safety compliance.
Scopes included regarding lodging, food and travel expenditure etc .
Scope of supply.
Testing and commissioning.
Definitions as used in the document.

Typical Area of work

Building work:

It comprises like Excavation, Demolition, Concrete work, Brick and block work , masonry, Roofing and tanking., Scaffolding and staging, Carpentry and joinery, Ironmongery, Steel and metalwork, Plasterwork, floor, wall, ceiling finishes. Plumbing, drainage Fixtures, fittings and soft furnishings. External works, Labour. Plant and equipment hire.

Mechanical and electrical, lifts and escalators

It comprises like excavation for Electrical installation, wiring, and High voltage switchgear, Transformers, Low voltage switchgear, Standby generators, Air conditioning and ventilation.

Building Management System

It comprises like Fire services, Town gas, Catering equipment, Intruder. Public address system, External lighting and electric gates, Lifts, Escalators, Cleaning cradle system. Each of these headings will cover numerous elements which then have to be broken down into pricing units.

Typical example

Item Code	Description of job	Unit	Rate
XX.1.0	Laying of one number PVC insulated and PVC sheathed / XLPE power cable of 1.1 KV grade of following size direct in ground including excavation, sand cushioning, protective covering and Refilling the trench etc as required.
XX.1.1	Upto 35 sq.mm	Meter	181
XX.1.2	Above 35 sq.mm and upto 95 sq.mm	Meter	188
XX.1.3	Above 95 sq.mm and upto 185 sq.mm	Meter	195
XX.1.4	Above 185 sq.mm and upto 400 sq.mm	Meter	215