20 Questions and 1 answer

1. Is the Schedule of Rates nationally recognised?

2. Is it recognised by CIPFA as being one of its recommended Schedules of Rates?

3. Can the 15,000 items in the Schedules be used for benchmarking?

4. Are material, labour and plant prices set out separately from the total item rate?

5. Are basic prices of material, labour and plant included?

6. Are standard minute values of the labour element of items included?

7. Is there a clear coding structure with spaces for new items contained within it?

8. Are the descriptions generally in accordance with the principles of SMM?

9. Is the data available for incorporation into a computer application?

10. Is the Schedule of Rates compiled by a competent and independent organisation?

11. Are the Schedules backed up by a full Consultancy Service?

12. Is there a computerised application that provides a full asset management solution?

13. Is there a computerised system available to produce estimates and invoices?

14. Is there a composite Schedule that meets specific needs, such as housing?

15. Is the Schedule updated annually and is each Rate fully appraised?

16. Can Rates be adjusted in terms of material, labour and plant for price fluctuations?

17. Can the implications of price fluctuations over the period of the contract be calculated?

18. Is technical help available to the user?

19. Is there a user group forum for an exchange of ideas in measured term contracting?

20. Is the Schedule of Rates usable, and used, within the public and private sectors?

 THE ONE ANSWER IS YES

The National Schedules of Rates meet ALL these criteria