Who We Are
Since founded in 2006, Ironwood Commercial Builder, Inc. has been a highly respected general contractor and specialty contractor in the industry. We are committed to continuing education and ensuring our teams are not only passionate about what they do, but are also highly trained to get the job done.
Ironwood Commercial Builders, Inc. is proud to be a Woman-Owned Small Business. We are committed to employing a diverse workforce that brings a unique perspective to the job site to deliver quality projects across federal, public, and private markets.
Unlike most general contractors, Ironwood Commercial Builders, Inc. self-performs several facets of construction, including but not limited to light gauge metal framing and drywall, weather barrier, fireproofing, lath and plaster, as well as custom interior Venetian and historical plaster.
Position Summary
The Federal Works Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, compliant, and competitive cost estimates for federally funded construction projects across agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), NASA, the General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). This role requires deep familiarity with federal procurement regulations, security and clearance protocols, and the unique technical, schedule, and compliance demands of work performed on federal and national laboratory sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Review federal solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs, Sources Sought) and contract documents to develop comprehensive quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for federal construction and infrastructure projects.
- Monitor federal procurement portals (SAM.gov, beta.SAM.gov, agency-specific portals, LLNL/SNL supplier portals) to identify, qualify, and pursue relevant opportunities.
- Prepare detailed, auditable cost breakdowns including labor (Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates), material, equipment, subcontractor, bonding, insurance, general conditions, overhead, fee, and contingency, in formats compliant with federal cost/price proposal requirements (e.g., SF-1442, SF-330, REA/claims support as needed).
- Develop and maintain Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation and cost realism narratives to support proposal submissions and government cost evaluations.
- Support compliance with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and applicable DFARS, DOE, and agency-specific supplements throughout the estimating and proposal process.
- Coordinate with security, safety, and compliance teams to account for site-specific requirements at DOD installations and Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories (LLNL, SNL), including badging, clearance lead times, security protocols, escort requirements, and Authorization Basis/Nuclear Facility considerations where applicable.
- Account for unique cost drivers specific to federal and FFRDC work, such as Buy American Act/Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance, small business subcontracting plans, union labor agreements, and site-specific safety/QA programs (e.g., DOE Order compliance, NQA-1).
- Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotes, ensuring compliance with small business, HUBZone, SDVOSB, 8(a), and other socioeconomic subcontracting goals as required by the prime contract.
- Attend pre-proposal conferences, site visits, and respond to government RFIs during the proposal/bid period; many federal and FFRDC site visits require advance security clearance or escort coordination.
- Track amendments, RFP modifications, and submission deadlines to ensure timely, compliant proposal delivery (technical, cost, and management volumes).
- Partner with contracts, legal, and compliance teams on terms and conditions review, representations and certifications, and any bid protest or claims support.
- Maintain relationships with cleared/qualified subcontractors and suppliers experienced in federal and national laboratory environments.
- Analyze historical federal/FFRDC bid and award data to refine pricing strategy, labor productivity assumptions, and win probability.
- Support seamless project handoff to operations and program management teams post-award, ensuring all compliance commitments, security requirements, and cost basis assumptions are clearly documented and communicated.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).
- 5+ years of estimating experience with a general contractor performing federal government and/or DOE national laboratory construction work.
- Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and experience preparing FAR-compliant cost/price proposals.
- Familiarity with Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements and certified payroll compliance.
- Experience with federal procurement systems (SAM.gov) and agency/FFRDC-specific bid portals.
- Understanding of security clearance processes, badging, and site access requirements applicable to DOD installations and DOE national laboratories.
- Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Sage Estimating, ProEst, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Procore, or similar).
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings, as well as government-furnished specifications (e.g., UFGS - Unified Facilities Guide Specifications).
- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to regulatory, security, and documentation detail.
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain required security clearance or site access authorization (U.S. citizenship typically required).
Preferred:
- Prior direct experience estimating projects for USDA, NASA, GSA, DOD, LLNL, and/or SNL.
- Familiarity with DOE Order requirements, NQA-1 quality assurance standards, and/or Authorization Basis documentation for nuclear/high-hazard facilities.
- Experience with Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) and military construction (MILCON) project delivery.
- Knowledge of small business subcontracting plan development and socioeconomic compliance (SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), WOSB).
- Existing active security clearance (e.g., DOE Q/L or DOD clearance) is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas), Bluebeam Revu, and proposal cost-volume software/templates.
Core Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail, regulatory compliance, and document control.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and cost-modeling aptitude.
- Ability to manage multiple complex proposals under firm, non-negotiable federal submission deadlines.
- Sound judgment in risk assessment, cost realism, and competitive pricing strategy.
- Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive, controlled, or classified information.
- Clear, precise written communication suitable for formal government proposal submissions.
- Comfort navigating highly structured, security-conscious, and documentation-intensive environments.
- Successful completion of a background check
- Ability to obtain/maintain required security clearance or site access authorization
- Must pass E-Verify
Work Environment
- Primarily office-based with periodic travel to federal installations and national laboratory sites for pre-proposal conferences, site visits, and project coordination.
- Site visits may require advance security screening, badging, or escort arrangements; some areas may have restricted access.
- Deadline-driven environment with firm, non-extendable proposal submission dates.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Performance bonus eligibility
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Vehicle allowance/mileage reimbursement (if applicable)
Ironwood Commercial Builders Inc. is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, age, disability, national origin, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.
Ironwood Commercial Builders Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in the employment process, including the job application and interview process. Applicants can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Ironwood Human Resources Department by sending a message through Indeed.
Pay: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 4% Match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How do you handle Davis-Bacon wage determinations, and how do you confirm you're using the correct wage decision for a given location and craft?
- Have you prepared bids under small business set-asides (8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, WOSB)? What was your role relative to the contracting entity's eligibility?
- What's the largest federal project you've estimated, and which agency or contracting vehicle was it under?
- Have you needed a security clearance or background check for site access on a federal project? Are you eligible/willing to obtain one if required?
Experience:
- federal works estimating: 3 years (Required)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Concord, CA 94520 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
