Okay, let's break down this San Francisco project and discuss the factors that will influence your bid. This is a multi-faceted job with significant regulatory and utility coordination components. Your experience will be valuable, but local insights are crucial.

I. Key Cost Components and Considerations



Material Costs



3-Meter Stack

This is a significant expense. Get quotes from multiple suppliers now. Specify ampacities, NEMA rating, and any specific requirements. Consider lead times, which can be long.

300A Service Upgrade Components

Think carefully about what is included. New service panel and enclosure. (Price panels to include a 300A main breaker and three subfeed breakers. It is likely you'll need to use a Square D QO or Eaton BR panel. SF is picky.) Larger gauge conductors for the service entrance (THHN/XHHW, etc.). (Factor in waste. Prices for copper are crazy. Order all at once). New breakers, lugs, and connectors. Metering equipment. PG&E-approved? Disconnects.

Underground Conduit and Conductors

PVC, RMC, depth requirements (SF will be specific). Direct Burial Cable can be expensive

Sub-Panels

Three sub-panels for each unit, with appropriate breakers.

Transformer Upgrade (if needed)

This can be a massive expense, especially if PG&E requires a vault or extensive modifications to their infrastructure.

Get a preliminary estimate from PG&E now if possible. This alone could make or break the job. Permitting and Inspection Fees

San Francisco fees are notoriously high. Factor in DBI (Department of Building Inspection), and possibly other agencies.

Labor Costs



Electricians

San Francisco union rates are high. Factor in prevailing wage requirements if applicable. Consider overtime potential (SF projects often have tight schedules and/or restrictions on work hours). How many journeymen and apprentices will you need?

Excavation and Trenching

For the underground conduit. Soil conditions in SF can vary dramatically. Will you need shoring or special equipment? Factor in traffic control.

Meter Stack Installation

Requires expertise and precision.

Service Panel and Sub-Panel Installation

Standard electrical work.

Demolition

Removal and disposal of the old Federal Pacific panels. Proper disposal is critical.



Coordination

Time for you or your project manager to coordinate with PG&E, DBI, and the client.

Engineering/Design Costs



Permit Drawings

You might need to hire a separate consultant if your MEP PE license isn't sufficient for San Francisco requirements for this type of service upgrade (unlikely, but verify). Factor in drafting time.

Load Calculations

Ensure your load calculations are accurate and meet code.

Coordination with PG&E

This can be extensive and time-consuming. Meetings, revisions, and documentation.

Permitting and City Fees



DBI Permit Fees

San Francisco's permit fees are among the highest in the nation. Get an estimate from the DBI website or by contacting them directly (if possible). Be prepared for unexpected fees.

PG&E Fees

Interconnection fees, transformer upgrade fees, etc. Talk to PG&E early to get an estimate.

Possible Other Fees

Street closure permits, environmental impact fees, etc.

Contingency



Unforeseen Conditions

San Francisco buildings often have hidden surprises. Factor in a significant contingency (10-20%) for unforeseen issues.

Delays

Permit delays, PG&E delays, material delays. Factor in the potential for lost productivity and overhead.

Overhead and Profit



Overhead

Rent, insurance, office staff, vehicles, etc. Calculate your overhead accurately.

Profit

What is your target profit margin? This should be commensurate with the risk of the project.

II. San Francisco Specific Considerations



PG&E Coordination

This is often the biggest hurdle. Start the process as early as possible. Establish a good relationship with your PG&E contact. Be prepared for delays and unexpected requirements. Transformer upgrades can take months or even years.

DBI (Department of Building Inspection)

Be prepared for a thorough review of your plans. Ensure your drawings are complete and accurate. Be responsive to their requests. Know the San Francisco Electrical Code well.

Existing Conditions

Thoroughly inspect the existing conditions before bidding. Look for potential problems, such as asbestos, lead paint, or structural issues.

Access

Access to the site can be difficult in San Francisco. Factor in parking costs, traffic delays, and potential restrictions on deliveries.

Disposal

Disposing of materials in San Francisco can be expensive. Factor in disposal fees. Ensure you are following all environmental regulations.

Noise Restrictions

San Francisco has strict noise restrictions. Be aware of these restrictions and plan your work accordingly.

Prevailing Wage

Check if this project is subject to prevailing wage laws. This will significantly increase your labor costs.

III. Bidding Strategy


Detailed Scope of Work

Create a very detailed scope of work, outlining exactly what you will and will not be doing. This will help prevent misunderstandings and change orders later.2.

Itemized Bid

Provide an itemized bid, breaking down the costs for each component of the project. This will give the client a better understanding of your pricing and help you justify your bid.3.

Assumptions and Exclusions

Clearly state any assumptions you are making and any exclusions to your bid. This will protect you from being held responsible for things that you did not include in your bid. For example: "Bid assumes no hazardous materials are present. Hazardous materials abatement will be an additional cost."4.

Schedule

Provide a realistic schedule for the project. Factor in potential delays.5.

References

Provide references from previous clients.6.

Contingency

Build a healthy contingency into your bid to cover unforeseen expenses. Explain to the client that this contingency is in place to protect them from unexpected costs.7.

Phased Approach (Optional)

Consider breaking the project into phases. This allows you to address the most critical parts first (like PG&E coordination) and provides more accurate pricing for later phases after you have a better understanding of the project.8.

Value Engineering Suggestions (Optional)

If you see opportunities to save the client money without compromising quality or safety, suggest them in your bid.

IV. Actionable Steps Before Bidding



Visit the Site

Thoroughly inspect the existing conditions.

Contact PG&E

Get a preliminary estimate for the transformer upgrade and interconnection fees.

Contact DBI

Get an estimate for permit fees and discuss any potential issues.

Get Multiple Quotes

Get quotes from multiple suppliers for materials.

Talk to Other Contractors

Network with other electrical contractors in San Francisco. Ask them about their experiences with similar projects.

V. Numbers Guidance - Extremely Rough and Subject to Change based on your Due DiligenceRemember, these are VERY rough ballparks



Material

$25,000 - $75,000+ (Highly variable, depends on transformer needs and supply chain)

Labor

$20,000 - $60,000+ (Depends on crew size, union/non-union, and complexity)

Permitting & Fees

$5,000 - $20,000+ (San Francisco DBI is expensive, PG&E can add significant costs)

Engineering/Design

$5,000 - $15,000+ (Could be higher if extensive PG&E coordination is required)

Contingency

10-20% of total costs.

Overhead & Profit

15-25% of total costs (Adjust based on your business model and risk tolerance)

Example - a VERY rough ballpark range could be $60,000 - $200,000+ . This is why diligent investigation is crucial.

VI. Summary*This is a challenging project, but it's also a valuable opportunity. By doing your homework, pricing the job carefully, and building strong relationships with PG&E and DBI, you can increase your chances of winning the bid and delivering a successful project.Good luck! Let me know if you have more specific questions. Flag for review