When facility owners or EPC contractors issue a Request for Quote (RFQ), they are looking for more than just a price, they are seeking confidence in execution, timeline predictability, and technical alignment. At Scott Process, our approach to fabrication quotes is designed to provide clarity, speed, and reliability from the initial inquiry through to final delivery. In a competitive and high-stakes industrial environment, a well-structured fabrication quote lays the groundwork for project success.
This article explores how Scott Process develops fabrication quotes, what information clients should prepare, and how our process reduces uncertainty and risk. Whether you are sourcing piping systems, pressure vessels, or custom skids, understanding the quote lifecycle will help you align expectations and make informed decisions.
What Is a Fabrication Quote?
A fabrication quote is a formal document that outlines the estimated cost, scope, timeline, and technical requirements associated with fabricating a component or system. For industrial clients, this may include pipe spools, structural steel, pressure vessels, or entire modular assemblies.
Unlike a rough budget estimate, a true fabrication quote is the result of a detailed review of drawings, material requirements, labor projections, and applicable codes. At Scott Process, we treat this quoting stage as the foundation of a trusted relationship.
Key Information Needed to Generate a Quote
To create an accurate and complete fabrication quote, Scott Process requests the following inputs:
- Detailed drawings and bill of materials (BOM)
This includes piping isometrics, orthographic views, weld maps, and specifications for fittings, valves, and supports. - Material requirements
Including grades, wall thicknesses, finishes, and any coatings or linings. - Welding and testing specifications
Required codes (such as ASME B31.3), pressure ratings, inspection procedures, and nondestructive testing needs. - Delivery timeline
Target dates for release, production, and shipment or installation. - Project constraints or special conditions
This could include tight tie-in schedules, site access limitations, or cleanroom fabrication standards.
The more complete this information is upfront, the more accurate and actionable the fabrication quote will be. As recommended by NIST.gov, clear and standardized communication of technical requirements is critical to reducing manufacturing delays and cost overruns.
How Scott Process Builds Accurate Fabrication Quotes
At Scott Process, we combine decades of experience, a team of certified professionals, and robust estimating tools to deliver timely and transparent quotes. Here’s how the process works:
1. Scope Validation and RFQ Review
Our estimating team begins by reviewing the documentation in detail. If any ambiguities exist in the drawings or specs, we quickly reach out for clarification. This prevents scope creep and change orders later in the project.
2. Material and Labor Estimating
We perform a takeoff of all materials and apply real-time market pricing from our procurement team. Labor estimates are based on historical performance data, the complexity of the welds, number of spools, and required quality control inspections.
For projects involving specialized alloys or complex geometries, our engineering and welding supervisors are brought in early to validate feasibility and make adjustments.
3. Code and Compliance Review
All fabrication quotes are built in compliance with applicable codes such as ASME Section VIII for pressure vessels or B31.1/B31.3 for piping systems. We also include testing costs (hydrostatic, RT, PT, etc.) and documentation deliverables to match client and jurisdictional requirements.
Our team routinely works under nuclear, pharmaceutical, and food-grade quality systems. We quote accordingly to include passivation, orbital welds, or traceability documentation when required.
4. Timeline and Milestone Planning
Timeline estimates are based on shop capacity, manpower availability, and procurement lead times. We outline production phases and identify any long-lead items early in the process. This helps clients plan field activities with confidence.
According to the Construction Industry Institute, early engagement with fabricators during the design and RFQ phase leads to better schedule performance and reduced total installed cost.
5. Quote Presentation and Follow-Up
We present a detailed quote package including:
- Itemized pricing
- Fabrication timeline
- List of inclusions and exclusions
- Clarifications or assumptions
- Optional value engineering opportunities
Our team then makes time to walk clients through the quote, answer technical questions, and discuss next steps for contract execution.
What Sets Scott Process Apart
There are many shops that can provide a number. But very few deliver the level of precision and accountability that Scott Process builds into every quote.
- In-house engineering and drafting means we can clarify and optimize designs at the quoting stage.
- Certified welders and procedures are already qualified across a range of codes and industries, reducing project ramp-up.
- Digital spool tracking and QA/QC documentation systems provide confidence in every deliverable.
- Proven history in critical industries such as power, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing, where code compliance and delivery certainty are non-negotiable.
For clients who face penalties for late installs or who operate in regulated environments, working with a fabricator that quotes with precision is more than a convenience—it is a risk mitigation strategy.
How Clients Can Improve Quote Accuracy and Speed
Here are a few tips that help our clients get faster, more accurate fabrication quotes:
- Submit clean, up-to-date drawings
Markups or outdated PDFs increase the chance of misquote or rework. - Be transparent about your schedule and constraints
If you have a firm shutdown window or site restriction, share it early. - Communicate priorities
If price, lead time, or quality documentation is most important, let us know where to focus effort. - Engage fabricators early
When we are part of design development, we can offer fabrication-driven suggestions that reduce cost and complexity.
Conclusion: A Better Fabrication Quote Leads to a Better Project
At Scott Process, we understand that fabrication quotes are not just transactional; they are foundational. They shape everything from project timelines to final system performance. That is why our team approaches every quote with discipline, expertise, and client-specific attention.
For EPC contractors, facility owners, or procurement leads seeking a responsive, experienced partner in industrial fabrication, we invite you to send us your RFQ and see the Scott Process difference.