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MassDOT Grant Central Estimator

Grant Central Estimator
Project Detail
Market
Agencies
Services
Roadway DesignStructural EngineeringTechnology ServicesTraffic EngineeringWeb Application Development
Location
Statewide, Massachusetts
Client
Massachusetts Department of Transportation

HSH developed the Grant Central Estimator (GCE), formerly the State Aid Reimbursable Programs Estimating Tool (SARPET), a web application that helps municipalities produce reliable and accurate preliminary cost estimates for transportation projects funded through MassDOT’s reimbursable programs. The tool distills complex projects into their core elements, generating line-item bid estimates using MassDOT standard items suitable for grant funding applications.

GCE is a purpose-built application developed entirely in-house using open-source technologies, avoiding vendor lock-in. The tool is mobile-friendly, complies with the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Technology Services and Security security and accessibility requirements, and is deployed on MassDOT’s own domain at mass.gov, with bid data refreshed monthly to keep estimates current.

GCE is in active use by more than 250 professionals across public agencies and private consultants, with adoption continuing to grow, including the Boston Planning Department, which has incorporated the tool into its workflow for offsite mitigation estimates. HSH is developing a bridge estimating feature, planned for release in late 2026/early 2027.