Why an IFE

An Independent Fee Estimate, review, or cost analysis is typically required by the FAA for Planning, Design, Construction or Administration Services contracts that are expected to exceed $100,000 with an engineering consultant. The following link will take you to Section 300 of the AIP Sponsor Guide, which discusses the procurement of professional services and how IFEs fit into the equation.

Additionally, when you hire an engineering consultant for your airport, the FAA will require an IFE for the first project conducted with the new firm - regardless of the project's size.

The good thing is that the fees associated with an IFE are 90%+ reimbursable by the FAA as an administrative expense!

Who can perform an IFE?

FAA Advisory Circular 150/5100-14E states, if the sponsor has a consultant or retainer who has experience with the services involved and who is not being considered for the project, the sponsor may engage the consultant to develop the fee estimate. “The consultant must have recent experience in airport work similar to that proposed and must be familiar with FAA requirements and procedures.”

As an experienced and independent civil engineer with an emphasis in the design and construction of aviation projects, Independent Fee Estimates LLC can perform this work effectively for you!