Cost Plan A for schools (RICS NRM1)
Cost Plan A is the QS deliverable that turns a concept design into a fundable number. Without it the CIF Section C narrative is opinion; with it, the bid is auditable.
What Cost Plan A is
Under RICS NRM1, Cost Plan A is the elemental cost plan produced at the end of RIBA Stage 2. It allocates capital cost across NRM1 elements (substructure, frame, envelope, internal finishes, services, external works, preliminaries, OH&P) and includes a risk and inflation allowance [source: RICS NRM1, verified 2026-06-24].
Level of detail
Elemental allocation, with each major element costed against BCIS rates or the consultant's own comparator data. Reasonable inflation allowance to construction start. Preliminaries typically 10-12% on schools.
Worked example: 2FE primary expansion
1,275m² GIA new build at £3,200/m² (BCIS-factored East Midlands) = £4.08m. Add 12% preliminaries (£489k), 5% design contingency (£228k), 5% construction contingency (£239k), 8% inflation allowance to start (£402k), externals at 18% (£734k). Total Cost Plan A approximately £6.17m.
Who produces it
Chartered quantity surveyor. It feeds the governor pack and the CIF Section C bid text.
A vs B vs C
Cost Plan A: end Stage 2. Cost Plan B: end Stage 3. Cost Plan C: end Stage 4. Each refines the previous. Feasibility outputs sit at A.