Contingency is not padding
Contingency is the expected cost of known uncertainties, priced. Where the number comes from, who owns it, and how to defend it in front of a board.
Presenting a range without losing the room
Owners want one number. The estimate is a distribution. How to show P10, P50 and P90 so decision-makers use them instead of ignoring them.
Escalation is a risk, not a footnote
The assumed escalation rate deserves the same scrutiny as any other line. How to price it by commodity, cash-flowed to the midpoint of spend.