Book excerpt: This document details the steps followed by the research team in the development of NCHRP Report 574, "Guidance for Cost Estimation and Management for Highway Projects during Planning, Programming, and Preconstruction." NCHRP Report 574 will examine highway cost estimation practice and cost estimation management with the goal of helping achieve greater consistency and accuracy between planning, programming and preliminary design, and final design. The Guidebook will explore strategies, methods, and tools to develop, track, and document realistic cost estimates during each phase of the process.