Start with remaining scope
A forecast is only as complete as the work it includes. Compare what is physically and contractually left to finish with what the EAC currently assumes.
Bring commitments current
Open subcontract changes, purchase orders, pending buyout, material escalation, and known future obligations should be visible before they become actual cost.
Use production evidence
Future labor assumptions should reflect crew performance, productivity trend, overtime, stacking, rework, learning curve, and the operational reason performance would improve or deteriorate.
Price schedule pressure
Acceleration, extended supervision, general conditions, testing, punch, demobilization, and late-project inefficiency can materially change the cost of finishing.
Make uncertainty visible
A credible forecast can include ranges and unresolved conditions. Hiding known risk outside the forecast narrative creates false precision.