What you need to know about using AGSK-3

Currently, the regulatory framework for construction quality in Kazakhstan is based on construction norms and rules (SNiP) and GOST standards.
Previously, construction projects often included price lists and commercial proposals for materials and engineering equipment, which did not always reflect market prices, leading to inflated construction costs.
To prevent this and to save budget funds, for construction projects funded by state investments, quasi-state sector funds, or public-private partnership projects (concessions), project decisions (including specifications for equipment, products, and materials) should use the nomenclature of materials and engineering equipment according to the Architectural, Urban Planning, and Construction Catalog (AGSK-3) – “List of construction structures, products, and building materials”.
Key points:
1. Regulatory Basis:
From July 2022, the technical regulation SN RK 1.02.03-2022 prohibits using price lists in project and estimate documentation (PSD) that could lead to overstated construction costs.
2. Content of AGSK-3:
Includes materials, equipment, furniture, and inventory not present in the standard estimate base or reference books.
Must provide technical and price information: catalogs with specifications, compliance certificates, certificates of origin (ST KZ), and test protocols.
3. Determining Costs:
Estimate cost of resources is based on approved estimate price collections.
If a resource is missing from the collections, cost is determined based on the lowest approved price by the customer, considering technical parameters in the project.
If prices in commercial proposals or price lists are lower than AGSK-3, the customer can adjust the AGSK-3 prices during the comprehensive non-departmental expertise to optimize budget use.
4. Scope:
Clause 5.13 of SN RK applies only to materials and engineering equipment.
Price lists and commercial proposals are currently used only for technological equipment.
5. Digitalization:
Using AGSK-3 is part of automated checking of estimate documentation.
Efforts are underway to combine all local estimates into a single digital estimate with automatic verification during project expertise, expected implementation in 2025.
Conclusion: Applying AGSK-3 ensures accurate, market-aligned costs, reduces the risk of inflated budgets, and supports digitalization and automated control in construction project estimates.