Self-performing is a method of general contracting. All general contractors sub contract specialty trades out to other contractors. Some contractors sub out all the trades. These "brokers or construction managers" are at the mercy of the local labor market. For example, if the local concrete subs are very busy, their prices are higher. Kurtz, Inc has the capacity and expertise to self perform any trade with exception of the mechanical and electrical trades. This allows the purchasing department to solicit local sub contractors while simultaneously having the estimators at Kurtz, Inc. determine the real value of the task. If the subs are excessively high, Kurtz, Inc can decide "to do it with their own guys."