A monthly progress estimate is generally from the 1st of the month through the end of the month (30th or 31st). It is the Department’s desire to pay a Contractor for work through the last working day of the month. However, the use of early cut-off dates for monthly estimates and MOH is a project management practice to manage workload at the Area Office level. Districts may establish cut-off dates prior to the last working day, but the earliest cut-off date for estimates is on the 25th of the month, with MOH submitted no later than 2 days before the established cut-off date. Discuss the cut-off date with the Contractor at the Preconstruction Conference. Once a cut-off date is established, do not alter or modify the date throughout the life of the project.