Satcom,
In Colorado Springs, FPE panels have a special status... they are considered a "damaged panel." When replacing them, assuming there is NO UPGRADE, we can do a 1 - for - 1 change out. No grounding issues, no bonding issues, no wire changing issues, nothing! Straight 1-for-1.
I learned this last year when I told the inspector, and showed him a letter from the HO's insurance agency requiring it. He told me that if it were not so, he would have required.... (long laundry list)
So, lesson learned... $1100 is bottom line price for change outs. There is a company here in COS who (on their permit price) says they are charging $600. I don't know how, that is less than my costs before advertising... I think they are lying on their permit to lower their permit price. That is a huge price to pay if they get caught though...
I looked at April's permit costs, and most companies were charging $1200 - $1500 for panel upgrades. A couple were as high as $2400...