Contracting Test #4 Flashcards
3 Government Price Objectives listed in the Basic Pricing Policy (FAR Part 15.402)
- Purchase from responsible sources at fair & reasonable prices
- Price each contract separately & independently
- Exclude contingencies
What are the 2 components of pricing each contract separately?
- Perspective
2. Government contracting
What are the 2 conflicting perspectives under pricing each contract separately?
- Seller’s position
2. Buyer’s position
In reference to pricing, what is a contingency?
A possible future event or condition arising from presently known or unknown
causes and the outcome cannot be determined at the present time
What are the 2 types of contingencies in reference to pricing?
- permanently know the existing conditions with the effects of these conditions to be foreseeable within reasonable limits of accuracy
- cannot be measured to provide equitable results to the Contractor and the Government
What is the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA)?
1962 act enhanced the government’s ability to negotiate fair and reasonable prices by establishing the requirement for certified cost or pricing data; requires the contractor to give the Government cost and pricing data as a surrogate in the absence of normal market forces (competition) to determine fair and reasonable prices
What is the dollar threshold for TINA?
> $2,000,000
When is TINA required?
absence of normal market forces (no competition)
Definition of Price Analysis
Process of examining and evaluating a proposed price to determine if it is fair and reasonable, without evaluating separate cost elements and proposed profit
Definition of Cost Analysis
Review and evaluation of the separate cost elements and proposed profit/fee of an offeror’s certified cost and pricing data
Definition of Cost Realism Analysis
Review and evaluation of the separate cost elements and proposed profit/fee of an offeror’s certified cost and pricing data or data other than certified cost and pricing data
Cost realism analysis determines whether the estimated proposed cost elements are:
(1) are realistic for the work to be performed
(2) reflect a clear understanding of work
(3) are consistent with the unique methods of performance and materials described in the offeror’s technical performance
When is cost analysis required (TINA)?
when certified cost or price data are required
When is price analysis used?
when certified cost or pricing data are not required
When is cost realism analysis used?
when cost type contracts are considered
What method is preferred to make determination that prices are fair and reasonable?
Price Analysis
What are the types of price analysis methods?
(1) comparison of prices received in response to the solicitation
(2) comparison of previously proposed prices with current proposed prices for the same or similar items
(3) parametric estimating methods
(4) comparison with competitive published price
(5) comparison with independent government cost estimates
(6) comparison with prices obtained thru market research
(7) analysis of pricing info provided by offeror
Which (2) price analysis methods (competition) are preferred?
(1) comparison of prices received in response to the solicitation
(2) comparison of previously proposed prices with current proposed prices for the same or similar items
What types of items does a technical analysis review?
(1) types & quantity of material
(2) types & quantity of labor hour
(3) labor mix
(4) pertinent technical aspects
(5) processes
(6) special tooling
(7) equipment
(8) real property
(9) scrap and/or spoilage
At a minimum, what (2) types of technical analysis review must be conducted?
(1) types and quantity of material
(2) types and quantity of labor hour
Under what circumstances should cost and price analysis be used together?
when fair and reasonable price cannot be determined thru price analysis alone for commercial or non-commercial items
(FAR 15.404-1(a)(4))
What are the pros and cons of round table cost estimating method?
PROS: used with limited data
CONS: lack of data and increased variability between estimators and true costs
What are the pros and cons of comparison cost estimating method?
PROs: rapid development of estimated based on historical
CONs: historical inefficiency
What are the pros and cons of detailed cost estimating method?
PROS: most accurate
CONs: expensive
Cost realism is required for……
all cost type contracts
Cost realism MAY be used for _______ contracts.
fixed-price
What are the exceptions to (TINA) certified cost or pricing data over $2M per FAR 15.403-1?
(1) adequate price competition
(2) price set by law/regulation
(3) commercial item
(4) waiver from HCA