Cost & Pricing Exam 1 Flashcards
What is the basic reference guide for Government pricing?
Cost and Pricing Reference Guide
Identify the 3 elements of basic pricing policy.
- purchases from responsible sources at fair and reasonable prices
- price each contract separately and; independently
- exclude contingencies
Identify the 2 components of pricing each contract separately.
- perspective
- government contracting
What are the conflicting perspectives under pricing each contract separately?
- seller’s position
- buyer’s position
Define contingency.
A possible future event or condition arising presently known or unknown causes and the outcome can not be determined at the present time
What is TINA?
Truth in Negotiations Act
Enhanced government’s ability to negotiate fair & reasonable prices.
It is used when there is no competition for non-commercial items.
What is the threshold for TINA?
> $2M
Define price analysis
Process of examining and evaluating a proposed price to determine if it is fair and reasonable, without evaluating its separate cost elements and proposed profit
(Analyzes price in their entirety)
Define cost analysis
The 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
(Analyzes prices by reviewing the individual elements of cost and the appropriateness and necessity of each element)
Define cost realism analysis
Process of independently reviewing and evaluating specific elements of each offeror’s proposed cost estimate to determine whether the estimated proposed cost elements are realistic for the work to be performed, reflect a clear understanding of work, and are consistent with the unique methods of performance and materials described in the offeror’s technical performance
(Independently reviewing cost elements to determine if they are realistic for the work to be performed - required for all cost contracts)
When is price analysis used over cost analysis?
When an offeror is not required to provide certified cost and pricing data
What are the types of price analysis?
Which one is most preferred?
1) comparison and prices received in response to a solicitation AKA competition (most preferred)
2) comparison of previously proposed prices with currently proposed prices
3) parametric estimating methods
4) comparison with competitive published price
5) comparison with independent government cost estimates
6) comparison with prices obtained through market research
7) analysis of pricing information provided by the offeror
When is TINA required?
When it’s a sole source contract over $2M on a non-commercial item
Identify the types of items that a technical analysis reviews
1) types and quantities of material
2) types and quantities of labor hours
3) labor mix
4) pertinent technical aspects
5) processes
6) special topping
7) equipment
8) real property
9) scrap and/or spoilage
(T/F) - Cost and price analysis can be used together
True
Identify the 3 types of cost estimating methods
1) round table
2) comparison
3) detailed
Which type of cost estimating method should a contractor use?
Any generally accepted estimating method that is equitable and consistently applied
What are pros and cons to the round table estimating method?
Pros: can be used with limited data
Cons: lack of data, increases variability between estimators and true costs
What are pros and cons to the comparison estimating method?
Pros: rapid development of estimates based on historical costs
Cons: estimated based on historical costs can project historical inefficiencies
What are pros and cons to the detailed estimating method?
Pros: most accurate estimate
Cons: requires complete information that may be expensive or impossible to obtain