In the world of government contracting, the pricing of a proposal can be the section of the proposal taken too lightly by many bidders. Here at ReliAscent, one of the most difficult things to see is a client “win” a proposal (Grant or Contract), that has several “losing” features built into the cost & pricing section. At ReliAscent, our passion is helping companies that have exciting technologies or services succeed. We can relieve the pressure of government regulations so the company can concentrate on their core expertise, providing the best chance for success.
Read the Full Blog Here
DCAA COMPLIANCE BLOG
Your Source for DCAA News and Government Contracting Information
Dave Donley
Dave has a BS in Aeronautical Engineering and a Certificate in Government Contract Management from the NCMA. Dave spent 12 years as a Program/Contract Administrator for both a small and large government contractors. Dave was a contract and subcontract manager for six years at a small firm specializing in SBIR contracting. While managing all contract activities, he also performed selected financial management duties. In addition, Dave gained experience developing proposals and negotiating contracts. He has submitted and negotiated company indirect rates with many different government agencies.
Recent Posts
Preparing a Government Contract Cost Proposal
Posted by Dave Donley on Tue, Oct 08, 2019 @ 09:54 AM
2 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: Cost Proposal, preparing a cost proposal, Preparing a Government Contract Cost Proposal
An Introduction to Government Property Management
Posted by Dave Donley on Wed, Jul 24, 2019 @ 10:42 AM
While government contract accounting certainly presents its share of challenges, contractors should not overlook the government property clause at FAR 52.245-1. Depending on your contract type and contracting environment, you may be exposed to parts or all of this clause with the resulting administrative costs to comply. It is fair to say that government property management in many respects is as confusing and fraught with potential missteps as government contract accounting.
Read the Full Blog Here
1 Comment Click here to read/write comments
Topics: DCMA, DCMA Audits, Government Property Management, dcma compliance
Alphabet Soup: DCAA vs. DCMA
Posted by Dave Donley on Wed, Jul 17, 2019 @ 01:17 PM
The DCAA and DCMA
Read the Full Blog Here
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: DCMA, DCAA, DCAA vs DCMA, DCAA DCMA
Capped Indirect Rates - Friend or Foe?
Posted by Dave Donley on Fri, Jun 07, 2019 @ 08:06 AM
The answer to this question depends on your perspective as either a government acquisition/grant professional or a government contractor or grantee. Negotiating or directing capped indirect rates on cost reimbursable contracts and in the grant environment may at first appear to be an effective risk mitigation tool for buyers and grant managers. On the other hand, a case can be made that the use of this technique may not necessarily produce the intended results. To be sure, there are plenty of opportunities to reduce a buyer’s risk without resorting to what could be considered “piling on.”
Read the Full Blog Here
1 Comment Click here to read/write comments
Topics: Indirect rates, Capped Indirect Rates, indirect rate models, indirect cost rates
Indirect Rates Models for Government Contracts & Grants - Are You Using the Right One?
Posted by Dave Donley on Wed, May 29, 2019 @ 11:33 AM
At ReliAscent, we routinely see contractors and grantees that have submitted indirect rates that don’t adequately reflect their operations, don’t align with their accounting systems, and frustrate their billing processes. We find many factors contribute to this chaos, but one that consistently comes up is the confusion surrounding government or prime contractor-supplied bid instructions, math models, and on-line bid templates.
Read the Full Blog Here
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: Indirect rates, developing indirect rates, determine your indirect rates, indirect rates government contracts, indirect cost rates, indirect cost models
An Introduction to Indirect Rates for Government Contractors
Posted by Dave Donley on Mon, May 20, 2019 @ 11:52 AM
Indirect Rates, Huh? What are They Good For?
With apologies to the 1970’s Motown hit, one of the most common questions we get at ReliAscent® surrounds development and utility of indirect cost rates. Indirect costs are those that cannot easily be allocated discretely to a single project or across a number of projects. An indirect rate describes a mathematical ratio and its logical relation of indirect costs (the numerator) divided by the “base” (the denominator). In this manner, one or more “pools” of indirect costs can be allocated mathematically to all projects.
Read the Full Blog Here
4 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: Indirect rates, indirect costs, developing indirect rates, indirect rate models, determine your indirect rates, indirect rates government contracts, indirect cost rates
Department of Energy SBIR Phase I FY2019 Release 2 Topics Now Available
Posted by Dave Donley on Tue, Oct 30, 2018 @ 09:00 AM
The DOE has just released its next round of topics for the FY2019 SBIR Phase I solicitation. Grant limits are a bit higher at $200,000 along with an increase of Commercial Assistance allowance to $6,500. See https://science.energy.gov/sbir/funding-opportunities/
Read the Full Blog Here
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: DoE SBIR, DoE SBIR 2019
DoD Contract Negotiations: An $18 Million Dollar Case Study
Posted by Dave Donley on Thu, Oct 25, 2018 @ 01:17 PM
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: defense contract negotiations, Negotiating with the DCAA, contract negotiations
