cost estimation help guide - dau sponsored documents/arrt... · 2018-10-15 · arrt cost estimation...

COST ESTIMATION

HELP GUIDE

Version 2.1

ARRT Cost Estimation 2.1, Oct. 10, 2018

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ......................................................................................................... 1 ARRT Cost Estimation Help Guide .............................................................................. 2 SECTION 1 – Download Instructions and Tips ............................................................ 3 SECTION 2 – Main Page ............................................................................................. 9 SECTION 3 – Banner ................................................................................................ 12 SECTION 4 – Project List .......................................................................................... 23 SECTION 5 – Project Information .............................................................................. 28 SECTION 6 – Requirements ...................................................................................... 34 SECTION 7 – Cost Estimates .................................................................................... 39 SECTION 7.1 – Cost Estimates - Direct Labor .......................................................... 41 SECTION 7.2 – Cost Estimates - Travel .................................................................... 53 SECTION 7.3 – Cost Estimates - Communications ................................................... 68 SECTION 7.4 – Cost Estimates - Computers & Peripherals ...................................... 80 SECTION 7.5 – Cost Estimates - Subcontractors ...................................................... 92 SECTION 7.6 – Cost Estimates - Other ODCs ........................................................ 104 SECTION 7.7 – Cost Estimates - Non-G&A ODCs .................................................. 116 SECTION 8 – Work Products ................................................................................... 128 SECTION 9 – Tool Settings ..................................................................................... 130 SECTION 10 – Helpful Links .................................................................................... 135 SECTION 11 – Glossary of Terms ........................................................................... 140


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ARRT Cost Estimation Help Guide

Welcome to the Help Guide for the Acquisition Requirements Roadmap Tool (ARRT) Suite Cost Estimation where you will find step-by-step instructions on how to use the tool.

The ARRT Cost Estimation is a tool that guides cost estimators of all experience levels through the process of estimating costs of services defined in a Performance Work Statement (PWS). The tool allows you to create a PWS or import one from an ARRT Requirements Definition file. The tool contains a Cost Estimate Sheet that displays the total costs you have estimated for each Cost Type (e.g., Labor or Travel). Work Products that summarize the data contained in an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) can be exported to Microsoft Word and Excel.

The diagram below illustrates the work flow you will follow while using the tool.


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SECTION 1 – Download Instructions and Tips

Downloading the ARRT Suite tools is a multi-step process. This page contains helpful instructions and tips on how to perform this process. Begin by following the steps below:

Navigate to the DAU Tools Catalog where you will find the ARRT Suite. The ARRT Suite download consists of all four tools in the Suite:

ARRT Requirements Definition ARRT Evaluation Factors ARRT Performance Assessment ARRT Cost Estimation

The ARRT Requirements Definition download consists of the compressed (zipped) folder containing the following files:

ARRT_RequirementsDefinition_4.3.accdc - a digitally signed and packagedMicrosoft Access file that you will use to create your Requirements, PerformanceWork Statement (PWS), and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

ARRT_RequirementsDefinition_4_3_WhatsNew.pdf - a document that brieflyoutlines the changes made to this version of the ARRT Requirements Definition.

ARRT_RequirementsDefinition_HelpGuide_4-3.pdf - a printable Help Guide forthe tool.

1st EXTRACT ZIP.txt - a text file with helpful tips.

The ARRT Evaluation Factors download consists of the compressed (zipped) folder containing the following files:

ARRT_EvaluationFactors _2.3.accdc - a digitally signed and packaged MicrosoftAccess file that you will use to create your Source Selection Plan.

ARRT_EvaluationFactors _2_3_WhatsNew.pdf - a document that briefly outlinesthe changes made to this version of the ARRT Evaluation Factors.

ARRT_EvaluationFactors _HelpGuide_2-3.pdf - a printable Help Guide for thetool.


https://shortcut.dau.edu/JST/arrt


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The ARRT Performance Assessment download consists of the compressed (zipped) folder containing the following files:

ARRT_PerformanceAssessment _2.1.accdc - a digitally signed and packagedMicrosoft Access file that you will use to create your contractor assessmentschedule and CPARS inputs.

ARRT_ PerformanceAssessment _2_1_WhatsNew.pdf - a document that brieflyoutlines the changes made to this version of the ARRT PerformanceAssessment.

ARRT_PerformanceAssessment _HelpGuide_2-1.pdf - a printable Help Guide forthe tool.


The ARRT Cost Estimation download consists of the compressed (zipped) folder containing the following files:

ARRT_CostEstimation_2.1.accdc - a digitally signed and packaged MicrosoftAccess file that you will use to create your Independent Government CostEstimate (IGCE).

ARRT_ CostEstimation _2_1_WhatsNew.pdf - a document that briefly outlinesthe changes made to this version of the ARRT Cost Estimation.

ARRT_CostEstimation_HelpGuide_2-1.pdf - a printable Help Guide for the tool. 1st EXTRACT ZIP.txt - a text file with helpful tips.

Launching the ARRT Suite Tools

The ARRT Suite tools are Microsoft Access files, so you must have Microsoft Access on your computer. As Access files, the tools are subject to the standard security constraints that Microsoft has put in place to protect users. The tools use on-screen forms and macros to perform their functionality. By default, most MS Access installations require you when opening this kind of file to acknowledge that you trust the file. This protects you from inadvertently allowing untrusted programs to perform advanced operations.

The files you download will be digitally signed by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and have a ".accdc" suffix. They are "shell" files that contain the file that you will actually work with.


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Security Notice

When you launch an ARRT Suite tool, you will see a Security Notice stating that the digital signature is valid. You can view the signature by clicking the "Show Signature Details" blue link. This is a general security protection that Microsoft builds into Access applications. Click "Open" to go to the next step.

NOTE: For non-DoD users, you likely will need to install the latest DoD Public Key Infrastructure certificates to your computer. Detailed instructions may be found at the following URL: https://www.dau.edu/faq/p/DoD-PKI-Certificates


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Extract Database

After viewing the digital signature, you will be asked to extract the ARRT Suite tool to your computer. This file will have an ".accdb" suffix and is the file you will use when working in the tool. It is suggested that you save this ".accdb" file in the ARRT Suite folder in your "My Documents" folder or on your Desktop.


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Security Warning- Microsoft 2007

Microsoft Access 2007 users need to perform the following steps to complete entrance into the tool:

In the "Security Warning" bar at the top of your screen, click the "Options" button. A Security Alert dialog will open. Select the "Enable this content" radio button

and then click "OK".

Security Warning- Microsoft 2010


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Microsoft Access 2010 users only need to click the "Enable Content" button in the "Security Warning" bar at the top of your screen.

Stop All Macros

Some users may get an "Action Failed" dialog popup after launching the tool. To continue, click the "Stop All Macros" button. The next step will vary based on what version of Microsoft Access you are using.


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SECTION 2 – Main Page

The Main Page is the first screen you will see when the ARRT Cost Estimation tool opens.

Main Page

Functionality on this page includes:

"Using Help" - learn more about the types of assistance available for the tool. "Configure Tool Settings" - the ARRT Cost Estimation contains configurable Rate

Tables for categories. For more information on this, go to the Tool Settings page. "Click Here to Begin" - navigates to the Project List where you can create new

Projects or select an existing Project to continue work on. "About" - a brief overview of the ARRT Cost Estimation and the Terms of Use

and Support. "Current User" - default is your MS Windows user ID.


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Using Help

The Using Help form introduces you to the types of Help available in the tool:

• In-page Guidance• Help Guide• Contact Us at [email protected]• About

In addition, SAM is an added resource for help on the ARRT Suite. You are encouraged to watch the introductory and training videos prior to starting work in this tool.

https://shortcut.dau.edu/sam


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The About form gives a brief description of the ARRT Cost Estimation tool as well as information regarding terms of use and support.


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SECTION 3 – Banner

While working in the tool, you will see a light blue banner at the top of the majority of pages. This banner tells you which step you are working on in the ARRT Cost Estimation process. You can return to the Main Page by clicking on the light blue ARRT logo on the far left.

Light Blue Banner

On the right side of the banner, you can click buttons that may be helpful while you are working in the tool:

Notepad - opens the Comments feature. The number next to the sticky-note icon on the Comments button denotes how many Comments exist for the current Project.

Wizard - launches a Wizard that assists you in completing your Cost Estimate. "?" - opens the Guidance.


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Comments

While working in the ARRT Cost Estimation tool, you can create Comments related to the Project or specific topic areas you are working on. These Comments are meant for internal use only.

"Close" - closes the Comments form. "New Comment" - opens a blank form where you can enter new Comments.

More information is available in the section below. "Delete All" - removes all of the Comments in a Project. Please note: this action

cannot be undone. "X" - deletes a specific Comment. Please note: this action cannot be undone. "Edit" - opens an existing Comment to allow you to review and make changes.


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New Comment

The New Comment form allows you to add a new Comment to the Project.

"Save and Close" - saves your data and closes the Comment form. Date - the tool automatically inputs the current date into this field, however you

can change this if necessary. Author - the person who made the Comment. Input your name or select from the

dropdown list. Assigned To - the person who should address the Comment. Input a name or

select from the dropdown list. Status - allows you to manage if and how a Comment has been addressed.

Select the state of the Comment from the dropdown list. This will aid in keeping your Comments organized.

Priority - the importance of the item. Select how pressing the information in your Comment is from the dropdown list.

Type - the category of the project where a Comment applies. Use the dropdown list to select what level of the Project the Comment relates to.


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Item - specific data point in the Project the Comment relates to. Use the dropdown list to select the appropriate item. As you change the selected item in this list, the tool will open the appropriate form that the Comments relates to.

Comment - the Comment text.

Wizard

The ARRT Cost Estimation tool has a Wizard that will help you walk through the creation of your project and cost estimates. The Wizard will automatically launch whenever you create a new Project (unless you have previously turned it off). You can also access the Wizard by clicking the "Wizard" button in the main header of each page.

Wizard - New Project

The initial Wizard dialog will open when you click the "New" button or the "Wizard" button in the banner on the Project List page.

Functionality on this dialog includes:

"Close" button - closes the Wizard. "Show Wizard" checkbox - enables/disables the Wizard. You can re-enable it by

clicking the "Wizard" button in the banner and deselecting this box. "Next" button - advances to the next step in the Wizard process, Project

Information.


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Wizard - Project Information

The first step in creating a new Project is to determine the project's information. The Wizard outlines five steps that you can complete by clicking on the appropriate blue link.

Step 1a: Project Name - input a Project name or import an ARRT Requirements Definition Project. This step is complete when the Project Name is no longer empty.

Step 1b: Number of Contract Years - decide how you will estimate each Contract Year and make a selection from one of the three Contract Year options. Then, if applicable, enter the number of Contract Years. This step is complete when these options have been selected/entered. Please note: Contract Year options cannot be changed after the Project is saved.

Step 1c: Inflation - determine if Inflation will be calculated for the Project and what the Inflation rate will be. This step is complete when "No" is selected or if "Yes" is selected and a rate has been entered.

Step 1d: Factor Loading Rates - click the "Edit" button to enter the Factor Loading Rates for the Project. This step is complete when the "Complete" checkbox is selected on the Factor Loading Editor window.


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Step 1e: Project Rates and Standards - enter the Hours Per Workweek, Person Hours Per Year, and Travel Mileage- Cost Per Mile for the Project. This step is complete when there is data in each of these three fields.

Other functionality on this form includes:

"Close" button - closes the Wizard. "Show Wizard" checkbox - enables/disables the Wizard. You can re-enable it by

clicking the "Wizard" button in the banner and deselecting this box. "Previous" button - navigates back to the Project List page. "Show All Unfinished Steps" link - opens the Wizard - Completion Checklist

where the incomplete Wizard steps are listed. For more information on this, see the "Wizard - Completion Checklist" section further down this page.

"Next" button - advances to the Requirements step in the Wizard process.

Wizard - Requirements

The second step in the Wizard is to import and/or create, and edit Requirements for the Project. The Wizard outlines one step with two different options that you can complete by clicking on the appropriate blue link.


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Option 2a: Import Requirements - import a PWS from a file of the ARRT Requirements Definition on your computer or network. This step is complete when the PWS has been successfully imported.

Option 2b: Manually Add Requirements - click the "Add" button to create a Requirement. Continue this process until you have created a complete WBS for estimating costs. This step is complete after at least one Requirement has been created.


"Close" button - closes the Wizard form. "Show Wizard" checkbox - enables/disables the Wizard. You can re-enable it by

clicking the "Wizard" button in the banner and deselecting this box. "Previous" button - navigates to the previous step in the Wizard process, Project

Information. "Show All Unfinished Steps" link - opens the Wizard Completion Checklist where

you can see the Wizard Steps that have not been completed. For more information on this, see the "Wizard - Completion Checklist" section further down this page.

"Next" button - advances to the next step in the Wizard process, Costs.


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Wizard - Costs

The third step in the Wizard is to create cost estimates for the Project. The Wizard outlines seven steps that you can complete by clicking on the appropriate blue link.

Step 3a: Labor - input Labor categories and cost estimates for the Project. This step is complete when all Requirements that have been assigned a Labor Category have been marked as complete.

Step 3b: Travel - input Travel categories and cost estimates for the Project. This step is complete when all Requirements that have been assigned a Travel Category have been marked as complete.

Step 3c: Communications - input Communications categories and cost estimates for the Project. This step is complete when all Requirements that have been assigned a Communications Category have been marked as complete.

Step 3d: Computers and Peripherals - input Computers and Peripherals categories and cost estimates for the Project. This step is complete when all Requirements that have been assigned a Computers and Peripherals Category have been marked as complete.


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Step 3e: Subcontractors - input Subcontractors categories and cost estimates for the Project. This step is complete when all Requirements that have been assigned a Subcontractors Category have been marked as complete.

Step 3f: Other ODCs - input Other ODCs categories and cost estimates for the Project. This step is complete when all Requirements that have been assigned an Other ODCs Category have been marked as complete.

Step 3g: Non-G&A ODCs - input Non-G&A ODCs categories and cost estimates for the Project. This step is complete when all Requirements that have been assigned a Non-G&A ODCs Category have been marked as complete.


"Close" button - closes the Wizard form. "View Cost Estimate Sheet" link - navigates to the Cost Estimate Sheet. "Show Wizard" checkbox - enables/disables the Wizard. You can re-enable it by

clicking the "Wizard" button in the banner and deselecting this box. "Skip this step" link - click this if you do not plan on estimating a cost for this Cost

Type. This will mark the step as complete. If you choose to estimate the Cost Type after clicking the link, the checkbox will become empty until all of the Requirements that have been assigned Categories have been marked as complete.

"Previous" button - navigates to the previous step in the Wizard process, Requirements.

"Show All Unfinished Steps" link - opens the Wizard Completion Checklist where the incomplete Wizard steps are listed. For more information on this, see the section further down this page.

"Next" button - advances to the next and final step in the Wizard process, Completion Checklist.


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Wizard - Completion Checklist

The fourth and final step in the Wizard lists any incomplete steps from the previous Wizard steps. Revisit the incomplete steps by clicking on the appropriate blue link.


"Show Wizard" checkbox - enables/disables the Wizard. You can re-enable it by clicking the "Wizard" button in the banner and deselecting this box.

"Previous" button - navigates to the previous step in the Wizard process, Costs. "Close" button - closes the Wizard.


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Help/Guidance

The Help/Guidance form instructs you on what you are to do on the page you are currently working on in the tool. Other functionality on this form includes:

"Glossary" button - opens a list of words and phrases used in the tool and their definitions.

"Get Help from SAM" button - launches your internet browser on the page on SAM for the page you are currently working on in the tool.

"Close" button - closes the Help form.


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SECTION 4 – Project List

The Project List is the hub for tool activity.

Project List

The Project List is the starting point for the ARRT Cost Estimation process. Functionality on this page includes:

Folders List - shows a list of available Folders for Project organization. Project List- shows a list of existing Projects in the Folder. "New" button - takes you to the "Project Information" page where you begin the

process of creating a new Project. "Copy" button - makes a copy of a Project and all of its contents. "Delete" button - moves a Project and all of its associated information to the

Trash Bin. "Import" button - navigates you to the import pages where you can determine

what type of import you want to perform. More information on this topic can be found below.


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"Manage Folders" button - navigates to the Folder Manager which allows you to manage folders for easier maintenance and organization of Projects. For more information on this topic, go to the Folder Manager section below.

Trash Bin button - opens the Trash Bin where you can view a list of deleted Projects. For more information on this topic, go to the Trash Bin section below.

Grow/Shrink Font buttons - changes the font in the Folder and Project lists for customized viewing.

Project Information - displays the following information for the currently selected Project:

o Project Name- the name of a Project. o Creation Date - the date a Project was originally created. o Number of Years in Contract - contract duration for the Project. o Total Contract Estimated Costs - the total Minimum, Most Likely,

Maximum, and Risk Adjusted estimates for the Project. Process Flow

o Left Arrow - navigates to the Main Page. o Right Arrow - navigates to the Project Information page.

Import Page

There are two types of imports that users can perform in the ARRT Cost Estimation tool:


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Import another ARRT Cost Estimation Project - users can share projects between different versions of the tool.

Import a PWS from ARRT Requirements Definition - users can use a PWS created in a version of the ARRT Requirements Definition as the basis for a project in the ARRT Cost Estimation.

Project Import

ARRT Cost Estimation users can share projects between different files of the tool by using the "Import" function. To utilize this functionality, follow the instructions below:

Click "Import" on the Project List page. Select the file that contains the desired Project by clicking the "Browse" button.

o Navigate to the file by searching for the folder where it is saved. o Click "OK" when you have selected the file.

Select the Project to import by clicking on the Project name in the ARRT Cost Estimation Projects list.

Click the "Import" button.


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A confirmation window will appear. o Click "Yes" to continue with the import. o Click "No" to cancel the import.

Folder Manager

The Folder Manager allows you to manage folders for easier maintenance and organization of Projects. After selecting a folder in the "Choose a Folder" list, you can do any of the following:

"New Folder" button - reveals fields for creating a new Folder "Edit/Move" button - reveals fields where you can edit an existing Folder's name

and change its location. "Delete" button - deletes the currently selected Folder and all of the Projects

inside that Folder. Please note: this action cannot be undone.

The two lists at the bottom of the page provide an easy method to move Projects from one Folder to another. Simply select the desired Folders and Projects and use the Right


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and Left arrow buttons to move the Projects between Folders. You can move multiple Projects by holding down the Shift and Ctrl buttons on your keyboard as you select the Projects to be moved.

Trash Bin

The Trash Bin holds all Projects that have been deleted. You can select a Project in the list to see the Project Information.

"Delete" button - permanently deletes the selected Project(s). Please note: this action cannot be undone.

"Restore" button - removes the selected Project(s) from the Trash Bin and restores it back to the Project List.


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SECTION 5 – Project Information

The Project Information page gives you the basic details about a project.

Project Information- New

Create a new Project by completing the following fields:

"Import from ARRT Requirements Definition" button - if you created a project using the ARRT Requirements Definition and would like to use it as the basis for this project, import it in by clicking this button. The tool will automatically fill in the Project Name when finished.

Creation Date - displays when the Project was created. Folder - the folder where you want the new Project to be located. Project Name - the name of the Project. Contract Years - enter the number of years for the contract. If you have a

contract that consists of more than one year, you will also need to select how you are going to estimate the Contract Years.


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o Estimate Costs Individually Per Year o Estimate Costs Once and Use for Each Contract Year o Estimate Total Project Costs Once - Please note: This selection prohibits

the use of inflation. Inflation - you can estimate inflation for Projects that contain two or more

Contract Years. o Calculate Inflation - use the option buttons to select whether or not

inflation will be included. o Inflation Rate - enter the inflation rate (as a percentage) for the contract.

Factor Loading Rates - Factor Loading Rates are additional costs of a contract beyond the cost of labor and materials. Click the "Edit" button to enter values to each of these rates. Please note: Projects cannot be saved with blank fields. If a rate is unknown or will not be included in the Project, enter a zero as a placeholder.

Project-Wide Standards and Rates - enter values into the fields provided for the following rates:

o Hours Per Workweek - the default number of hours an employee will work each week.

o Person Hours Per Year - the total default number of hours an employee will work each calendar year.

o Travel Mileage- Cost Per Mile - the allowable cost per mile rate that government will reimburse for miles driven using a personal vehicle.

Process Flow o Left Arrow - navigates to the Project List. o "Where Am I" button - opens the tool process flow diagram. o Right Arrow - navigates to the Requirements page.


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o Import Project from ARRT Requirements Definition

Users who have completed a PWS/WBS in the ARRT Requirements Definition can import that Project's data into this tool.

Click the "Import from Requirements Definition" button on the Project Information page.

Select the file that contains the desired Project by clicking the "Browse" button. o Navigate to the file by searching for the folder where it is saved. o Click "OK" when you have selected the file.

Select the Project to import by clicking on the Project name in the ARRT Requirements Definition Projects list.

Select which types of items you would like to import: o All - imports the PWS Sections and WBS from the source Project. o PWS Sections Only - imports only the PWS sections from the source

Project. o WBS Only - imports only the Work Breakdown Structure from the source

Project. Click the "Import" button. A confirmation window will appear.


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o Clicking "No" will cancel the import. o Clicking "Yes" will continue the import.

Factor Loading Editor

The Factor Loading Editor enables users to enter loading rates for the Project.

Overhead - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum Overhead rates for the Project.

General & Administrative (G&A) - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum G&A rates for the Project.

Facilities Capital Cost of Money (FCCM) - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum FCCM rates for the Project.

Profit/Fee - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum Profit/Fee rates for the Project.

The tool allows you to select the Cost Types that will include Profit/Fee. Use the checkboxes to determine which Cost Types to include in this calculation.


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Complete checkbox - mark the data as "complete" when you have finished assigning estimates. Please note: this data cannot be marked "complete" with empty (blank) fields. If a rate is unknown or will not be included in the Project, enter a zero as a placeholder.

"Save and Close" button - saves the values and navigates back to the previous page.

"Cancel" button - discards any changes that were made and navigates back to the previous page.

Project Information- Edit

Edit an existing Project's Information by addressing the following fields:

Folder - the folder where you want the new Project to be located. Creation Date - displays when the Project was created. Project Name - the name of the Project. Contract Years - view the number of years and the method of estimation you

entered for the contract.


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Inflation - you can estimate inflation for Projects that contain two or more Contract Years.

o Calculate Inflation - use the option buttons to select whether or not inflation will be included.

o Inflation Rate - enter the inflation rate (as a percentage) for the contract. Factor Loading Rates - Factor Loading Rates are additional costs of a contract

beyond the cost of labor and materials. Click the "Edit" button to enter values to each of these rates. Please note: you cannot remove values and save.

Project-Wide Standards and Rates - enter values into the fields provided for the following rates:

o Hours Per Workweek - the default number of hours an employee will work each week.

o Person Hours Per Year - the total default number of hours an employee will work each calendar year.

o Travel Mileage- Cost Per Mile - the allowable cost per mile rate that government will reimburse for miles driven using a personal vehicle.

Process Flow o Left Arrow - navigates to the Project List. o "Where Am I" button - opens the tool process flow diagram. o Right Arrow - navigates to the Requirements page.


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SECTION 6 – Requirements

After creating a Project, the next step while working in the IGCE process is to determine which PWS/WBS requirements are going to be assigned estimated costs.

Project Requirements

Create Requirements by using the following options:

"Import PWS" button - if you created a project using the ARRT Requirements Definition and would like to use it as the basis for this project, import it in by clicking this button. This button will not be visible if you imported a project on the Project Information page. More information on this topic is available below.

"Add" button - opens a window where you can create a new Requirement. "Edit" button - opens a window where you can edit an existing Requirement. Up Arrow button - moves the selected Requirement up in the list. Left Arrow button - moves the selected Requirement to a higher level in the

hierarchy by moving it left in the list.


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Right Arrow button - moves the selected Requirement to a lower level in the hierarchy by moving it right in the list.

Down Arrow button - moves the selected Requirement down in the list. "Delete" button - deletes the selected Requirement. Please note: this action will

delete the Requirement and any cost estimates assigned to the Requirement. This action cannot be undone.

Process Flow o Left Arrow - navigates to the Project Information page. o "Where Am I" button - opens the tool process flow diagram. o Right Arrow - navigates to the Costs page.

Import PWS

Users who have completed a PWS/WBS in the ARRT Requirements Definition can import that Project's data into this tool.

Click the "Import PWS" button on the Requirements page. Select the file that contains the desired Project by clicking the "Browse" button.

o Navigate to the file by searching for the folder where it is saved.


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o Click "OK" when you have selected the file. Select the Project to import by clicking on the Project name in the ARRT

Requirements Definition Projects list. Select which types of items you would like to import:

o All - imports the PWS Sections and WBS from the source Project. o PWS Sections Only - imports only the PWS sections from the source

Project. o WBS Only - imports only the Work Breakdown Structure from the source

Project. Click the "Import" button. A confirmation window will appear.

o Click "No" to cancel the import. o Click "Yes" to continue with the import.

Requirement Editor


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Add or edit existing Requirements by using the Requirements Editor. This form includes the following:

Number - the full PWS/WBS number for the Requirement. For example, C.3.1.6. Please note: the Requirement will NOT be automatically ordered by number.

Statement - a sentence stating what the contractor needs to perform. For example, The Contractor Shall create, edit, and manage task statements for an Independent Government Cost Estimate. For more information on how to best write task statements, go to the section in the ARRT Requirements Definition Help Guide.

Description - an optional field where you can add more information regarding the Requirement.

Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) - lists the Standards and AQLs assigned to the Requirement.

o "Add New Standard/AQL" button - launches a dialog where you can add/edit the Requirement's Standards and AQLs

o Pencil (edit) button - opens an editor where you can make changes to the Standard and/or AQL

o "X" button - deletes the Standard and AQL. Please note: this action cannot be undone.

"Previous" button - saves the Requirement data and navigates to the previous Requirement in the list

"Next" button - saves the Requirement data and navigates to the next Requirement in the list

"Save and New" button - saves the data and opens a new, blank window so you can create a new Requirement.

"Save and Close" button - saves the data and closes the editor. "Cancel" button - discards the edits and closes the Requirements editor.


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Standards Editor

Add or edit an existing Standard and Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) by entering the following fields:

Standard - describe how well the contractor needs to perform the Requirement. This should be driven by the level of performance required to meet the Requirement.

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) - an acceptable variation to the contractor's performance.

"Previous" button - saves the Standard/AQL and navigates to the previous Standard/AQL in the list

"Next" button - saves the Standard/AQL and navigates to the next Standard/AQL in the list

"Save and New" button - saves the Standard/AQL and opens a new, blank window so you can create a new Standard and AQL .

"Save and Close" button - saves the data and closes the Standards editor. "Cancel" button - discards the edits and closes the Standards editor.


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SECTION 7 – Cost Estimates

The Cost form displays the estimated values for each Cost Type in the project.

Cost Estimate Sheet

The Cost Estimate Sheet is the launch point for estimating costs.

You can view Minimum, Most Likely, Maximum, and Risk Adjusted estimated totals by toggling between these options at the top of the page.

Select a specific Contract Year from the dropdown list to view and/or edit. Click on the Cost Type link you want to estimate to navigate to that Cost Type's

summary page. o There are seven different Cost Types for you to estimate costs:

Direct Labor Travel Communications Computers & Peripherals


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Subcontractors Other ODCs Non-G&A ODCs

The completion graph to the right will update as you complete each Cost Type.

Other functionality on this page includes:

"Copy to Other Contract Years" button - launches a dialog where you can select data to copy from one Contract Year to another.

Blue Question Marks - you can mouse over or click on these buttons to view the formula used to calculate the Factor Loading Rates.

Process Flow o Left Arrow - navigates to the Requirements page. o "Where Am I" button - opens the tool process flow diagram. o Right Arrow - navigates to the Work Products page.


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SECTION 7.1 – Cost Estimates - Direct Labor

The ARRT Cost Estimation tool has a number of forms and reports that will help you estimate Direct Labor costs for your Project.

Direct Labor Summary by Task

The Direct Labor Summary by Task page is the hub for adding cost estimates for Direct Labor.


Cost Type Sub-Header - this sub-header shows each of the Cost Types for which you can estimate costs. The amount below the header is the total estimated cost for the Cost Type for the selected Contract Year. You can move among the Cost Types by clicking on the appropriate tab in the sub-header.

Estimation Type - toggle to see the Minimum, Most Likely, Maximum, and Risk Adjusted estimation totals.


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Contract Year - use the dropdown box to select a specific Contract Year to view and/or estimate.

"Profit is [not] being calculated for Direct Labor" link - shows the user whether Profit is being calculated for this Cost Type. This can be changed by clicking on the link to open the Factor Loading Editor.

"Review by Category" button - navigates to a report that lists each Direct Labor Category and the Requirements that have that Category assigned to them. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this "Manage Categories" button - navigates to a list of all of the Direct Labor Categories in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Add New Labor Category" button - opens the Labor Category Editor where you can create new Categories for use in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Category Summary" button - navigates to a summary of each Direct Labor Category in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

Grow/Shrink Font buttons - changes the font in the Requirements list for customized viewing.

On this page, you will see the list of PWS and WBS Requirements for the Project. Select a Requirement in the list in order to estimate costs for it.

"Detailed Cost Entry" button - navigates to a form with information specific to the Requirement you have selected. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Quick Cost Entry" button - navigates to a form with a spreadsheet view where you can enter estimates specific to the Requirement you have selected. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.


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Direct Labor Summary by Category

This report displays a summary of the Direct Labor Categories you created and the Requirements that have been assigned costs for that category.



Contract Year - click the blue Contract Year link to open a dialog where you can select a specific Contract Year to view.

"Back" button - navigates back to the Direct Labor Summary by Task page. Category and Estimation Type Cost column headers - click on a column header

to sort the column. The currently sorted column's header is underlined. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Labor Category Editor where

you can view and/or edit the Category's details. Requirement link - click on a Requirement to launch the Labor Editor where you

can view and/or edit the Requirement's cost summary details.


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Requirement "X" button - deletes the cost associated to a Requirement from the Project. Please note: this action cannot be undone.

Category Manager

This page displays a list of all of the Direct Labor Categories you created for the Project. You can create new Categories as well as view, edit, or delete existing Categories.

Cost Type Sub-Header - this sub-header shows each of the Cost Types for which you can create and manage Categories. You can move among the Cost Types by clicking on the appropriate tab in the sub-header.

"Add From Rate Table" button - opens a dialog where you can add Categories from a Rate Table you created in the Tool Settings. For more information on this topic, go to the Tool Settings page in the Help Guide.

"Add" button - launches the Labor Category Editor where you can create a new Category for the current Project.

"Edit" button - launches the Labor Category Editor for the selected Category where you can make edits to the Category for use in the current Project.


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"Copy" button - make an exact copy of the selected Category. You will need to edit the name of the newly created Category before you can use it in the current Project.

"Delete" button - deletes the selected Category from the Project. Please note: this action cannot be undone.

"Quick Entry" button - navigates to the Quick Category Entry page for Direct Labor. See the section below for more information on this topic.

Grow/Shrink Font buttons - changes the font in the Categories list for customized viewing.

Direct Labor Quick Category Entry

The Quick Category Entry page is where you can use a data entry form similar to a spreadsheet to create and edit Categories for the Cost Type.


Cost Type Sub-Header - this sub-header shows each of the Cost Types for which you can create Categories. You can move among the Cost Types by clicking on the appropriate tab in the sub-header.

To enter data on this form, use the following features:

Category - type in a Direct Labor Category.


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Years fields - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum Years of Experience for the Category.

Rate fields - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum Hourly Rate for the Category.

Labor Type - select a Labor Type from the dropdown list. Overtime Type - select an Overtime Type from the dropdown list. DELETE - click the Delete field to delete the Direct Labor Category. Please note:

this action cannot be undone.

Direct Labor Category Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of Direct Labor Categories for the Project.

Category - enter a name for the Category. Please note: Categories in the Project cannot share the same name.

Years of Experience - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum years of experience necessary for the Labor Category.

Rate - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum hourly rate for the Labor Category.


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Labor Type - determine whether the Labor Category is an SCA/Non-Exempt or Non-SCA/Exempt position by selecting the appropriate toggle button. Then select which Overtime option is appropriate.

Existing Wage Determination - select the appropriate toggle button to designate whether the Labor Category has an existing wage determination number.

Wage Determination Number - enter the wage determination number and date for the Labor Category.

Notes - use this optional field to record data sources, assumptions, or other relevant data.

"Save and Close" button - saves the data and navigates back to the previous page.


Direct Labor Category Summary

The Category Summary lists the Direct Labor Categories in the Project. This page provides you a comparative view of each of the Categories.


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Cost Type Sub-Header - this sub-header shows each of the Cost Types for which you can view Categories. You can move among the Cost Types by clicking on the appropriate tab in the sub-header.

Contract Year - use the dropdown box to select a specific Contract Year to view. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Labor Category Editor where

you can view and/or edit the Category's details. "Back" button - navigates back to the previous page.

Direct Labor Detailed Cost Entry

The Detailed Cost Entry page is where you can manage the Categories and cost estimates for a Requirement.

On this page, you will see the list of Direct Labor Categories and the corresponding cost estimates for the Requirement. The Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) for the Requirement are listed on the right.

Category link - click on a Category to launch the Labor Category Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details.


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Cost Estimate link - click on a Category's estimated cost to launch the Labor Editor where you can view and/or edit the estimate's details.


Cost Type Sub-Header - this sub-header shows each of the Cost Types for which you can estimate costs. The amount below the header is the total estimated cost for the Cost Type for that selected Contract Year. You can move among the Cost Types by clicking on the appropriate tab in the sub-header.


"Manage Categories" button - navigates to a list of all of the Direct Labor Categories in the Project.


"Add New Direct Labor" button - opens the Labor Editor where you can create new cost estimates.

Complete checkbox - mark the Requirement as "complete" when you have finished assigning cost estimates to it. Please note: Requirements cannot be marked complete with blank cost estimates or with a cost assigned to a Category that does not have a "Labor Type" selection.

"Previous Requirement" button - navigates to the Detailed Cost Entry page for the previous task in the WBS list.

"Next Requirement" button - navigates to the Detailed Cost Entry page for the next task in the WBS list.


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Direct Labor Cost Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of cost estimates for the Direct Labor Categories in the Project.

Category - select an existing Direct Labor Category or create a new Category. o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Labor Category Editor so you can

create a new Category or edit an existing. Number of Hours - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum number of

hours for the Labor Category. Overtime (if applicable) - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum number

of overtime hours for the Labor Category for the Contract Year or Project. Estimating Techniques - select an Estimating Technique that best justifies the

data you entered. Notes - use this optional field to record data sources, assumptions, or other

relevant data. Data for other Contract Years in the Project - displays the Number of Hours and

Number of OT Hours for other Contract Years in the Project. You can click the "Use" button to re-use this data for the currently selected Contract Year.


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"Save and New" button - saves the data and opens a new, blank editor so you can create a new Direct Labor cost estimate.



Direct Labor Quick Cost Entry

The Quick Cost Entry page is where you can use a data entry form similar to a spreadsheet to assign Categories and cost estimates to a Requirement.


Cost Type Sub-Header - this sub-header shows each of the Cost Types for which you can estimate costs. The amount below the header is the total estimated cost


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for the Cost Type for that selected Contract Year. You can move among the Cost Types by clicking on the appropriate tab in the sub-header.



Complete checkbox - mark the Requirement as "complete" when you have finished assigning cost estimates to it. Please note: Requirements cannot be marked complete with blank cost estimates or with a cost assigned to a Category that does not have a "Labor Type" selection.

"Previous Requirement" button - navigates to the Quick Cost Entry page for the previous task in the WBS list

"Next Requirement" button - navigates to the Quick Cost Entry page for the next task in the WBS list.


Category - select a Direct Labor Category from the dropdown list. o To create a new Category, type the name in the Category column. The

tool will confirm that you want to create a new Category and will launch the Labor Category Editor.

Hours fields - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimated number of hours for the Category.

Estimating Technique - select an Estimating Technique from the dropdown list. DELETE - click the Delete field to remove the Labor Category from the

Requirement. Please note: this action cannot be undone.


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SECTION 7.2 – Cost Estimates - Travel

The ARRT Cost Estimation tool has a number of forms and reports that will help you estimate Travel costs for your Project.

Travel Summary By Task

The Travel Summary by Task page is the hub for adding cost estimates for Local and Long Distance Travel.





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"Profit is [not] being calculated for Travel" link - shows the user whether Profit is being calculated for this Cost Type. This can be changed by clicking on the link to open the Factor Loading Editor.

"Review by Category" button - navigates to a report that lists each Travel Category and the Requirements that have that Category assigned to them. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Manage Categories" button - navigates to a list of all of the Travel Categories in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Add New Local Travel Category" button - opens the Local Travel Category Editor where you can create new Categories for use in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Add New Long Distance Travel Category" button - opens the Long Distance Travel Category Editor where you can create new Categories for use in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Category Summary" button - navigates to a summary of each Travel Category in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.





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Travel Summary by Category

This report displays a summary of the Travel Categories you created and displays the Requirements that have been assigned costs for that Category.




"Back" button - navigates back to the Travel Summary by Task page. Category and Estimation Type Cost column headers - click on a column header

to sort the column. The currently sorted column's header is underlined. Category link - click on a Category to launch the appropriate Travel Category

Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details. Requirement link - click on a Requirement to launch the appropriate Travel Editor

where you can view and/or edit the Requirement's cost summary details.


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Category Manager

This page displays a list of all of the Travel Categories you created for the Project. You can create new Categories as well as view, edit, or delete existing Categories.



"Add" button - launches the appropriate Travel Category Editor where you can create a new Category in the current Project.

"Edit" button - launches the appropriate Travel Category Editor for the selected Category where you can make edits to the Category for use in the current Project.


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Local Travel Category Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of Local Travel Categories for the Project.

Category - enter a name for the Category. Please note: Categories in a Project cannot share the same name.

Personal Vehicle Mileage - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimates for the number of personal vehicle miles for the Local Category's trip.

Parking - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimates for the parking costs for the Local Category's trip.


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Tolls -enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimates for the toll costs for the Local Category's trip.




Long Distance Travel Category Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of Long Distance Travel Categories for the Project.

Category - enter a name for the Category. Please note: Categories in a Project cannot share the same name.

Origin - the city where the Long Distance trip begins. Destination - the Destination city of the Long Distance trip.


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o "Manage Destinations" button - navigates to a list of all of the Long Distance Destinations in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Destination Editor where you can add new or edit existing Destinations.

Roundtrip Commercial Transportation o Airfare - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum costs estimates

for airfare for the Long Distance Category's trip. o Train - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum costs estimates for

train travel for the Long Distance Category's trip. o Baggage - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum costs estimates

for baggage fees for the Long Distance Category's trip. o Other - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum costs estimates for

any other commercial transportation for the Long Distance Category's trip. Roundtrip Vehicle Transportation

o Personal Vehicle Mileage - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimates for the number of personal vehicle miles for the Long Distance Category's trip.

o Taxi - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum costs estimates for taxicab services necessary for the Long Distance Category's trip.

o Car Rental - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum costs estimates for car rental services necessary for the Long Distance Category's trip.

o Rental Car Gas - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum costs estimates for car rental gasoline purchases necessary for the Long Distance Category's trip.

o Parking - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimates for the parking costs for the Long Distance Category's trip.

o Other - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum costs estimates for any other vehicle transportation necessary for the Long Distance Category's trip.

Miscellaneous Travel Costs o Other - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum costs estimates for

any miscellaneous travel costs necessary for the Long Distance Category's trip.

Per Diem o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Destination Editor where you can add

new or edit existing Destinations. o M&IE - view the cost estimates for any meals and incidental expenses for

the Long Distance Category's trip. o Lodging - view the cost estimates for any lodging for the Long Distance

Category's trip. o Lodging Taxes - view the cost estimates for lodging taxes incurred for the

Long Distance Category's trip. Notes - use this optional field to record data sources, assumptions, or other

relevant data.


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Long Distance Destination Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of Long Distance Destinations for the Project.

Destination- enter a name for the Destination. Please note: multiple Destinations in the Project cannot share the same name.

M&IE - enter the estimate for meals and incidental expenses allowed for the Destination.

Lodging - enter the estimate for lodging allowed for the Destination. Lodging Taxes - enter the estimate for lodging taxes for the Destination. Notes - use this optional field to record data sources, assumptions, or other

relevant data. "Save and New" button - saves the data and clears the fields so you can create a

new Long Distance Destination. "Save and Close" button - saves the data and navigates back to the previous

page.


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Destination Manager

This page displays a list of all the existing Long Distance Destinations for the Project. You can create new Destinations as well as view, edit, or delete existing Destinations.

"Add" button - launches the Destination Editor where you can create a new Destination for use in the current Project.

"Edit" button - launches the Destination Editor for the selected Destination where you can make edits to the Destination for use in the current Project.

"Copy" button - makes an exact copy of the selected Destination. You will need to edit the name of the newly created Destination before you can use it in the current Project.

"Delete" button - deletes the selected Destination from the Project. Please note: this action cannot be undone.

Grow/Shrink Font buttons - changes the font in the Long Distance Travel Destinations list for customized viewing.


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"Close" button - closes the Destination Manager and navigates to the previous page.

Travel Category Summary

The Category Summary lists the Travel Categories in the Project. This page provides you a comparative view of each of the Categories.


Contract Year - use the dropdown box to select a specific Contract Year to view. Travel Type - toggle to see Local or Long Distance Travel Categories in the list. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Travel Category Editor where

you can view and/or edit the Category's details. "Back" button - navigates back to the previous page.


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Travel Detailed Cost Entry


On this page, you will see the list of Travel Categories and the corresponding cost estimate for a Requirement. The Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) for the Requirement are listed on the right.

Category link - click on a Category to launch the Travel Category Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details.

Cost Estimate link - click on a Category's estimated cost to launch the Travel Editor where you can view and/or edit the estimate's details.




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"Manage Categories" button - navigates to a list of all of the Travel Categories in the Project.


"Add New Local Travel" button - opens the Local Travel Editor where you can create new cost estimates.

"Add New Long Distance Travel" button - opens the Long Distance Travel Editor where you can create new cost estimates.

Complete checkbox - mark the Requirement as "complete" when you have finished assigning cost estimates to it. Please note: a Requirement cannot be marked complete for Travel with blank costs.




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Local Travel Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of cost estimates for the Local Travel Categories in the Project.

Category - select an existing Local Travel Category or create a new Category o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Local Travel Category Editor so you

can create a new Category or edit an existing. Number of Trips - enter the estimated Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum

number of occurrences for the Local Category's trip. Number of Vehicles - enter the estimated Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum

number of vehicles for the Local Category's trip Estimating Techniques - select an Estimating Technique that best justifies the


relevant data. Data for other Contract Years in the Project - displays the Number of Trips and

Number of Vehicles for other Contract Years in the Project. You can click the "Use" button to re-use this data for the currently selected Contract Year.


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"Save and New" button - saves the data and clears the fields so you can create a new Local Travel cost estimate.



Long Distance Travel Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of cost estimates for the Long Distance Travel Categories in the Project.

Category - select an existing Long Distance Travel Category or create a new Category.

o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Long Distance Travel Category Editor so you can create a new Category or edit an existing.

Number of Trips - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum number of occurrences for the Long Distance Category's trip.


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Number of Travelers - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum number of travelers for the Long Distance Category's trip.

Number of Days - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum number of days for the Long Distance Category's trip.

Estimating Techniques - select an Estimating Technique that best justifies the data you entered.


Data for other Contract Years in the Project - displays the Number of Trips, Number of Vehicles, and Number of Days for other Contract Years in the Project. You can click the "Use" button to re-use this data for the currently selected Contract Year.

"Save and New" button - saves the data and clears the fields so you can create a new Long Distance Travel cost estimate.




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SECTION 7.3 – Cost Estimates - Communications

The ARRT Cost Estimation tool has a number of forms and reports that will help you estimate Communications costs for your Project.

Communications Summary By Task

The Communications Summary by Task page is the hub for adding cost estimates for Communications.



Estimation Type - toggle to see the Minimum, Most Likely, Maximum, and Risk Adjusted estimation totals in the list of Requirements.


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"Profit is [not] being calculated for Communications" link - shows the user whether Profit is being calculated for this Cost Type. This can be changed by clicking on the link to open the Factor Loading Editor.

"Review by Category" button - navigates to a report that lists each Communications Category and the Requirements that have that Category assigned to them. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Manage Categories" button - navigates to a list of all of the Communications Categories in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Add New Communications Category" button - opens the Communications Editor where you can create new Categories for use in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Category Summary" button - navigates to a summary of each Communications Category in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.






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Communications Summary by Category

This report displays a summary of the Communications Categories you created and displays the Requirements to which Categories have been assigned estimates.




"Back" button - navigates back to the Communications Summary by Task page. Category and Estimation Type Cost column headers - click on a column header

to sort the column. The currently sorted column's header is underlined. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Communications Category

Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details. Requirement link - click on a Requirement to launch the Communications Editor



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Category Manager

This page displays a list of all of the Communications Categories you created for the Project. You can create new Categories as well as view, edit, or delete existing Categories.



"Add" button - launches the Communications Category Editor where you can create a new Category in the current Project.


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"Edit" button - launches the Communications Category Editor for the selected Category where you can make edits to the Category for use in the current Project.



"Quick Entry" button - navigates to the Quick Category Entry page for Communications. See the section below for more information on this topic.


Communications Quick Category Entry



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Category - type in a Direct Labor Category. Monthly Cost fields - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum Monthly

Cost for the Category. DELETE - click the Delete field to delete the Communications Category. Please

note: this action cannot be undone.

Communications Category Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of Communications Categories for the Project.


Monthly Cost - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum monthly cost of the Communications Category.


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Communications Category Summary

The Category Summary lists the Communications Categories in the Project. This page provides you a comparative view of each of the Categories.


Contract Year - use the dropdown box to select a specific Contract Year to view. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Communications Category

Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details. "Back" button - navigates back to the previous page.


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Communications Detailed Cost Entry


On this page, you will see the list of Communications Categories and the corresponding cost estimates for the Requirement. The Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) for the Requirement are listed on the right.

Category link - click on a Category to launch the Communications Category Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details.

Cost Estimate link - click on a Category's estimated cost to launch the Communications Editor where you can view and/or edit the estimate's details.


Cost Type Header - this header shows each of the Cost Types for which you can estimate costs. The amount below the header is the total estimated cost for the


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Cost Type for that selected Contract Year. You can move among the Cost Types by clicking on the appropriate button in the header.




"Add New Communications" button - opens the Communications Editor where you can create new cost estimates.

Complete checkbox - mark the Requirement as "complete" when you have finished assigning cost estimates to it. Please note: Requirements cannot be marked complete with blank cost estimates.




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Communications Cost Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of cost estimates for the Communications Categories in the Project.

Category - select an existing Communications Category or create a new Category.

o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Communications Editor so you can create a new Category or edit an existing.

Quantity - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum quantity of the Communications Category.

Number of Months - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum number of months for the Communications Category.



Data for other Contract Years in the Project - displays the Quantity and Number of Months for other Contract Years in the Project. You can click the "Use" button to re-use this data for the currently selected Contract Year.


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"Save and New" button - saves the data and clears the fields so you can create a new Communications cost estimate.



Communications Quick Cost Entry






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"Previous Requirement" button - navigates to the Quick Cost Entry page for the previous task in the WBS list.


To enter data on this form, use the following features. Please note: you will need to scroll the screen to the right to see all of these fields.

Category - select a Communications Category from the dropdown list. o To create a new Category, type the name in the Category column. The

tool will confirm that you want to create a new Category and will launch the Communications Category Editor.

Quantity fields - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimated quantity for the Category.

Number of Months fields - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimated number of months for the Category.

Estimating Technique - select an Estimating Technique from the dropdown list. DELETE - click the Delete field to remove the Communications Category from

the Requirement. Please note: this action cannot be undone.


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SECTION 7.4 – Cost Estimates - Computers & Peripherals

The ARRT Cost Estimation tool has a number of forms and reports that will help you estimate Computers & Peripherals costs for your Project.

Computers & Peripherals Summary By Task

The Computers & Peripherals Summary by Task page is the hub for adding cost estimates for Computers & Peripherals.





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"Profit is [not] being calculated for Computers & Peripherals" link - shows the user whether Profit is being calculated for this Cost Type. This can be changed by clicking on the link to open the Factor Loading Editor.

"Review by Category" button - navigates to a report that lists each Computers & Peripherals Category and the Requirements that have that Category assigned to them. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Manage Categories" button - navigates to a list of all of the Computers & Peripherals Categories in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Add New Computers & Peripherals Category" button - opens the Computers & Peripherals Category Editor where you can create new Categories for use in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Category Summary" button - navigates to a summary of each Computers & Peripherals Category in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.




"Quick Cost Entry" button - navigates to a form with a spreadsheet view where you can enter estimates specific to the Requirement you have selected. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page


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Computers & Peripherals Summary by Category

This report displays a summary of the Computers & Peripherals Categories you created and displays the Requirements to which Categories have been assigned estimates.




"Back" button - navigates back to the Computers & Peripherals Summary by Task page.

Category and Estimation Type Cost column headers - click on a column header to sort the column. The currently sorted column's header is underlined.

Category link - click on a Category to launch the Computers & Peripherals Category Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details.


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Requirement link - click on a Requirement to launch the Computers & Peripherals Editor where you can view and/or edit the Requirement's cost summary details.


Category Manager

This page displays a list of all of the Computers & Peripherals Categories you created for the Project. You can create new Categories as well as view, edit, or delete existing Categories.




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"Add" button - launches the Computers & Peripherals Category Editor where you can create a new Category in the current Project.

"Edit" button - launches the Computers & Peripherals Category Editor for the selected Category where you can make edits to the Category for use in the current Project.



"Quick Entry" button - navigates to the Quick Category Entry page for Computers & Peripherals. See the section below for more information on this topic.


Computers & Peripherals Quick Category Entry



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Category - type in a Direct Labor Category. Cost fields - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum Cost for the

Category. DELETE - click the Delete field to delete the Computers & Peripherals Category.

Please note: this action cannot be undone.

Computers & Peripherals Category Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of Computers & Peripherals Categories for the Project.



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Cost - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimated cost of the Computers & Peripherals Category.




Computers & Peripherals Category Summary

The Category Summary lists the Computers & Peripherals Categories in the Project. This page provides you a comparative view of each of the Categories.


Contract Year - use the dropdown box to select a specific Contract Year to view.


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"Back" button - navigates back to the previous page.

Computers & Peripherals Detailed Cost Entry


On this page, you will see the list of Computers & Peripherals Categories and the corresponding cost estimates for the Requirement. The Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) for the Requirement are listed on the right.


Cost Estimate link - click on a Category's estimated cost to launch the Computers & Peripherals Editor where you can view and/or edit the estimate's details.



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Cost Type Header - this header shows each of the Cost Types for which you can estimate costs. The amount below the header is the total estimated cost for the Cost Type for that selected Contract Year. You can move among the Cost Types by clicking on the appropriate button in the header.




"Add New Computers and Peripherals" button - opens the Computers & Peripherals Editor where you can create new cost estimates.



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Computers & Peripherals Cost Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of cost estimates for the Computers & Peripherals Categories in the Project.

Category - select an existing Computers & Peripherals Category or create a new Category.

o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Computers & Peripherals Editor so you can create a new Category or edit an existing.

Quantity - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum quantity of the Computers & Peripherals Category.



Data for other Contract Years in the Project - displays the Quantity for other Contract Years in the Project. You can click the "Use" button to re-use this data for the currently selected Contract Year.

"Save and New" button - saves the data and clears the fields so you can create a new Computers & Peripherals cost estimate.


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Computers & Peripherals Quick Cost Entry





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Category - select a Computers & Peripherals Category from the dropdown list. o To create a new Category, type the name in the Category column. The

tool will confirm that you want to create a new Category and will launch the Computers & Peripherals Category Editor.


Estimating Technique - select an Estimating Technique from the dropdown list. DELETE - click the Delete field to remove the Computers & Peripherals Category

from the Requirement. Please note: this action cannot be undone.


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SECTION 7.5 – Cost Estimates - Subcontractors

The ARRT Cost Estimation tool has a number of forms and reports that will help you estimate Subcontractors costs for your Project.

Subcontractors Summary By Task

The Subcontractors Summary by Task page is the hub for adding cost estimates for Subcontractors.





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"Profit is [not] being calculated for Subcontractors" link - shows the user whether Profit is being calculated for this Cost Type. This can be changed by clicking on the link to open the Factor Loading Editor.

"Review by Category" button - navigates to a report that lists each Subcontractors Category and the Requirements that have that Category assigned to them. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Manage Categories" button - navigates to a list of all of the Subcontractors Categories in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Add New Subcontractors Category" button - opens the Subcontractors Category Editor where you can create new Categories for use in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Category Summary" button - navigates to a summary of each Subcontractors Category in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.






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Subcontractors Summary by Category

This report displays a summary of the Subcontractors Categories you created and displays the Requirements to which Categories have been assigned estimates.




"Back" button - navigates back to the Subcontractors Summary by Task page. Category and Estimation Type Cost column headers - click on a column header

to sort the column. The currently sorted column's header is underlined. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Subcontractors Category Editor

where you can view and/or edit the Category's details. Requirement link - click on a Requirement to launch the Subcontractors Editor



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Category Manager

This page displays a list of all of the Subcontractors Categories you created for the Project. You can create new Categories as well as view, edit, or delete existing Categories.



"Add" button - launches the Subcontractors Category Editor where you can create a new Category in the current Project.


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"Edit" button - launches the Subcontractors Category Editor for the selected Category where you can make edits to the Category for use in the current Project.



"Quick Entry" button - navigates to the Quick Category Entry page for Subcontractors. See the section below for more information on this topic.


Subcontractors Quick Category Entry



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Category. DELETE - click the Delete field to delete the Subcontractors Category. Please


Subcontractors Category Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of Subcontractors Categories for the Project.


Cost - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum monthly cost of the Subcontractors Category.


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Subcontractors Category Summary

The Category Summary lists the Subcontractors Categories in the Project. This page provides you a comparative view of each of the Categories.


Contract Year - use the dropdown box to select a specific Contract Year to view. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Subcontractors Category Editor

where you can view and/or edit the Category's details. "Back" button - navigates back to the previous page.


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Subcontractors Detailed Cost Entry


On this page, you will see the list of Subcontractors Categories and the corresponding cost estimates for the Requirement. The Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) for the Requirement are listed on the right.

Category link - click on a Category to launch the Subcontractors Category Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details.

Cost Estimate link - click on a Category's estimated cost to launch the Subcontractors Editor where you can view and/or edit the estimate's details.




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"Add New Subcontractors" button - opens the Subcontractors Editor where you can create new cost estimates.


"Previous Requirement" button - navigates to the Detailed Cost Entry page for the previous task in the WBS list



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Subcontractors Cost Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of cost estimates for the Subcontractors Categories in the Project.

Category - select an existing Subcontractors Category or create a new Category. o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Subcontractors Editor so you can

create a new Category or edit an existing. Quantity - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum quantity of the

Subcontractors Category. Estimating Techniques - select an Estimating Technique that best justifies the


relevant data. Data for other Contract Years in the Project - displays the Quantity for other

Contract Years in the Project. You can click the "Use" button to re-use this data for the currently selected Contract Year.

"Save and New" button - saves the data and clears the fields so you can create a new Subcontractors cost estimate.


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Subcontractors Quick Cost Entry





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Category - select a Subcontractors Category from the dropdown list. o To create a new Category, type the name in the Category column. The

tool will confirm that you want to create a new Category and will launch the Subcontractors Category Editor.

Hours fields - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimated number of hours for the Category.

Estimating Technique - select an Estimating Technique from the dropdown list. DELETE - click the Delete field to remove the Subcontractors Category from the



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SECTION 7.6 – Cost Estimates - Other ODCs

The ARRT Cost Estimation tool has a number of forms and reports that will help you estimate Other Other Direct Costs (ODCs) costs for your Project.

Other ODCs Summary By Task

The Other ODCs Summary by Task page is the hub for adding cost estimates for Other ODCs.





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"Profit is [not] being calculated for Other ODCs" link - shows the user whether Profit is being calculated for this Cost Type. This can be changed by clicking on the link to open the Factor Loading Editor.


"Review by Category" button - navigates to a report that lists each Other ODCs Category and the Requirements that have that Category assigned to them. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Manage Categories" button - navigates to a list of all of the Other ODCs Categories in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Add New Other ODCs Category" button - opens the Other ODCs Category Editor where you can create new Categories for use in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Category Summary" button - navigates to a summary of each Other ODCs Category in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.






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Other ODCs Summary by Category

This report displays a summary of the Other ODCs Categories you created and displays the Requirements to which Categories have been assigned estimates.




"Back" button - navigates back to the Other ODCs Summary by Task page. Category and Estimation Type Cost column headers - click on a column header

to sort the column. The currently sorted column's header is underlined. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Other ODCs Category Editor

where you can view and/or edit the Category's details. Requirement link - click on a Requirement to launch the Other ODCs Editor



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Category Manager

This page displays a list of all of the Other ODCs Categories you created for the Project. You can create new Categories as well as view, edit, or delete existing Categories.



"Add" button - launches the Other ODCs Category Editor where you can create a new Category in the current Project.

"Edit" button - launches the Other ODCs Category Editor for the selected Category where you can make edits to the Category for use in the current Project.


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"Quick Entry" button - navigates to the Quick Category Entry page for Other ODCs. See the section below for more information on this topic.


Other ODCs Quick Category Entry




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Category. DELETE - click the Delete field to delete the Other ODC Category. Please note:

this action cannot be undone.

Other ODCs Category Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of Other ODCs Categories for the Project.


Cost - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum cost of the Other ODCs Category.



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Other ODCs Category Summary

The Category Summary lists the Other ODCs Categories in the Project. This page provides you a comparative view of each of the Categories.


Contract Year - use the dropdown box to select a specific Contract Year to view. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Other ODCs Category Editor

where you can view and/or edit the Category's details. "Back" button - navigates back to the previous page.


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Other ODCs Detailed Cost Entry


On this page, you will see the list of Other ODCs Categories and the corresponding cost estimates for the Requirement. The Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) for the Requirement are listed on the right.

Category link - click on a Category to launch the Other ODCs Category Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details.

Cost Estimate link - click on a Category's estimated cost to launch the Other ODCs Editor where you can view and/or edit the estimate's details.




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"Add New Other ODCs" button - opens the Other ODCs Editor where you can create new cost estimates.





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Other ODCs Cost Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of cost estimates for the Other ODCs Categories in the Project.

Category - select an existing Other ODCs Category or create a new Category. o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Other ODCs Editor so you can create

a new Category or edit an existing. Quantity - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum quantity of the Other

ODCs Category. Number of Months - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum number of

months for the Other ODCs Category is necessary. Estimating Techniques - select an Estimating Technique that best justifies the


relevant data. Data for other Contract Years in the Project - displays the Quantity and Number

of Months for other Contract Years in the Project. You can click the "Use" button to re-use this data for the currently selected Contract Year.


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"Save and New" button - saves the data and clears the fields so you can create a new Other ODCs cost estimate.



Other ODCs Quick Cost Entry





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To enter data on this form, use the following features. Please note: you will need to scroll the screen to the right to see all of these fields.

Category - select an Other ODCs Category from the dropdown list. o To create a new Category, type the name in the Category column. The

tool will confirm that you want to create a new Category and will launch the Other ODCs Category Editor.


Number of Months fields - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum estimated number of months for the Category.

Estimating Technique - select an Estimating Technique from the dropdown list. DELETE - click the Delete field to remove the Other ODCs Category from the



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SECTION 7.7 – Cost Estimates - Non-G&A ODCs

The ARRT Cost Estimation tool has a number of forms and reports that will help you estimate Non General and Administrative Other Direct Costs (Non-G&A ODCs) costs for your Project.

Non-G&A ODCs Summary By Task

The Non-G&A ODCs Summary by Task page is the hub for adding cost estimates for Non-G&A ODCs.




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"Profit is [not] being calculated for Non-G&A ODCs" link - shows the user whether Profit is being calculated for this Cost Type. This can be changed by clicking on the link to open the Factor Loading Editor.

"Review by Category" button - navigates to a report that lists each Non-G&A ODCs Category and the Requirements that have that Category assigned to them. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Manage Categories" button - navigates to a list of all of the Non-G&A ODCs Categories in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Add New Non-G&A ODCs Category" button - opens the Non-G&A ODCs Category Editor where you can create new Categories for use in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.

"Category Summary" button - navigates to a summary of each Non-G&A ODCs Category in the Project. For more information on this topic, scroll to this section further down this page.






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Non-G&A ODCs Summary by Category

This report displays a summary of the Non-G&A ODCs Categories you created and displays the Requirements to which Categories have been assigned estimates.




"Back" button - navigates back to the Non-G&A ODCs Summary by Task page. Category and Estimation Type Cost column headers - click on a column header

to sort the column. The currently sorted column's header is underlined. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Non-G&A ODCs Category

Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details. Requirement link - click on a Requirement to launch the Non-G&A ODCs Editor



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Category Manager

This page displays a list of all of the Non-G&A ODCs Categories you created for the Project. You can create new Categories as well as view, edit, or delete existing Categories.



"Add" button - launches the Non-G&A ODCs Category Editor where you can create a new Category in the current Project.


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"Edit" button - launches the Non-G&A ODCs Category Editor for the selected Category where you can make edits to the Category for use in the current Project.




Non-G&A ODCs Quick Category Entry




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Category. DELETE - click the Delete field to delete the Non-G&A ODCs Category. Please


Non-G&A ODCs Category Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of Non-G&A ODCs Categories for the Project.


Cost - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum cost of the Non-G&A ODCs Category.



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Non-G&A ODCs Category Summary

The Category Summary lists the Non-G&A ODCs Categories in the Project. This page provides you a comparative view of each of the Categories.


Contract Year - use the dropdown box to select a specific Contract Year to view. Category link - click on a Category to launch the Non-G&A ODCs Category

Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details. "Back" button - navigates back to the previous page.


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Non-G&A ODCs Detailed Cost Entry


On this page, you will see the list of Non-G&A ODCs Categories and the corresponding cost estimates for the Requirement. The Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) for the Requirement are listed on the right.

Category link - click on a Category to launch the Non-G&A ODCs Category Editor where you can view and/or edit the Category's details.

Cost Estimate link - click on a Category's estimated cost to launch the Non-G&A ODCs Editor where you can view and/or edit the estimate's details.




124





"Add New Non-G&A ODCs" button - opens the Non-G&A ODCs Editor where you can create new cost estimates.





125

Non-G&A ODCs Cost Editor

This dialog assists you in the creation of cost estimates for the Non-G&A ODCs Categories in the Project.

Category - select an existing Non-G&A ODCs Category or create a new Category.

o "Add" or "Edit" button - launches the Non-G&A ODCs Editor so you can create a new Category or edit an existing.

Quantity - enter the Minimum, Most Likely, and Maximum quantity of the Non-G&A ODCs Category.



Data for other Contract Years in the Project - displays the Quantity for other Contract Years in the Project. You can click the "Use" button to re-use this data for the currently selected Contract Year.

"Save and New" button - saves the data and clears the fields so you can create a new Non-G&A ODCs cost estimate.


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Non-G&A ODCs Quick Cost Entry





127







Category - select a Non-G&A ODCs Category from the dropdown list. o To create a new Category, type the name in the Category column. The

tool will confirm that you want to create a new Category and will launch the Non-G&A ODCs Category Editor.


Estimating Technique - select an Estimating Technique from the dropdown list. DELETE - click the Delete field to remove the Non-G&A ODCs Category from the



128

SECTION 8 – Work Products

The ARRT Cost Estimation helps in creating Work Products to easily review the cost estimates you have created.

Work Products Page

On the Work Products page, there is a list of documents that you can export:

Microsoft Word Exports o Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) - all of the items listed

below in one document. You also have the choice to include a Cover Page and/or Table of Contents.

Total Project Cost Estimate - a table that displays the total Minimum, Most Likely, Maximum, and Risk Adjusted values for the project.


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Total Project Cost Estimate by Contract Year - a table that displays the total Minimum, Most Likely, Maximum, and Risk Adjusted values for each Contract Year in the project.

Cost Estimate Summary (Total) - also referred to as a Cost Estimate Sheet, a table that displays the Minimum, Most Likely, Maximum, and Risk Adjusted values for each Cost Type.

Cost Estimate Summary by Contract Year - also referred to as a Cost Estimate Sheet, a table that displays the Minimum, Most Likely, Maximum, and Risk Adjusted values for each Cost Type for each Contract Year in the project.

Cost Item Categories by Requirement - a summary for each Requirement broken down by Cost Type, Category, and Contract Year.

Requirement by Cost Item Categories - a summary for each Cost Type broken out by Cost Type Category, Requirement, and Contract Year.

o Cost by Requirement - a document with cost estimate sheets and category details for each requirement in your PWS.

Microsoft Excel Export o Cost Estimate Worksheet - a Cost Estimate Sheet that displays the

Minimum, Most Likely, Maximum, and Risk Adjusted values for each Cost Type for each Contract Year in the project. This spreadsheet also allows for quick "what if" calculations.

You can export a Work Product by clicking on the title of the document or by clicking the "Export to Word" or "Export to Excel" buttons. Other functionality on this page includes the following:

Process Flow o Left Arrow - navigates to the Cost Estimate Sheet. o "Where Am I" button - opens the tool process flow diagram.


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SECTION 9 – Tool Settings

The ARRT Cost Estimation has tool-wide settings that you can manage.

Tool Settings

On the Tool Configuration page, you can choose from the following options:

Manage Category Rate Tables - the tool allows you to create, edit, and manage groups of Categories that can be used for each Project you create in the tool.


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Rate Table Library Manager

The ARRT Cost Estimation allows users to create, edit, and manage the Rate Tables that can be used for each Project in the tool. These tables can be helpful to users who create multiple IGCEs using the same set of Category data.



To manage Rate Tables, use the following buttons:

"Add" button - click to create a new Rate Table. Information on the Rate Table Editor is further down this page.

"Edit" button - opens a dialog that allows you to edit an existing Rate Table. "Delete" button - deletes the selected Rate Table. Please note: this action cannot

be undone.


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"Create New From Project" button - launches a dialog that assists you in creating a Rate Table from an existing Project in the tool.

"Add to Project" button - launches a dialog that assists you in adding a Rate Table to an existing Project in the tool.

To manage Categories inside existing Rate Tables, use the following buttons:

"Add" button - click to create a new Category. "Edit" button - opens a dialog that allows you to edit an existing Category. "Delete" button - deletes the selected Category. Please note: this action cannot

be undone.

Rate Table Editor

The Rate Table Editor is used to create and edit Rate

Cost Type - the Cost Type that the new/existing Rate Table is assigned to. Rate Table Name - enter/edit the Rate Table name. "Previous" button - navigates to the previous Rate Table in the list. "Next" button - navigates to the next Rate Table in the list. "Save and New" button - saves the data and opens a new, blank editor so you

can create a new Rate Table. "Save and Close" button - saves the data and navigates back to the previous

page. "Cancel" button - discards any changes that were made and navigates back to

the previous page.


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Create New Rate Table From Project

Creating a new reusable Rate Table from an existing Project in the tool is an easy process:

Select the Folder that contains the Project. Select the Project that has the Categories you want in your new Rate Table.

When you select the Project, the "Categories" list will display the Categories that are in that Project for the Cost Type you are currently working in.

Type a name for your new Rate Table in the field provided.

Other functionality on this page:

"Create" button - makes the new Rate Table and closes the dialog. "Cancel" button - discards your data and closes the dialog.


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Add Rate Table to Project

Adding a Rate Table to an existing Project can be performed using the following steps:

Select the Folder that contains the Project. Select the Project that has the Categories you want in your new Rate Table.

Other functionality on this page:

"Add" button - adds the Rate Table to the Project and closes the dialog. "Cancel" button - cancels the process and closes the dialog.


135

SECTION 10 – Helpful Links

Here are some important links that may assist you in the creation of your Independent Government Cost Estimate. We will make every effort to keep this list updated. Please contact us if any of the links below are no longer valid.

Agency Specific Policy

Air Force o http://ww3.safaq.hq.af.mil/Contracting

Coast Guard o https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-

Acquisitions-CG-9/

Commerce o http://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/acquistion_management/policy

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI)

o http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html

DoD. Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) Handbook for Services Acquisition

o https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/sa/Policies/docs/DoD_IGCE_for_SA_Handbook.pdf

NASA Cost Estimating Handbook o https://www.nasa.gov/offices/ocfo/nasa-cost-estimating-handbook-ceh

Energy o http://energy.gov/management/downloads/department-energy-doe-

acquisition-guide

Health and Human Services o http://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-

regulations/hhsar/index.html

Homeland Security o http://www.dhs.gov/hsam

Labor o http://www.dol.gov/oasam/boc/oams

http://ww3.safaq.hq.af.mil/Contracting

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9/

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9/

http://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/acquistion_management/policy/

http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html

https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/sa/Policies/docs/DoD_IGCE_for_SA_Handbook.pdf

https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/sa/Policies/docs/DoD_IGCE_for_SA_Handbook.pdf

https://www.nasa.gov/offices/ocfo/nasa-cost-estimating-handbook-ceh

http://energy.gov/management/downloads/department-energy-doe-acquisition-guide

http://energy.gov/management/downloads/department-energy-doe-acquisition-guide

http://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/hhsar/index.html

http://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/hhsar/index.html

http://www.dhs.gov/hsam

http://www.dol.gov/oasam/boc/oams/


136

Marine Corps o http://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/Professional-Staff/Programs-AC-

PROG/Assessments-Branch/

Missile Defense Agency o https://www.mda.mil/business/acq_resources.html

NASA Cost Estimating Handbook o https://www.nasa.gov/offices/ocfo/nasa-cost-estimating-handbook-ceh

Navy o http://www.secnav.navy.mil/rda/Pages/PolicyGuidance.aspx

Veterans Affairs o http://www.va.gov/oal/business/pps/ppms.asp

Types of Service

Wage Requirements Statute (40 U.S.C. Chapter 31, Subchapter IV) formerly known as the Davis-Bacon Act – Construction/Repair of Government Buildings

o https://www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts/dbra.htm

Part 7.4 – Equipment Leasing and Purchasing o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart

7_4.html

Part 35—Research and Development Contracting o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/FARTOCP35

.html

Part 36—Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/FARTOCP36

.html

Part 37 – Service Contracting o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/FARTOCP37

.html

Part 37.2 – Advisory and Assistance Services o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart

37_2.html#wp1079695

http://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/Professional-Staff/Programs-AC-PROG/Assessments-Branch/

http://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/Professional-Staff/Programs-AC-PROG/Assessments-Branch/

https://www.mda.mil/business/acq_resources.html

https://www.nasa.gov/offices/ocfo/nasa-cost-estimating-handbook-ceh

http://www.secnav.navy.mil/rda/Pages/PolicyGuidance.aspx

http://www.va.gov/oal/business/pps/ppms.asp

https://www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts/dbra.htm

https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart%207_4.html


https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/FARTOCP35.html






https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart%2037_2.html#wp1079695



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Part 37.4 – Non-Personal Medical Services o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart

37_4.html#wp1073873

Part 39 – Acquisition of Information Technology o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/FARTOCP39

.html

Part 41 – Acquisition of Utility Services o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/FARTOCP41

.html

Part 47.2 – Acquisition of Transportation Services o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart

47_2.html

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Cost Handbooks o http://www.gao.gov/key_issues/leading_practices_acquisition_manageme

nt/issue_summary o GAO Cost Estimating Guide -

http://www.gao.gov/resources/federal_managers/overview o https://www.ncca.navy.mil/tools/csruh/index.cfm

MIL-STD 881D WBS Guidance o MIL-STD 881D

Data Sources of Exempt Salary

Bureau of Labor Statistics – National Compensation Survey o http://www.bls.gov/ncs

Payscale.com o http://www.payscale.com

The Riley Guide o http://www.rileyguide.com









http://www.gao.gov/key_issues/leading_practices_acquisition_management/issue_summary

http://www.gao.gov/key_issues/leading_practices_acquisition_management/issue_summary

http://www.gao.gov/resources/federal_managers/overview

https://www.ncca.navy.mil/tools/csruh/index.cfm

http://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsDocDetails.aspx?ident_number=36026

http://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsDocDetails.aspx?ident_number=36026

http://www.bls.gov/ncs/

http://www.payscale.com/

http://www.rileyguide.com/


138

Types of Labor

Multiple OMB Regulations o http://www.fedgovcontracts.com/omb-toc.htm

Service Contract Regulation o https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart22_1

0.html

Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor o http://www.dol.gov/whd/ o http://www.dol.gov/whd/recovery/pwrb/toc.htm

Wage and Hour Division – Minimum Wage Laws in the States, Jan 1, 2014 o http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm

Data Sources for Rates

OPM Website for annual salary with locality pay o https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

Process for Obtaining Wage Determination o http://www.wdol.gov/e98.aspx

DOL Directory of Occupations o https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/wage/

Wage Determinations Online Website o http://www.wdol.gov/ o User's Guide - http://www.wdol.gov/usrguide

Travel Policy

Airfare (City Pair Program) Rates o https://cpsearch.fas.gsa.gov/

GSA Travel Resources Guide (Includes federal travels, industry, and conference/meeting planning)

o http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/26429

Hotel and Per Diem Rates o http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877

http://www.fedgovcontracts.com/omb-toc.htm



http://www.dol.gov/whd

http://www.dol.gov/whd/recovery/pwrb/toc.htm

http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

http://www.wdol.gov/e98.aspx

https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/wage/

http://www.wdol.gov/

http://www.wdol.gov/usrguide/

https://cpsearch.fas.gsa.gov/

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/26429

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877


139

Joint Travel Regulation o http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/travelreg.cfm

POV Mileage Rates o http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100715

Rental Car Ceiling Rates o http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/rentalCar.cfm

Train Fares o http://www.amtrak.com/home

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/travelreg.cfm

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100715

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/rentalCar.cfm

http://www.amtrak.com/home


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SECTION 11 – Glossary of Terms

Analogy [Estimating Technique]: Uses the cost of a similar program or contract to estimate the new contract. May include adjustments for known differences between the new program and the analogous program.

Communications [Cost Type]: The direct costs associated with forms of communication such as cell phones, telephones, teleconference accounts, etc.

Computers and Peripherals [Cost Type]: The direct costs associated with computers, laptops, printers, routers, and any other computer equipment that can be billed under the contract.

Cost Estimating Relationship (CER): A mathematical formula, algorithm, or factor in which a cost is expressed as a dependent variable of one or more independent cost drivers or technical characteristics.

Cost Type: A means of categorizing costs into commonly recognized categories to ensure comprehensiveness.

Engineering Buildup [Estimating Technique]: Develops the costs starting from the lowest level of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Also called “bottoms-up” estimating.

Estimating Technique: The method used to predict the future cost of a product and/or service. Please note: a single estimate may use one or more techniques depending on product or service life cycle, the cost element being estimated, the level of detail required, and the data available.

Expert Opinion [Estimating Technique]: Relies on subject matter experts’ opinion of what something should cost (last resort technique).

Extrapolation [Estimating Technique]: Uses actual costs of a project in progress to predict the cost of future elements.

Facilities Capital Cost of Money (FCCM) Rate [Loading Factor]: Allowable under some contracts, this is the compensation the government pays to a company for any contractor loans on capital assets associated with doing business.

Factor [Estimating Technique]: A simple mathematical relationship between two cost elements. For example, installation is 10% of prime mission equipment cost is a factor.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): The Federal code which governs all procurement by the U.S. Government


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Full Time Equivalent (FTE): The total number of hours on contract divided by the stated total available working hours per year. For example, 2080 hours (52 weeks at 40 hours a week) could be one full time person, two people working half time, or four people working quarter time, but is still considered one FTE.

General and Administrative (G&A) Rate [Loading Factor]: The indirect costs associated with operating the company, but which are not part of the cost of goods sold. G&A charges may include the cost of administrative personnel not assigned to a specific contract such as accounting and business development staff, executive compensation, subcontract management, etc.

Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE): An IGCE is developed by the contracting officer to determine the adequacy of the department’s budget for a specific contract effort, and may be used to assess the reasonableness of a contractor’s bid.

Inflation: The general increase in prices over time (deflation if prices decrease with time).

Labor [Cost Type]: The direct cost of personnel assigned to a specific contract

Labor Type - Non-Service Contract Act (Non-SCA): Also referred to as exempt labor, Non-SCA labor is not governed by Service Contract Act. It is typically salaried positions which are governed by annual salaries rather than by hourly wages.

Labor Type - Service Contract Act (SCA): Any labor that is governed by the Service Contract Act, which defines labor categories and associated labor rates and benefits by wage determination.

Loading Factors: Additional costs of a contract beyond the cost of labor and materials.

Non-G&A ODCs [Cost Type]: The direct costs associated with inputs to the processes for which the contract is let. For example, materials for a landscaping contract could be seed, plants, fertilizer, weed killer, etc.

Other Direct Costs (ODCs): Costs that are reimbursable under a contract but may not be specified in the proposal. For example, if the contractor needs a specific item or supply to perform the task, the COR may give permission to charge it to the contract even though it was not priced in the original bid.

Other ODCs [Cost Type]: The direct costs associated with items that are reimbursable under a contract but may not be specified in the proposal.

Overhead Rate [Loading Factor]: The indirect factor by which labor is multiplied to account for rent, retirement, health care, vacation, holidays etc. Can be expressed as additive (percent on top of cost), or multiplicative (percent of total cost). Expressed as additive in this IGCE model.


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Overtime (OT): A wage premium paid for work in excess of 40 hours per week. It may be direct time (more hours at the same rate), time and a half, or double time depending on the definitions in the contract and federal/state laws.

Parametric [Estimating Technique]: Relies on statistical analysis to establish a relationship between a technical characteristic (weight or power, for example) and the cost of the system.

Profit/Fee [Loading Factor]: The amount a company earns above its expenses on a specific contract. It can be expressed as a defined percentage in advance, or can be a result of the contract activities.

Prime Contractor: A company that has a direct contracting relationship with and receives payments directly from the Government.

Risk Adjusted Cost: A means of accounting for some of the unknowns in an IGCE, such as changes in labor rates over time, changes in ground rules and assumptions, changes in technology etc. Including a risk adjustment somewhat lessens the probability of an overrun.

The Service Contract Labor Standards Statute: (41 U.S.C. Chapter 67) formerly known as the Service Contract Act (SCA) requires Contracting Officer to select an appropriate Wage Determination for a work requirement.

Subcontractor [Cost Type]: The direct costs associated with a company which provides purchased services or materials to, and receives payments from, a prime contractor under a contract or purchase order.

Travel [Cost Type]: The direct costs associated with local (typically mileage and tolls) and long distance (airfare, hotels, taxis etc.) travel.

Uncompensated Overtime (UO): A policy where a non-SCA employee works more than 40 hours a week as their base schedule. For example, the policy may dictate that the normal schedule is 44 hours a week rather than 40, which results in a lower calculated hourly rate per FTE.

See also Glossary of Defense Acquisition Acronyms and Terms

https://www.dau.mil/glossary/Pages/Default.aspx