Course

Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
DAU-0365
Version:
1
Organization's ID:
CCON 003A
Location:
Online
Length:
Approximately 89 hours
Minimum Passing Score:
80
ACE Credit Recommendation Period:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Upper-Division Baccalaureate 3 Procurement and Contracting
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to equip students with essential skills in proposal analysis techniques. It is comprised of two fundamental courses: Price Analysis and Cost Analysis. These VILT courses are crafted to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical tools essential for analyzing proposals with precision and confidence. In the Price Analysis course, students will learn how to evaluate the reasonableness and competitiveness of prices proposed by suppliers or contractors and the Cost Analysis course will empower students to delve deeper into the underlying cost elements of proposals.

Why is this credential important? In today's complex business environment, organizations face a myriad of challenges when evaluating proposals. Without a solid grasp of proposal analysis techniques, decision-makers may risk overpaying for goods or services, encountering budget overruns, or selecting unsuitable vendors. By completing this credential, a student will be positioned as a trusted advisor capable of driving decision-making through rigorous analysis and informed judgment. In both courses, students will undergo rigorous assessment utilizing a dynamic simulation that immerses them in real-life scenarios faced by contract specialists. This simulation serves as a crucial component of the courses, allowing students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in a practical setting. In the simulation, students will be placed in the role of a contract specialist tasked with evaluating and making decisions on actual proposals. These scenarios mirror the complexities and challenges encountered in the field, providing a realistic testing ground for students to demonstrate their proficiency in proposal analysis techniques. Students will navigate through various scenarios, each presenting unique challenges. Through critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, students will make informed decisions that align with organizational objectives and maximize value. The simulation is designed to be interactive and engaging, offering students the opportunity to experience firsthand the intricacies of proposal analysis in a risk-free environment. Feedback and guidance from instructors and peers will further enhance the learning experience, enabling students to refine their skills and approach to proposal analysis. By successfully completing the simulation, students will not only demonstrate their mastery of proposal analysis techniques but also their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. This hands-on assessment ensures that graduates of the Credential are well-equipped to excel in their roles as contract specialists, contributing to the success and efficiency of their organizations.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Given a scenario, conduct a price realism analysis to determine if a price is realistic
  • Given a scenario, use a cost realism analysis to determine if a cost or price is realistic
  • Highlight the application of cost realism analysis and price realism analysis in the context of the source selection process and in response to protests
  • Evaluate an initial customer requirement and the marketplace in preparation for performing proposal analysis
  • Given a scenario, apply the appropriate proposal analysis technique(s) to make a fair and reasonable determination
  • Given a scenario, apply the appropriate price analysis techniques listed in FAR 15.404-1(b) to make a fair and reasonable determination
  • Evaluate a contractor’s proposal with the unit prices and unbalanced pricing techniques
  • Evaluate the indirect rates and factors within a proposal during a cost analysis effort to support a fair and reasonable price determination
  • Given a contractor’s proposal, evaluate and utilize a Technical Evaluation Report to help perform cost analysis
  • Given a proposal evaluation scenario, calculate Facilities Capital Cost of Money (FCCOM) to support a negotiation objective
  • Given a proposal scenario, use Excel to model a contractor’s proposal and then develop a well-supported government objective position in response

General Topics:

  • Fair and Reasonable Determination
  • Seller Pricing Strategies
  • Price Analysis
  • Technical Analysis
  • Cost Realism Analysis
  • Indirect Rates
  • Technical Evaluation Report
  • Facilities Capital Cost of Money
  • Weighted Guidelines Method
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Case Studies
  • Classroom Exercise
  • Discussion
  • Learner Presentations
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises
  • Simulations

Methods of Assessment:

  • Case Studies
  • Examinations
  • Other
  • Performance Rubrics (Checklists)
  • Presentations
  • Quizzes
  • Simulation
Supplemental Materials
Equivalencies

Other offerings from Defense Acquisition University