Cost Estimating & Price Analysis SME - Contingent

Public Trust Eligibility Required

This is a contingent position, meaning employment is dependent upon the successful award of the associated contract to Aretum and completion of any required background investigation or security clearance verification. 

About Aretum

Aretum is a mission-driven organization committed to delivering innovative, technology-enabled solutions to our customers across defense, civilian, and homeland security sectors. Our teams work at the intersection of strategy, technology, and transformation, helping agencies solve their most critical challenges. We believe in investing in our people and creating a culture where collaboration, inclusion, and professional growth are at the forefront. 

Job Summary

The Cost Estimating & Price Analysis SME provides day-to-day cost estimating and price analysis support across a wide range of federal acquisition activities. This role serves as the primary resource for Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), cost and price proposal evaluation, and contract administration support while ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and agency policies. The SME supports acquisition planning, solicitation development, evaluation, and post-award administration across multiple contract types.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day cost estimating and price analysis support for federal acquisitions across micro-purchases, simplified acquisitions, large contracts, BPAs, task orders, call orders, interagency agreements, and all federal contract types.
• Serve as the primary cost and pricing resource supporting acquisition planning, solicitation development, evaluation, award, and contract administration activities.
• Assist in development of Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) using appropriate estimating methodologies relative to procurement type, size, and complexity.
• Collaborate with program offices, contracting officers, and acquisition personnel to develop accurate and well-documented cost estimates.
• Support preparation of cost evaluation plans and assist with evaluation of cost proposals, quotations, and bids.
• Provide advisory support in drafting cost proposal preparation instructions for RFQs and RFPs, including recommended cost exhibits and instructions to facilitate equitable evaluation.
• Review and analyze contractor cost proposals, quotations, and bids to support price reasonableness, cost realism, and cost reasonableness determinations.
• Develop and document pre-award cost and price analysis, including price analysis memoranda.
• Provide post-award cost and price analysis support during contract administration.
• Compile, maintain, and analyze historical cost data to support development and maintenance of an agency cost database.
• Review contractor pricing submissions, including option year pricing, to validate currency and reasonableness prior to exercise.
• Assist contracting officers with cost and price analyses related to contract modifications and terminations.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and auditable documentation in accordance with federal acquisition requirements.
• Review, maintain, and recommend improvements to cost estimating and pricing processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
• Document and submit process improvement recommendations to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).