Cost Estimator (PL)

Canvas; Arnold (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Canvas seeks a cost estimator for Arnold AFB, TN to develop IGCEs and BOEs for large, complex procurements. You will analyze the PWS/SOW, build a comprehensive WBS, determine labor costs and other direct costs, and document justification with traceability to cost narratives.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in business or engineering, 0-3 years of experience, DoD security clearance eligibility, strong Excel and project-management tool skills, and up to 10% travel.

Qualifications

• Must develop accurate cost estimates for large complex projects and procurements.
• Knowledge of government procurement processes and management of large projects.
• Ability to use project/financial tools to support AF efforts.
• Strong written/oral communication and interpersonal skills for interface with Base organizations.

Responsibilities

• Create IGCEs and solid BOEs to justify each cost element.
• Research sources of supplies/services for Purchasing organizations.
• Develop quantifiable, auditable BOEs compliant with AEDC and RFPs.
• Analyze PWS/SOW to build a Work Breakdown Structure capturing tasks.
• Determine required labor costs, certifications, vehicles, equipment, and ODCs.
• Document rationale for BOE elements with traceability to cost narratives.
• Document using Excel and other programs; support cost controls and forecasting.
• Assist in proposal preparation and report generation as required.
• Provide backup documentation for fact-finding and negotiations.

Skills

Cost estimation

Government procurement

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Tools

RS Means

MS Project

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Duties:

Arnold AFB- Tullahoma, TN

• Creating an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) and solid Basis of Estimate (BOE) to justify each cost element.
• Research and recommend sources of supplies/services for consideration by Purchasing organizations.
• Developing quantifiable, verifiable, and auditable BOEs that are fully compliant with AEDC and RFP requirements, which may include the following tasks:
• Perform detailed analysis of the PWS and SOW and formulate a comprehensive Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to capture all tasks and activities, both specified and implied.
• Research and determine required labor and other direct costs (ODCs) including staffing mix and quantities, labor categories, training, certifications; vehicles, equipment, materials, and all other criteria.
• Thoroughly and precisely document rationale and justification for BOE elements to ensure traceability to cost and technical narratives.
• Use Microsoft Excel and/or other programs to fully document BOE rationale and justifications.
• Efforts may also include:
• Conducting cost, schedule, contract performance, variance, and risk analysis.
• Assisting in proposal preparation and report generation as required.
• Participating in development of cost controls, procedures, systems, and forecasting techniques to evaluate contract/program status.
• Providing backup documentation for fact-finding and negotiations.
• Taking previously created estimates and updating them for a new start. Including updating rates and factors, Inflation and assessing GFE is still available and relevant.
• Developing and maintaining a current, relevant, and accessible comprehensive electronic technical library to establish a repository to address future cost estimating needs, providing a baseline for similar projects under consideration.
• Technical library data may include a variety of technical publications and regulations; commercial guides (e.g., RS Means.); and trade catalogs, including military service component documentation, customer information, and OEM literature.
• Associate technical data, cost and schedule at relevant milestones in the project life cycle.
• Efforts may involve technical writing and/or providing support to technical writers to develop task and subtask processes, work procedures, methods of operation, and project schedules.
• Other duties may include:
• Applying engineering and construction standards, methods, practices, and techniques to support the development of accurate cost estimates.
• Being knowledgeable of federal, state, and local codes and regulations, in particular, those associated with construction specifications at military installations.
• Having familiarity with health, safety and environmental requirements as outlined in applicable codes, standards, regulations, and/or technical orders as they apply to facility construction and operational needs.
• Reading and interpreting engineering and architectural drawings and specifications.
• Analyzing engineering drawings, specifications, statements of work, material submittals, shop drawings, and in-place construction to determine if they clearly meet functional, performance, safety, engineering, and constructability standards.
• Analyzing proposed labor compositions for construction/installation projects to assess their viability, competence, and competitiveness to meet requirements.
• Conducting market research to identify sources of equipment and services, including pricing and delivery information.
• Preparing Requests for Information (RFI) and coordinate responses back to potential suppliers.
• Supporting Industry Day events, as needed.
• Participating in pre-proposal source selection processes, including development of scoring criteria and matrices.
• Interfacing with operations personnel to define requirements/specifications for specific equipment and services, assisting in developing requirements, and assessing suitability of potential solutions.
• Reviewing Statement of Work (SOW) documentation for equipment and services to facilitate vendor research and identify potential sources.

Requirements

• Must be able to develop accurate cost estimates for large complex projects and procurements.
• Must be knowledgeable of government procurement processes and the management of large complex projects.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and application of effective project and financial management tools and techniques to effectively support AF efforts.
• Must possess strong computer skills and the ability to quickly develop, refine, and use online tools and applications quickly.
• Must have exceptional oral and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills to be able to effectively interface with various Base organizations in completing support assignments.
• Prior experience working at a military facility highly desirable (AEDC experience a plus).

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field OR substitution as described below.

Minimum Experience

• 0-3 years of experience

Security Clearance

Must be able to acquire and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance

Other Essential Job Functions

• Highly organized with excellent communication skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), RS Means, MS Project
• 5-10% travel may be required