1. The Basics of Price Analysis
Presented by Edmund Kowalski
Financial Services Office (FSO)
Updated as of April 19, 2006

2. Pricing Wisdom
A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Oscar Wilde

3. Agenda/Briefing Topics
Price Analysis
GAO Report
Two Types of Cost or Pricing Data
Price Analysis Techniques
Commercial Items
Price Analysis Arithmetic
Price Analysis Documentation
Commercial Versus Government Contracting/Pricing
Price Comparisons Discussion
Price Analysis Techniques: Discussion
Discounts
Discussions with Offerors
Unbalanced Pricing

4. Introduction
This module presents the FAR, DFARS, and AFARS sections related to price analysis:
definitions and concepts discussed in the regulations
direction and support for pricing evaluations.
This module is set up to be used as a price analysis reference guide.
The contractors know the regulations!
YOU should know the regulations too!!

5. Disclaimer
This module and others in the series represent a summary covering the pricing basics.
Not an exhaustive, all inclusive presentation on pricing
They do not replace attending the series of DAU price and cost courses.
This module covers many types of pricing situations, not just those pertaining to contracting in Europe.

6. Price Analysis

7. Price Analysis Defined
Per FAR (b):
Price Analysis is the process of examining and evaluating a proposed price, without analyzing its separate cost elements and proposed profit.

8. In Plain English: What is a Price Analysis?
It’s a comparison!
A comparison of the proposed price to
All offered prices
The current contract price
The previous/historic contract price
A similar item’s/service’s price
An IGCE
Others

9. Why Perform a Price Analysis?
A Price Analysis is performed to ensure that the offered/proposed price is fair and reasonable.
FAR (a): Contracting officers shall purchase supplies and services from responsible sources at fair and reasonable prices.
FAR (a)(1): The contracting officer is responsible for evaluating the reasonableness of offered prices.

10. What is a Fair and Reasonable Price?
There is no specific definition for “Price Reasonableness” or “Fair and Reasonable Price” in the FAR.
Suggestion: Substitute price for cost in the FAR definition below.
Cost Reasonableness: A cost (price) is reasonable if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed what a prudent person would pay in the conduct of competitive business [FAR (a)].
Bottom Line: Price Reasonableness is determined by the results of a price analysis.

11. FSO Working Definition of Price Reasonableness
A price is determined reasonable if it does not exceed what a prudent consumer and/or businessman would pay in the conduct of competitive business, based on the written results of a price/cost analysis for which the contracting officer’s rationale, assumptions, calculations, and final conclusion (reasonableness determination) are verifiable and convincing to a third party.

12. When Must a Price Analysis Be Performed?
A Price Analysis is always performed!
Price analysis shall be used when (certified) cost or pricing data are not required [FAR (a)(2)].
If a cost analysis is performed when (certified) cost or pricing data are required, a price analysis should also be used to verify that the overall price is fair & reasonable [FAR (a)(3)].
At a minimum, the contracting officer must use price analysis to determine whether the price is fair and reasonable whenever acquiring a commercial item [FAR (c)(1)].
Be prepared: Management always asks how the proposed price compares to the previous contract figure or similar items/services on the market.

13. Examples of When a Price Analysis Is Used
Competitive Procurement: Comparing competing offers.
Competitive or Sole Source Procurement: Comparing the low or proposed price to a
Historic price (data) for the same or similar item
Current price (data) for the same or similar item
Sole Source Procurement: cost analysis performed
Unit/total price is compared to historic or current contract prices for the same or similar item/service as additional support for the cost analysis

14. GAO/DoD IG Reports (Or Why Should You Care?)

15. Summary Results of GAO Report, June 1999: DOD Pricing of Commercial Items Needs Continued Emphasis: (1 of 3)
1. Price Analyses are too limited to ensure that the proposed prices were fair and reasonable.
Pertinent historical pricing information was not utilized in price analyses, such as prior contracts or contracts at other agencies.
3. Base comparison prices were not determined to be fair and reasonable; thus, they are not valid for use in price comparisons.

16. Summary Results of GAO Report, June 1999: DOD Pricing of Commercial Items Needs Continued Emphasis: (2 of 3)
4. Buyers are accepting offered prices as fair and reasonable, when identical to the catalog or list price figures (ignoring discounts, etc.).
5. Some prices included the costs for services that were not requested (paying price premiums).
6. PCOs are not using the discretionary clause (FAR ), requiring offerors to provide information other than cost or pricing data, such as sales data, as support for proposed prices.
7. Contract files lacked documentation .

17. Summary Results of GAO Report, June 1999: DOD Pricing of Commercial Items Needs Continued Emphasis: (3 of 3)
Conclusion?
Management is looking at the price analyses performed by the contracting community
Price analysis is an important function and part of the contract specialist’s job
Documentation is essential
Opinion: There doesn’t appear to be any negative fallout if it is not done properly
Report Number: GAO/NSIAD-99-90, June 1999
Study references ODUSDA(AR) Information Guide, Commercial Pricing

18. IG DoD Audit Report
Contracting Officer Determinations of Price Reasonableness When Cost or Pricing Data Were Not Obtained
Report Number D , dated 30 May 2001
Office of the Inspector General Department of Defense
Basically, it came to the same conclusions

19. Two Types of Cost or Pricing Data

20. First Type: (Certified) Cost or Pricing Data [FAR 2.101]
Definition: All facts that, as of the date of price agreement or, if applicable, an earlier date agreed upon between the parties that is as close as practicable to the date of agreement on price, prudent buyers, and sellers would reasonably expect to affect price negotiations significantly.
Are factual, not judgmental, and are verifiable.
Includes data forming bases of judgments.
More than historic accounting data.
All facts contributing to soundness of estimates.

21. Second Type: Information Other than Cost or Pricing Data [FAR 2.101]
Definition: Any type of information that is not required to be certified IAW FAR and is necessary to determine price reasonableness or cost realism.
Such information may include pricing, sales, or cost information, and includes cost or pricing data for which certification is determined inapplicable after submission.
Certification is the difference between the two categories of cost/price data!

22. Certification of Cost or Pricing Data [FAR 15.406-2]
When cost or pricing data are required, the contracting officer shall require the contractor to execute a Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data.
“To the best of my knowledge and belief, the cost or pricing data submitted, either actually or by specific identification in writing, to the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s representative in support of (the proposal) are accurate, complete, and current as of (date negotiations complete or price agreement reached).”

23. Certification Implications for the Contractor
Emphasis on non-certified data was an Acquisition Streamlining change:
To reduce lead-times and costs to the Government & Contractors
Facilitate evaluations and reduce post award administration
Certification is expensive to the contractor in terms of time, manpower, and cost.
Administrative and Legal problems for contractors with certification:
Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA) - 10 U.S.C. 2306a and 41 U.S.C. 254b)
DCAA post award audits
Potential defective pricing

24. Exemptions from (Certified) Cost or Pricing Data Requirements
FAR (b) provides five exemptions
Adequate price competition
Prices set by law or regulation
Commercial items
Waivers
Modifying commercial item/service contract or subcontract
FAR adds the exercise of options if the price was established at contract award or initial negotiation.
Also FAR (a): Cost or pricing data shall not be obtained for acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.

25. Adequate Price Competition [FAR 15.403-1(c)(1)] 1 of 3
1. Two or more responsible offerors, competing independently, submit offers that satisfy the expressed requirement
Award based on best value where price is a substantial factor in the source selection.
There is no finding that the price of the otherwise successful offeror is unreasonable.
(A finding that the price is unreasonable must be supported by statement of the facts, approved at the level above the PCO.)

26. Adequate Price Competition [FAR 15.403-1(c)(1)] 2 of 3
2. Received only one offer but:
PCO expected competition (two or more responsible offerors, etc) based on market research or other assessment
PCO concludes offeror also expected competition
A written Determination documents that the price
Is based on adequate competition
Is reasonable
Is approved at level above PCO

27. Adequate Price Competition [FAR 15.403-1(c)(1)] 3 of 3
3. “Price Analysis clearly demonstrates that the proposed price is reasonable in comparison with current or recent prices for the same or similar items, adjusted to reflect changes in market conditions, economic conditions, quantities, or terms and conditions under contracts that resulted from adequate price competition.”

28. Waivers [FAR 15.403-1(c)(4)] 1 of 2
The Head of the Contracting Agency (HCA) may waive the requirement for submission of cost or pricing data in exceptional cases.
This authorization must be in writing with supporting rationale.
The waiver is based on a determination of the price as fair and reasonable without submission of (certified) cost or price data.
Example: data submitted on previous production buys sufficient for the current one, when combined with updated information,
Subcontractors are still required to submit certified data unless a separate waiver is obtained.

29. Waivers [FAR 15.403-1(c)(4)] 2 of 2
Per DFARS (c)(4), DOD also waived the requirement for submission of cost and pricing data for:
Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and its subcontractors.
Nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions, on cost-reimbursement-no-fee contracts.

30. Obtaining Information to Establish Price Reasonableness [FAR 15
Obtaining Information to Establish Price Reasonableness [FAR (a)]
Do not obtain more info than necessary.
Data collection/preparation is expensive
Order of preference for type of data required.
1. No additional information, if price based on adequate price competition (except as in FAR (b))
2. Information other than cost or pricing data
3. (Certified) cost or pricing data

31. Order of Preference for Obtaining Information Other Than Cost or Pricing Data
FAR (a)(2) states
Rely first on information available within the Government.
Second, on information obtained from sources other than the offeror.
If necessary, on information obtained from the offeror.

32. Information Other than Cost or Pricing Data General [FAR 15.403-3(a)]
If the PCO obtains information other than cost or pricing data from the offeror, it must include appropriate information on the prices at which the item or similar items have been sold, adequate for determining price reasonableness.
Example: Prices/sales data from the same/similar items at comparable quantities.
See Chapter 2, Volume 3, Contract Pricing Reference Guides

33. Price Analysis Techniques

34. Proposal Price Analysis Techniques[FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)]
Compare offers received *
Compare proposed prices to price history *
or system bill of material or current contract
Parametric methods
Comparison to published (catalog) price lists and published market prices
Comparison with independent government estimates
Compare proposed prices to market research or pricing data for same/similar items
Analysis of pricing information provided by the offeror.
* preferred techniques per FAR (b)(3)

35. An Aside: FAR 2.101 Definitions
“Catalog price”
means a price included in a catalog, price list, schedule, or other form that is regularly maintained by the manufacturer or vendor, is either published or otherwise available for inspection by customers, and states prices at which sales are currently, or were last, made to a significant number of buyers constituting the general public.
Artifact of the old days
Use/view with caution since price lists are easily produced
“Market prices”
means current prices that are established in the course of ordinary trade between buyers and sellers free to bargain and that can be substantiated through competition or from sources independent of the offerors.

36. Proposal Price Analysis Techniques DFARS 215.404-1(a)(i) – (iv)]
For spare parts and support equipment, perform an analysis
If proposed price exceeds last price paid (in last 12 months) by 25% or more
Comparison of item description and proposed price indicate potential for overpricing
Significant high-dollar items
Random sample of low dollar items

37. Auxiliary Price Analysis Techniques
These include:
Value Analysis: List the functions required, and compare to those of alternative products with know prices
Visual Analysis: Inspect the item or drawings to get a general idea of price, and to prevent oversights
These techniques cannot be used alone: They provide subjective results that can be used to support traditional techniques.

38. Comparing Offers Received
If you have competition on a fixed-price type contract, comparing offers received will normally satisfy the requirement for price analysis. (FAR (a)(1))
Generally, when the lower/lowest proposed prices are in a close range, it is more likely that the prices are fair and reasonable.
If you find that the price is unreasonable [FAR (c)(1)(i)(B)], a cost analysis may be required.

39. Comparing Offers Received Sample Problem
You receive three offers for a widget:
Offeror A proposed $100 per unit.
Offeror B proposed $125 per unit.
Offeror C proposed $130 per unit.
Trick Question: Is the price based on adequate price competition?

40. Answer to Sample Problem on Comparing Offers Received
There is not enough information.
The problem didn’t state if the offerors are competing independently
Are they dealers or manufacturers?
Nor did it state that a price analysis clearly demonstrates that the proposed price is reasonable in comparison with other contracts.

41. Commercial Items

42. What is a Commercial Item?
Commercial Pricing Information Guide, Volume 1, ODUSD(AR), provides a working definition:
A commercial item is any item evolving from, or available in the commercial market place that will be available in time to satisfy the user requirement.

43. Commercial Item Defined FAR 2.101
Any item, other than real property, that is of a type customarily used for non-governmental purposes and that:
Has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public
Has been offered for sale, lease, or licensed to the general public
Has evolved from a commercial item that is sold or offered for sale as a result of technological advancement
Requires either modifications or a type that is customarily available in the commercial market place or minor modifications for unique government purposes or
Is any of the above
Also government unique items that are developed exclusively at public expense and sold to multiple state and local governments.

44. Commercial Services Defined FAR 2.101
Installation services, maintenance services, repair services, training services, and other services if--
Such services are procured for support of a commercial item, regardless of whether such services are provided by the same source or at the same time as the item; and
The source of such services provides similar services contemporaneously to the general public under terms and conditions similar to those offered to the Federal Government;
Services of a type offered and sold competitively in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace based on established catalog or market prices for specific tasks performed or specific outcomes to be achieved and under standard commercial terms and conditions. This does not include services that are sold based on hourly rates without an established catalog or market price for a specific service performed or a specific outcome to be achieved.

45. Commercial Items Are Exempt from Certified Cost or Pricing Data
Except for certain alterations to the items and contract modifications, commercial items are exempt from the requirement for certified cost/pricing data.
Requests for offeror’s sales data should be limited to data for the same or similar items during a relevant time period [FAR (c)(2)(I)].
To the maximum extent practicable, limit any request for info to include only info that is in the form regularly maintained by the offeror [FAR (c)(2)(ii)].

46. FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items (1 of 2)
Point to be Made: cross referencing of FAR cites.
Per FAR Determination of Price Reasonableness – established IAW
FAR 13 Part Simplified Acquisition Procedure
Cites FAR Award and Documentation
FAR Part 14 Sealed Bidding
Cites FAR Responsible Bidder – Reasonableness of Price
References price analysis techniques in FAR (b)
FAR Part 15 Contracting by Negotiation
Cites FAR 15.4 Contract Pricing

47. FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items (2 of 2)
FAR Award and Documentation
Before making award, the contracting officer must determine that the proposed price is fair and reasonable.
(1) Whenever possible, base price reasonableness on competitive quotations or offers.
(2) If only one response is received, include a statement of price reasonableness in the contract file. The contracting officer may base the statement on --
(i) Market research;
(ii) Comparison of the proposed price with prices found reasonable on previous purchases;
(iii) Current price lists, catalogs, or advertisements. However, inclusion of a price in a price list, catalog, or advertisement does not, in and of itself, establish fairness and reasonableness of the price;
(iv) A comparison with similar items in a related industry;
(v) The contracting officer’s personal knowledge of the item being purchased;
(vi) Comparison to an independent Government estimate; or
(vii) Any other reasonable basis.

48. Price Premiums
Per FAR : Commercial item prices are affected by factors as
speed of delivery, length and extent of warranty, limitations of seller’s liability, quantities ordered, length of the performance period, and specific performance requirements.
Per FAR : The contracting officer must ensure that contract terms, conditions, and prices are commensurate with the Government’s need.
Be aware of “price premiums,” included but not specifically indicated/stated, on catalog/price lists for quick delivery, small or minimum quantity orders, etc.
Price Premium Example: Boeing’s catalog priced items for quick delivery (within 24 hours).
The buyer was unaware of this price premium. It was an unnecessary cost; the items were going to a depot for storage, not out to the field.
Result: the item was over-priced (high).

49. Minor Item Modification per FAR 2.101(c)
A modification that does not significantly alter the non-governmental function or essential physical characteristics of an item or component, or change the purpose of a process
Factors to consider:
Value and size of the mod versus the comparative value and size of the final product.
Dollar values and percentages are guideposts, not conclusive evidence.

50. Acquisitions of Modified (altered) Commercial Items
If the item modifications are of a type customarily available in the commercial marketplace, you should be able to evaluate the item and the modifications/alternations on a commercial basis.
If you are acquiring an otherwise commercial item with noncommercial alternations, you may need to get certified cost/pricing data (or information other than certified cost/pricing data) to evaluate the alternations, and evaluate the base commercial item on a commercial pricing basis.

51. Modifications to Contracts for Commercial Items
If the contract mod changes the item to a noncommercial item, and no other exception applies, the modification is not exempt from the requirement for (certified) cost or pricing data.
If the mod does not change the item to a noncommercial item, consider what “information other than cost or pricing data” you may require.
This can range from info on prices to cost data that is not certified (see restrictions on data for commercial items.

52. Price Analysis Arithmetic

53. Price Analysis Arithmetic Examples
Calculating the price difference and percentage change for
a price increase
a price decrease
Calculating the annualized percentage change

54. Calculating Percent Change: Two Scenarios
1st scenario: price increase
current or proposed price is $150
previous or comparison price is $110
2nd scenario: price decrease.
current or proposed price is $110
previous or comparison price is $150

55. Calculating Percent Change, Scenario One; Price Increase
Current or proposed price $150
Less previous/comparison price ($110)
Equals price change/difference $ 40
Divided by previous/comparison price $110
Equals
Result multiplied by 100
Equals percent change/difference %
There is a $40 or 36.4% difference between the two prices.
There is a $40 or 36.4% increase in the price.

56. Calculating Percent Change, Scenario One; Price Decrease
Current or proposed price $110
Less previous/comparison price ($150)
Equals price change/difference ($ 40)
Divided by previous/comparison price $150
Equals (0.2667)
Result multiplied by 100
Equals percent change/difference (26.67%)
There is a $40 or 26.7% difference between the two prices.
There is a $40 or 26.7% reduction in the price.

57. Calculating the Annualized* Percentage Change (1 of 3)
The Pricing Scenario:
Previous or comparison price.
Last award date: May 9, 1996
Unit Price: $4,976.59
Current or proposed price.
Projected award date; November 27, 1997
Unit Price: $6,295.00
* Using TACOM’s method per the old SOP 715-1

58. Calculating the Annualized Percentage Change (2 of 3)
Steps:
1 Calculate the difference in days between the previous and projected award dates.
2 Calculate the percentage change in prices.
3 Divide 360 (30 days per month x 12 month) by resulting figure of step 1.
4 Multiply the result figure of step 3 by the result of step 2.
5 Multiply result of step 4 by 100.

59. Calculating the Annualized Percentage Change (3 of 3)
1 From 9 May 96 to 27 Nov 97 is 558 days.
2 From $4, to $6, results in a
$1, difference or 26.49% price increase.
3 Divide 360 by 558 =
4 Multiply by m =
5 Multiply by 100 = 17.09%
The 26.5% price change represents an annualized
increase of approximately 17%.

60. Price Analysis Documentation

61. Competitive Procurement Price analysis (PA) Example (1 of 4)
Example Scenario:
Commercial item procurement
Significant quantity
Reasonable delivery schedule
Competition expected
What type of analysis and documentation are necessary?

62. Competitive Procurement PA Example (2 of 4)
“Suggested” documentation:
prepare spreadsheet
arrange offers by ascending dollar value
detail dollar and percent differences between offers
detail dollar and percent differences between the low and competing offers
prepare narrative
indicate low offer
indicate number of offers
discuss price and percentage differences
others (procurement history, etc.)

63. Competitive Procurement PA Example (3 of 4)
Offer
Red
Price
$1000
$ Diff
N/A
% Diff
$ LO
% LO
Blue
Green
White
$1050
$1500
$2050
$50
$450
$550 5%
43%
37%
$500
50%
105%

64. Competitive Procurement PA Example (4 of 4)
Documentation:
“Four offers were received. Red is the low offeror at $ With the second low offer at $1050, reflecting an approximate 5% difference, there appears to be adequate price competition.”
“The low offer compares favorably with the previous contract price.”

65. Price Analysis: The Basics
Use the previous or similar item price as the base for the comparison.
Calculate dollar amount difference
Calculate percentage difference
Price Change?
Increase or decrease ?
Materiality: Is the difference significant ?
Explain/discuss the difference.
Action needed to be taken ?
Document: price analysis (negotiation).

66. Price Analysis: More Basics
Extent/depth of the price analysis is determined by:
Type of contractual action
Type of item purchased
Dollar value of contractual action
Agency/department policy and procedures
Availability of price/cost data and other information
Your team leader/supervisor (Dah Boss)
Not all price differences can be explained away.

67. Unit Versus Total Prices
Question: For price analyses and comparisons, should you use unit or total prices?
Answer: It depends on the procurement type and management policy.
Unit prices are useful and expected for item comparisons (trucks, tires, etc.).
Use totals
to show total procurement price
for comparison purposes if procurement involves various types of items and services.
Check for Unbalanced Pricing

68. Price Analysis: Documentation
“There is a $_______ difference between the current proposed and previous (similar item) prices; this resents a (an) ____% difference over a (an) ____ time period.”
The following factor(s) may explain the price difference: __________ (quantity, economics, etc).
Adjusting the comparison price for the factors results in the following amount $______.
“The adjusted figure does/does not compare favorably with the proposed price.”

69. Commercial Versus Government Contracting/Pricing

70. Commercial Versus Government (1 of 3)
Government and Commercial buyers are from Venus and Mars, respectively.
They have different objectives, procedures, and modes of operation.
This difference is recognized in the business world as evidenced by comments in Purchasing magazine.

71. Commercial Versus Government (2 of 3)
Bottom line/profit driven
Price is important
Price targets determine the buyer’s bonus and impact evaluations
Partnering leading to more cost analysis
Less rule driven

72. Commercial Versus Government (3 of 3)
NOT bottom line/profit driven, the budget is the constraint
Fair and reasonable price rather than the lowest (or best) price obtainable
Partnering with the contractor less intensive than the commercial world
Buyer rated on making the award and reducing lead-time
Despite Acquisition Reform, government purchasing is still rule driven

73. Basis of Contractor’s Price: Cost Plus Profit Pricing (1 of 2)
Cost plus profit price (cost based)
Used by Government in cost analysis
Also used by the commercial world
Cost element build-up
Profit based on structured criteria
Pro: all costs recovered with acceptable profit
Con: resulting price may not be competitive

74. Basis of Contractor’s Price: Cost Plus Profit Pricing (2 of 2)
Selling price = cost + markup
Percent Markup = (markup + cost or selling price) x 100
Note: the markup can be calculated using either cost or selling price. The resulting percentage figures will differ between cost and sales price as a base in the calculation.

75. Basis of Contractor’s Price: Market Based Pricing
Market based price (price based)
Demand oriented pricing: price set at level buyers are willing to pay for an item/service and/or level of performance.
Price set with competition in mind (also called parallel pricing); price increases are limited; cost containment important.
Differentiate one’s product through advertising, high quality, delivery, and/or customer service.
Price Leader Pricing. Seller sets prices & price changes followed by others.

76. Basis of Contractor’s Price: Price Strategy (1 of 3)
Buy-in. Price set with low profit, at cost, or below cost to obtain the business; profit recouped with follow-on business, spares etc.
Idle Capacity.
Low price offered (low or no profit, at or below cost) to keep shop open, continue to employ key personnel & avoiding layoffs, covering fixed costs, etc.
Legitimate business strategy

77. Basis of Contractor’s Price: Price Strategy (2 of 3)
Product Life Cycle. Price set depending on life cycle stage (introduction, growth, maturity, saturation, and decline)
new product/price skimming – high price to attract status conscious customers
growth – market penetration through low prices and high sales volume
Rate of Return Pricing. Price set to obtain desired return of investment.

78. Basis of Contractor’s Price: Price Strategy (3 of 3)
Price Bundling. Practice of offering two or more products or services for sale at one price.
Perceived Value. Seller sets price at the level the intended buyers value the product.
Loss Leader. Item priced low or at cost to attract buyers to seller’s place of business.

79. Price Comparisons Discussion

80. Base Price/Comparison Price Reasonableness (1 of 2)
The comparison price must be reasonable (and supported as reasonable) to be used as a base in any price analysis.
Competitive? Number of quotes & the price range(s).
Obvious/not so obvious competitive advantage? Awarded previous contracts?
Amortized tooling, special tooling/equipment, proprietary item/data, etc.

81. Base Price/Comparison Price Reasonableness (2 of 2)
Sole source? Basis of award.
Price analysis performed/Results.
Cost analysis performed? Results.
Independent (Government) Cost Estimate?
Customer
Industrial Price Analysts
Cost Analysis Section/Group/Directorate
PMO/PEO Engineers
DCMA

82. Price Comparisons: Introduction
When performing a price analysis, it is important to have an “apples to apples” comparison.
This is not always possible; there are many variables differentiating purchases.
The analyst will have to adjust the base or previous price to allow for a valid comparison.

83. Compare Proposed Prices to Current Prices and/or Price History
The previous or comparison price used as the base must be reasonable for the “same or similar” contract terms.
For the comparison to be valid your analysis should adjust the price for:
Economics (price escalation/de-escalation)
Quantity variations (use learning curve)
Technical/configuration changes
Startup tooling/pre-production costs
Packaging differences
FOB: origin or destination

84. Price Analysis: Caveat
Even in price analysis, the individual cost elements are important.
Though not visible as in cost analysis, these elements influence the final price; a general knowledge of them is necessary.
They are approached and discussed in general terms as percentages, round number estimates, etc.
They may be addressed in the price analysis document.

85. Price Comparison Example (1 of 2)
Proposed unit price is $150, FOB: origin, and commercial pack/packaging.
Comparison unit price of $136 is approximately two years old, quantity is approximately 50% more than the current buy, FOB: destination, and special military pack/packaging.

86. Price Comparison Example (2 of 2)
Current price $150
Comparison Price $136
Differences/Adjustments:
Quantity
Transportation/FOB
Packaging
Economics
Adjusted Comparison Price $147
The $147 adjusted comparison price is approximately 2% less than that proposed. This difference could represent estimating error.

87. Price Comparison: Same Contractor? (1 of 3)
Different contractor means different cost structure.
Different contractor may mean different price/cost objectives (price strategy).
Basis of the contractor’s price?
Cost plus profit price (cost based)
Market based price (price based)

88. Price Comparison: Same Contractor? (2 of 3)
Foreign or domestic?
Foreign currency (FX) impact on price?
Customs/Duty/Tariff included in the price?
Manufacturer or Dealer?
Dealer expected to offer higher price
New Contractor?
Production Start-up costs included?
Other Nonrecurring costs: tooling, certification, etc.

89. Price Comparison: Same Contractor? (3 of 3)
Contractor’s size and expertise are important factors.
Large firms may have higher overhead, enjoy economies of scale, and/or have wider expertise.
Small firms may be more flexible, have more expertise in a niche area, and/or lower overhead.
A contractor’s past performance is also an important price consideration.
If a contractor is late, cannot deliver, or was terminated, how good is his price?

90. Price Comparison: Same Item?
Purchased complete or partial?
ECP or VECP incorporated?
New or old model?
Special treatment, manufacturing process, or material (special bolts)?
Quality differences?
Example: “ruggedized” items such as computers, other electronics.
Are these differences material?

91. Price Comparison: Packaging
Level of packaging similar?
Packaged in bulk or is each item packed/packaged separately?
Commercial or Military?
Any special instructions?

92. Price Comparison: Transportation
Vendor’s Geographic Location impacts the item’s price and his competitive position.
F.O.B. (Free on Board) Point?
Destination. Transportation cost, insurance, etc., included in the price.
Origin. Transportation cost not in the price; buyer pays/arranges for transportation, insurance, etc.

93. Price Comparison: Economics/Time Period
When was the previous or similar item contract awarded and/or completed?
Cost change over time:
Material costs increase or decrease
Wages (usually) increase
Most contractors propose rising prices.
Does the comparison price include a contingency for economics, price in effect, and/or is it ceiling priced?

94. Economics/Escalation: Price Indexes
Governments measure the change in the prices and costs of goods and services
U.S. Depart of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Federal Statistical Office Germany
Common indexes
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Measure of what consumers pay
Producer Price Index (PPI)
Measure of what businesses pay
Average Hourly Earnings (AHE)
Employment Cost Index (ECI)

95. Example: Applying Escalation Using Price Indexes Problem
Item: Ball Bearings
Nov 1996 price: $350
Aug 200X price: ?
Proposed price is $375
PPI # Ball Bearings
Nov 1996: 158.7
Aug 200X: 171.8
What is the expected/adjusted price for Aug 200X?

96. Example: Applying Escalation Using Price Indexes Solution
PPI # Ball Bearings
Nov 1996: 158.7
Aug 200X: 171.8
Calculation:
171.8 / =
$350 * = $378.88
Solution:
Expected/adjusted price is $ in Aug 200X
Proposed price of $375 is a bargain.

97. Price Comparison: Quantities/Deliveries
Same Quantity ?
Is there a significant difference ?
Learning curve adjustment needed ?
Delivery Schedule ?
Same, shorter, or longer
Delivery Rate ?
Monthly/quarterly ?
Same quantity per delivery ?
Lot buy ?
Periodic deliveries ?
Advanced delivery ?
Options ?
Multi-year ?
Price bundling ?
Economic order quantities ?

98. Price Comparison: Significant Material/Component?
Is Material a major cost driver ?
Batteries: lead is the cost driver.
Check BLS PPI or American Metals Market for historic prices/price trends
Others: aluminum, steel, copper etc.
Foreign source components ?
Change in foreign exchange rate may impact the price.

99. Price Comparison: Other Considerations
Surplus or excess item ?
Contract Terms and Conditions.
Administrative Costs: none versus extensive customer relations/contact.
Warranty included ?
Prompt Payment (Cash) or other types of Discounts taken into account ?
Buyer (Government) furnished information, property, or personnel ?
State of Market/Economy.

100. Price Analysis Techniques: Discussion

101. Parametric Methods
Using rough yardsticks (ratios) such as dollars per pound or per horsepower, etc.
Be very careful when applying this technique. You need a large sample size and an appropriate one.
Often this technique can be used to highlight significant inconsistencies that warrant additional pricing inquiry.

102. Parametric Price Analysis: Sample Problem
Pricing information indicates engines with
300 horsepower costs $9,000
425 horsepower costs $14,000
Your requirement: 500 horsepower engine with technical features similar to the above two engines.
Using parametric analysis, estimate a “ball park” price for your engine?

103. Possible Answer to Sample Problem on Parametric Price Analysis
The pricing information indicated similar engines cost about $30 to $33 per horsepower (hp)
$9,000/300hp = $30 per hp
$14,000/425hp = $33 per hp
A “ball Park” estimate for a technically similar 500hp engine might be between $15,000 and $16,500.
$30hp x 500hp = $15,000
$33/hp x 500hp = $16,500

104. Comparison Price Sources (1 of 2)
Previous contract.
Current or previous contract for similar item.
Current or previous proposals.
Vehicle Bill of Material (BOM).
Spare Parts/Contractor Support Lists.
Program Office (PMO or PEO).
Engineers, logisticians, material managers.

105. Comparison Price Sources (2 of 2)
Commercial retail outlets, distributors, dealers, etc.
Company web sites (Market Research)
Independent (Government) Cost Estimates (ICE or IGCE)
PM/PEO Engineers
DCMA

106. Comparison Price Sources: Suggested Publications & Web Sites
Purchasing
American Metal Market
Modern Materials Handling
Government Product News
Thomas Register
Yellow Pages
Heavy Duty Trucking
McMaster-Carr Supply Company
Rock & Dirt, The Equipment Marketplace
Monthly Labor Review/Employment & Earnings – BLS

107. Price Analysis Technique – Compare to Market Research Data
Search the Internet. A popular site is:
Contact other commands and/or agencies that may have purchased similar items.
Contact trade groups/professional organizations.
Become the expert on the marketplace for the type of items or services you purchase.

108. Commercial Items: Published Market Prices and Price Lists
Be sure to understand available quantity and other discounts available from the published price. Also the terms/conditions the price is based on.
Again: The price isn’t necessarily reasonable just because an item is in a published price list.

109. Price Analysis: Catalog/Market Prices
Catalog: published or on computer? Is it available for inspection ?
What are the quantity/price breaks?
What are the price discounts?
Catalog date. Updated: when/how often?
Support documentation available?
Invoices of actual sales for the same or similar items with comparable quantities and/or prices. Same terms & conditions?

110. Evaluating Prices on Commercial Items
A price listed in, or discounted from a catalog, doesn’t make it reasonable.
Use business/common sense.
Use market research to really evaluate whether the price is good.
Use techniques similar to those you use when you make important purchases for yourself.

111. Potential Questions on a Catalog Price
What is the discount policy?
What quantity levels are needed to get price breaks?
What is the included level of packaging?
Are prices based on faster delivery than needed?
Is a warranty included?
What FOB point is the price based on?
How often is the catalog revised?
Examples/proof of other customers paying same price, with similar terms & quantity. (Ask the contractor to provide sales invoices.)

112. Percent of Sales Test
Previously used to define commercial sales, it is still a valid technique for reasonableness determination
The item’s total sales for a specified time period (one year) are divided between commercial customers and the government
If there is a reasonable distribution between the Government and the general public, usually market pricing pressure adequately controls prices.
If the government become the only or majority buyer, the proposed price should be closely scrutinized for reasonableness.

113. Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE)
Obtain an IGCE from the requiring activity/customer
FSO can assist them in the preparation
You can compare offered prices to the estimate that came with a PRON.
Consider investigating how the requiring office came up with the estimate.
An alternative is to obtain an estimate from industrial price/cost analyst or DCMA, especially if you have a TDP.

114. Seeking Pricing Info Over the Phone/Internet (1 of 2)
May involve speaking to sales or trade organization representatives to obtain data.
Be prepared ! Have as much information as possible. Be polite. Don’t waste the rep’s time. Cultivate the rep as a source of info.
Explain: “From Government. Doing price study.”

115. Seeking Pricing Info Over the Phone/Internet (2 of 2)
Have basic information ready:
Known source. Manufacturer’s name, item nomenclature/description, and serial/model/part number.
Similar item. Same info as above. If not available, product specs, its function, etc.
Basic/minimum information. Quantity, delivery period, packaging.

116. Discounts

117. Types of Discounts Trade or functional discount Promotional discount
Cash (prompt payment) discount
Quantity discount
Cumulative
Non-cumulative
Mom’s price (most favored customer)

118. Trade/Functional Discounts Defined
Trade or functional. Price reduction allowed to a class of customers (manufacturing, wholesalers, retailers) on a list price before credit terms consideration; applies to allowance granted w/o reference to payment date.
Promotional. Price reduction given to retailers and/or wholesalers in return for product promotion.

119. Cash (Prompt Payment) Discounts Defined
Definition. Price reduction for payment of invoice or account made within a specified period of time.
Seller’s rationale:
To encourage prompt payment of invoices.
To reduce his credit risks & cost of collecting overdue accounts.
To follow industry or historical practice.

120. Cash Discounts: Seller’s Considerations
Amount of cash discount
Length of credit period
Customers offered credit terms
Other (credit line magnitude or amount to spend on collecting overdue accounts).

121. Cash Discounts: Application/Accounting Practice
(In both price and cost analysis) Credit applied directly to the item’s price
(In cost analysis) Factor, calculated from actual data, directly applied to the total material rather than a single item
(In cost analysis) An indirect expense item in the overhead pool applied through the overhead rate

122. Cash Discounts: Example
Discount offered: 2/10 net 30 (or 2% - 10, Net 30 days).
2% discount of the price if paid within 10 days of the invoice date; if not taken, full price payment due within 30 days.
$100 total. Pay $98 within 10 days ($100*[100% - 2%]) or $100 within 30 days.

123. Quantity Discount Defined
Price reduction for volume purchases.
Two types:
Cumulative. Price reduction for purchases that exceed a given volume level over a specified time period. Also called deferred or patronage discount.
Non-cumulative. Price reduction for volume purchases in a single point of time.
(Volume level refers to dollar value, quantity, or
both).

124. Quantity Discount: Know the Specifics
Seller’s consideration/buyer’s inquiry
Minimum quantity purchased to qualify for a discount
Number of price breaks or additional discounts for larger quantities
Maximum quantity qualifying for any additional discount
Amount of discount offered at each quantity level

125. Quantity Discount: Rationale (1 of 2)
Larger orders reduce seller’s costs; savings passed on to customer.
Fewer orders processed/shipped & fewer sales calls to generate the larger orders
Longer production runs:
Material quantity discounts for manufacturer
Fewer production line and/or equipment set-ups
Other non-recurring costs amortized over the larger quantity
Effect of the learning curve on labor hours

126. Quantity Discount: Rationale (2 of 2)
Rationale (continued)
Operations costs reduced by shifting finished goods carrying costs to buyer
Extra funds reinvested sooner
Subtitle form of profit sharing among channel members leading to channel cooperation
Tradition/industry practice.

127. Quantity Discount & the Learning Curve
Quantity discounts may be estimated using the learning (experience) curve.
Simple definition: costs (hours) decline by a predictable amount (percentage) each time accumulated volume doubles.
In many cases, the quantity discount price schedule will reflect a logarithmic function (the mathematical term for the learning curve).

128. Price History & Quantity Impacts-Use of Learning Curve
Although normally used for production labor hour analysis, learning curve can sometimes be applied in price analysis.
Consider learning curve when:
Percentage-wise, the quantities you require vary significantly from the price history, and
Contractors produce the previous and current quantities on a stand-alone basis, with fairly significant production breaks in-between
This is evident in many vendor quotes, where vendors detail different quantity price breaks.
To calculate learning curve impacts, consult someone with experience doing this. We have an Excel file that does the calculation.

129. Discussions With Offerors

130. Discussions with Offerors
Congressional criticism that buyers were not getting the “best price” for the government.
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation
Bargaining allowed?
Unfair to contractors?
Time consuming
When do you have discussions?
In Negotiated Procurements
If multiple offerors, competitive range must first be established.

131. Reasons to Conduct Price-Related Discussions
Price has increased significantly from last contract, or deviates from government estimate.
You need the offeror to support their price and/or provide additional data.
Offeror proposes a catalog price.
Ask what terms the price is based on.
Changed conditions.

132. Benefits of Conducting Price Discussions
Minimizes chances of misunderstanding
Allows us to bargain
Often you can obtain cost/price savings not included in the initial proposal (“Is this your best price, Mr. Contractor?”)
Secretary of Defense supports award without discussions, to reduce lead time, only in appropriate circumstances.

133. Example of Changed Conditions
On a negotiated procurement, if conditions change consider obtaining revised quotes.
For example, on an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) solicitation, if the minimum (or Initial) order quantity will be 3,000 units instead of the original 500 units stated in the solicitation, get revised quotes.

134. Unbalanced Pricing

135. Unbalanced Pricing No standard but “rules of thumb”
Per FAR (g)(1), Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price for one or more contract line items is significantly over or understated as indicated by the application of cost or price analysis techniques.
Per FAR (g)(2), All offers with separately priced line items or subline items shall be analyzed to determine if the prices are unbalanced.
No standard but “rules of thumb”
Trend analysis
“Large” percentage variation: 20% +/-
Compare base to option prices
Compare CLINs/SLINs to those of IGCE
Comparison of competing offerors’ prices

136. Unbalanced Pricing: Example 1

137. Unbalanced Pricing: Sustained Protest
Al Ghanim Combined Group Gen. Trad. & Cont.
Improper price comparisons
Low price offer won based on the total proposed cost.
But price analysis not conducted on separate line items.
Question of whether winning offeror understands SOW.
Claims Court:
Violated FAR (g) Unbalanced Pricing.
Government failed to adequately compare bidder prices.
Government did not compare its IGCE to offerors’ line item prices.

138. Unbalanced Pricing: Example 2

139. Price Analysis and Documentation Reference Books
U.S. Army Contracting Agency (ACA) homepage
Resource Library
ACA Procedures
ACA Cost & Price Analysis Handbook
Prenegotiation Objective Memorandum & Price Negotiation Memorandum Guide
ACA Market Research Guide
AT&L Knowledge Sharing System homepage (DAU)
Guidebooks & Handbooks
Contract Pricing Reference Guides, Volumes 1- 5

140. Conclusion (1 of 2): General
Ask questions of and/or discuss with the offeror:
Mr. Contractor: What is the basis of the price ?
From the User/customer: Ask for requirements clarification when necessary.
Pricing arithmetic:
Use round numbers
Accuracy has its place but…
Be consistent in your analysis
Remember: Many factors such as schedule, quantity, transportation, etc., affect the price.
Document your price analysis.

141. Conclusion (2 of 2): Documentation
Should be a concise, succinct narrative explanation.
What was proposed by the contractor?
Nature and extent of the government evaluation?
Basis of reasonableness determination?
Use Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for comparing offers/prices rather than incorporating them into a Word document.
Professional appearance counts, lends credibility to presentation.
Basic Microsoft Excel training available if demand sufficient.
The FSO can review your price/cost document, recommend an optimal format, and/or prepare the final document.