CE

A Cost Estimate is an assessment of the likely costs to complete a defined scope of work, developed using historical data, parametric models, engineering analysis, or vendor quotes. CEs support budget planning, proposal pricing, and cost reasonableness evaluations.

Accurate cost estimating is fundamental to successful government contracting. Government CEs establish expectations for proposal evaluation while contractor CEs inform bid decisions and pricing strategies. Well-documented CEs with clear assumptions and basis of estimate support defensible pricing and successful negotiations.