Cost Estimator (PL)

Canvas Inc. • Arnold AFB, TN, TN

39d • Onsite

About The Position

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.
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field OR substitution as described below.
• Minimum Experience: 0-3 years of experience
• Must be able to acquire and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working at a military facility highly desirable (AEDC experience a plus).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), RS Means, MS Project

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Teamwork drives everything we do, enabling close collaboration across programs, customers, and colleagues to solve complex challenges.
• Our work supports key national security priorities like missile defense, test and evaluation, digital transformation, and warfighter readiness.
• As an award-winning company built on integrity, agility, and innovation, Canvas continues to grow and deliver mission-critical solutions that support the future of national defense.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level