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).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant federal cost estimating and price analysis experience, including IGCE development and cost proposal evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience supporting cost and price analysis across multiple federal contract types.
• Experience developing IGCEs using commonly accepted federal cost estimating methodologies.
• Experience reviewing and evaluating cost proposals, quotations, and bids for reasonableness and realism.
• Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and applicable acquisition guidance.
• Proficiency with cost analysis tools, spreadsheets, and financial modeling techniques.
• Ability to clearly document analyses and communicate findings to contracting and program stakeholders.
• Public Trust eligibility required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting high-volume acquisition environments (100+ actions annually).
• Experience supporting civilian federal agencies.
• Experience developing or maintaining historical cost databases.
• DAWIA, FAC‑C, or cost analysis–related certifications.

EEO Statement

Aretum is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in excellence, integrity, and equal opportunity for all. We adhere to merit-based hiring practices, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications, skills, and ability to perform the job, without preference or consideration of factors unrelated to job performance.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aretum complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

We are proud to support our nation’s veterans and military families, providing career opportunities that honor their service and experience.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Work Authorization

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position supports a federal government contract and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Suitability Determination, depending on the agency’s background investigation requirements. Sponsorship is not available.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

• Retirement Plan (401k)

• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)

• Paid Time Off

• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

• Short Term & Long-Term Disability

• Training & Development