Trusted Contract Consulting
TD Government Solutions provides consulting services that maximize profits through enhanced productivity and performance while maintaining compliance to the complex array of government laws and regulations.
To download a copy of the services provided to Contractors click the following link for a PowerPoint presentation: Consulting Services to Government Contractors
Our services are geared not only to organizations currently in the government contracting arena but also those interested in entering this industry. Organizational infrastructure, proposal and contract management, contract compliance, cost accounting, disputes resolutions, and Cost Accounting Standards are a few of the services we provide.
Areas of Expertise
- Accounting and Audit Assistance
- Compliance Program Design and Implementation
- Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Related Agency Supplements
- Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
- Internal Control Design and Implementation
- Development and implementation of well organized proposal preparation methodologies
- Specialized Reviews, Agreed-Upon Procedures and Forensic Investigation
- Interpreting Relevant Public Laws and Procurement Regulations
See below for complete list of services we offer.
CONSULTING SERVICES
Increase Your Ability to Compete for Government Contracts
For the most part, contractors are subject to the Contract Cost Principles and Procedures established in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31.
What does this mean to you? If you have a proposal or contract subject to cost analysis or cost determination, your accounting system’s ability to estimate, accumulate and allocate costs must meet the principles and procedures set forth in FAR Part 31.
These principles and procedures address the pricing of contracts, subcontracts, and modifications to contracts and subcontracts; and the determination, negotiation and the allowance of cost.
If your system does not meet these principles and procedures, your ability to compete for government contracts and to recover cost incurred on government contacts would be significantly limited.
The professionals at TD Government Solutions have the expertise to evaluate your system’s capabilities to meet the principles and procedures established in FAR Part 31 as they relate to:
- Accumulation and allocation of Direct and Indirect costs
- Indirect rate development and review
- Unallowable cost reviews
- Reporting of cost incurred
Accumulation and Allocation of Direct and Indirect Costs
The proper treatment of cost is key to the recovery of cost incurred on a contract.
A system that is not designed to identify, accumulate and allocate cost accurately and, according to the principals and procedures established in the FAR and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) can result in a significant portion of recoverable costs being treated by the Government as unrecoverable.
A non-compliant accounting system equals lost dollars.
The professionals at TD Government Solutions have extensive experience in evaluating existing accounting systems for compliance with; and developing and implementing accounting system that are compliant with the principles and procedures established by the Government. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their system not only meets their needs but also is compliant with applicable rules and regulations.
Indirect Rate Preparation and Review
Organizations that receive and administer government funding are often required to obtain an approved indirect (overhead and general & administrative) cost rate in order to be reimbursed for indirect expenses related to government grants, contracts, and other procurement instruments. To complete the approval process, the organization must submit a proposal to the appropriate agency and then successfully negotiate the terms of the rate agreement. For both new awardees and experienced government contractors, this process can be challenging and complex and can divert critical resources from ongoing operations.
TD Government Solutions has the resources and skills to support your organization through all aspects of the rate preparation and negotiation process. Our staff has assisted clients subject to OMB circulars, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards and various state and local government regulations. We routinely provide indirect rate services to leading civilian and defense contractors.
Unallowable Cost Reviews
It is a well known fact that all government grants, contracts and other funding methods include unallowable cost provisions. Whether your organization is subject to one of the OMB Circulars, the Federal Acquisition Regulations, or other similar state and local rules, certain costs will be unallowable or otherwise limited for reimbursement.
While these costs are often legitimate and necessary business expenses, their inclusion in indirect or incurred cost submissions, billings and public vouchers may result in refunds of previously recovered costs, suspension of contract financing and possible fines and penalties.
Certain types of unallowable costs are easily identified. These include alcoholic beverages, bad debt expense, lobbying, etc. Other costs may not be readily identifiable in accounting records or may be subject to limitations and specific accounting treatment.
TD Government solutions staff are experience auditors and are knowledgeable of the provisions affecting the allowability of costs for civilian and defense contractors.
Reporting Cost Incurred
Whether it’s almost time to submit your indirect rate proposal or incurred cost submission, or you are still in the planning phase, a diagnostic review is a cost-effective way to help make sure your rate is compliant and fairly represents your cost recovery.
Diagnostic reviews are typically an on-site, focused analysis of an indirect rate calculation and supporting documentation. These reviews are valuable as a means of assessing compliance with applicable laws, regulations and agency policy. A major benefit of the diagnostic review is that the recommendations we provide often result in enhanced indirect rate calculations and help facilitate your organization’s rate negotiations.
The diagnostic review is focused on direct and indirect cost recovery and compliance through:
- Determining the quality of data and allocation statistics
- Identifying alternate methods of allocation
- Analysis of cost pool and allocation bases
- Reviewing the treatment of “hot” negotiation/audit issues
- Reviews for unallowable costs
- Reviews for consistency with cost disclosures and requirements
Indirect rate submissions require a certification by a senior responsible officer. Our diagnostic review helps the organization minimize risk accompanying this process and assists in defining your negotiation strategy. Our proven approach will help your organization achieve its goals and optimize indirect cost recovery.
TD Government Solutions has the resources ready to perform a diagnostic review for your organization when you need it. Please contact any of our professional staff to discuss our approach.
Helping Contractors Develop and Implement Well-Organized Proposal Preparation Methodologies
The business of contracting within the public sector can be very complex with significant risks to the contractor. The ultimate outcome of every procurement transaction with a public entity (federal, state and local) can be significantly guided by the contractor’s actions in the pre-proposal and proposal development process.
Over the years, we have been involved in situations where a federal contractor encountered significant problems during a procurement that could be traced to proposal preparation activities. TD Government Solutions can help contractors develop and implement well-organized proposal preparation methodologies that minimize the risk and enhance financial performance.
Helping Companies Mitigate Risks
For a company to play in the Government contracting arena, there are a myriad of rules and regulations that a potential contractor must be familiar with and institute. The level and complexity of rules and regulations applicable to your business depends on which and /or how many Government markets you pursue. As the level and complexity increase so does the risk.
TD Government Solutions assists companies in the identification of applicable rules and regulations, development and implementation of compliant policies and procedures, evaluation of risks associated with existing policies and procedures, and the development of processes to mitigate existing compliance risks.
Through these services, companies are better able to mitigate risks, resolve existing or potential compliance related issues, and address government allegations of wrongdoing.
Working with Companies in Developing CAS Compliant Systems and Processes
Public Law 100-679 (41 U.S.C. 422) requires certain contractors and subcontractors to comply with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). Compliance comes in two forms, Modified and Full CAS Coverage.
Understanding what constitutes a CAS-covered contract, what factors trigger Modified or Full coverage, and the impact on your company is critical to ensuring compliance, increasing market penetration, and financial performance.
TD Government Solutions professionals work with companies in developing CAS compliant systems and understanding their proposals development, contract accounting, cost reporting, financial disclosure, project reporting through Earn Value and audits.
Navigating Procurement Regulations to Ensure Compliance, Enhance Performance, and Maximize Profits
The Federal Acquisition Regulation, commonly referred to as the “FAR”, is the current authoritative regulation which determines how the Federal procurement process is administered.
Its principal is to deliver, on a timely basis, the best value product or service to the customer (Government), while maintaining the public’s trust and fulfilling public policy objectives.
The FAR contains 53 parts. Parts one through 51 contain authoritative regulations relative to the acquisition process, Part 52 contains all contract clauses, and Part 53 contains standard forms (“SF”) used throughout the acquisition process. Recently Part 99 was added to include the Cost Accounting Standards.
TD Government Solutions professionals bring extensive knowledge and experience to our clients in navigating these procurement regulations to ensure compliance, enhance performance, and maximize profits.
Experienced Government Contracting Services
The Federal Government is the world’s largest consumer. It buys everything: off-the-shelf consumer goods, specialty products, services, construction, minor and major weapon systems and high technology products designed specifically to meet the needs of executive agencies and maintain our national defense.
Product planning for the Government market is virtually unlimited in scope and each company must define its specific market as a subset of the Government market, either as a prime contractor or subcontractor.
It is important to note that the Federal Government is not like a commercial customer. Not only must you jump through hoops to do business with the Government, you may also have to alter how you run your business.
To protect itself and the tax payer, the Federal Government has developed a vast set of procurement rules and regulations that it imposes on contractors. Many state and local governments have adopted these same rules and regulations to guide their procurement process.
TD Government Solutions professionals have extensive experience in working with new and experienced government contractors in navigating these rules and regulations to create an environment of financial success while minimizing compliance risks.
Designing Business Organizations that Enhance Profitability and Ensure Compliance
A key to successful performance and profitability is an efficient and compliant infrastructure. A staggering amount of money is lost or wasted by companies because they are either unaware of the need for or are unwilling to make the up front investment to develop an efficient and compliant infrastructure. Companies lose money on two fronts. One, an inefficient and non compliant infrastructure limits market access, and; two, trying to comply during or after the fact drains resources and is, in general, disruptive to the company.
For companies thinking about pursuing government contracts, or who have recently entered the government contracting industry, our professionals work with you to design an organizational infrastructure that is appropriate to your business, improving performance and profitability and ensuring compliance to all applicable laws and regulations.
For established Government contractors, we work with you to evaluate your existing organizational infrastructure to identify inefficiencies with the goal of designing a business organization that enhances profitability and ensure compliance to all appropriate laws and regulations.
Development and Implementation of Well-Organized Proposal Preparation and Methodologies
The business of contracting within the public sector can be very complex, with significant risks to the contractor. The ultimate outcome of every procurement transaction with a public entity (federal, state and local) is significantly guided by the contractor’s actions in the pre-proposal and proposal development process. Preparing a winning proposal is one thing; making money on the contract can be a completely different story.
Over the years, we have been involved in situations where a contractor encountered significant cost and performance problems during and after contract period of performance that are directly traceable to proposal preparation and development activities. TD Government Solutions can help contractors develop and implement well-organized proposal preparation methodologies that minimize the risk and enhance financial performance.
Interpreting Relevant Public Laws and Procurement Regulations
Federal grant and contract rules are often complex and subject to numerous interpretations. TD Government Solutions provides assistance to emerging participants in the government arena and experienced contractors alike in determining the applicability of these rules. Our professional staff has an average of 20 years experience with the body of cost and pricing regulations, guidance and laws.
Our staff’s experience as government auditors, contractor finance and cost accounting management, and members of professional service and consulting firms allows us to analyze and interpret issues from many viewpoints to develop the best approach for our clients.
Our services include:
- “White” paper development to support cost treatment, allocation and allowability
- Advice on the appropriate accounting treatment for incurred costs
- Audit issue resolution
- CAS non-compliance and changes in cost accounting practices support
We pride ourselves on establishing longstanding relationships with our clients that are built on knowledge and responsiveness. Whether it is a quick call to get advice on cost treatment, or a request for assistance in the development of a comprehensive response to a new or existing issue, our professionals are readily available.
Bringing Financial and Regulatory Solutions to Resolve Disputes
TD Government Solutions brings financial and regulatory solutions to government agency/prime contractor disputes, contractor/contractor disputes and prime contractor/subcontractor disputes across a multitude of industries where federally funded contracts, grants or cooperative agreements are involved.
By cutting to the core of the real issues surrounding a dispute, TD Government Solutions advisors add significantly more value than simply examining numbers. The team assists counsel and clients in understanding industry nuances, regulations and contractual instruments.
Our advisors expediently review and analyze the facts that led to the dispute through benchmarking with other industry organizations. These advisors also review the overall equity of the matter, looking beyond the mathematical calculation of harm to determine if the alleged damages are realistic – regardless of whether we are assisting a plaintiff/appellant or a defendant.
Dispute-related services include:
- Cost accounting standards/cost principles/cost mischarging
- Over-billing and over-progressing, management and accounting system and revenue recognition
- Claims
- Purchase price disputes/mergers and acquisitions
- Voluntary disclosures
- Qui Tam suites
Specialized Reviews, Agreed-Upon Procedures and Forensic Investigation
The need for specialized assurance services often arise in organizations that are beyond the scope of the traditional financial audit.
TD Government Solutions offers highly tailored reviews and agreed-upon procedure services that provide independent evaluations on behalf of our clients.
Examples we offer include:
- Compliance audits covering:
- Accounting systems
- Cost accumulation and allocation
- Indirect rates
- Contract management
- Program management
- Proposal estimating systems
- Internal control assessments and evaluations
- Business Code of Conduct and Ethics
- Agreed-upon procedures and examination of specific elements of a government contracting
- Government Audit preparation covering:
- Pre and Post award audits
- Incurred Cost
- Contract Closeout
- Cost Realism
- Cost accumulation and allocation
- Forensic investigations and analysis related to dispute matters involving accounting and contract records
TD Government Solutions is experienced at developing customized audit and review programs to meet management’s information and reporting requirements.
Ask One of Our Experts!
We’re here to help answer your questions. Judicial matters can be complicated, our experts are on hand to help inform you of every aspect regarding your topic.
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