Cost and Pricing Fundamentals Certificate Program

This program offers valuable across-the-table perspective for buyers to understand seller incentives and for sellers to catch a glimpse into how their prices will be reviewed. Earn 10.0 CPE/CLP credits.

Explore the Upcoming Sessions

Register for July 2026 Session

Register for November 2026 Session

Summary of Program

This program provides a valuable overview of the unique complexities of developing price proposals in the U.S. Federal contracting market. Whether you are new to contracting or a pricing expert, this certificate course will provide an engaging and accessible space to learn the basics of cost principles, fair and reasonable pricing, cost and pricing data, cost and price analysis, related regulatory requirements and more. While geared toward sellers preparing cost proposals, this course offers valuable across-the-table perspective for buyers to understand seller incentives and for sellers to catch a glimpse into how their prices will be reviewed.

Who Should Take the Cost and Pricing Fundamentals Certificate Program?

Sellers and businesses looking to sell to the U.S. Federal Government and/or prime contractors.
Buyers seeking to understand seller perspectives and how prices are developed.
Current or prospective contracting professionals working in government and industry seeking hands-on exploration of cost and pricing concepts, tools, and techniques.
New or prospective contract management professionals and students
Anyone seeking to build practical knowledge of the fundamentals of cost and pricing in the U.S. Federal contracting environment.

Prerequisites

Understanding of federal contracting and acquisition processes.
Prior completion of introductory contracting or procurement training
1–2 years of experience in acquisition, contracting, or supply chain roles
Familiarity with subcontractor relationships and compliance concepts

What You'll Learn

Outline the fundamental principles and regulations associated with cost and pricing, including: CAS, fair and reasonable pricing, cost allowability, and data requirements.
Compare techniques and methodologies for preparing and reviewing cost proposals.
Develop a cost proposal informed by market research, internal business needs, and government requirements.
Distinguish between cost and price.
Compare methods used by the U.S. Federal Government to evaluate complete proposals.

Certificate Program Overview

Day 1: Regulations, Compliance, and Cost Principles

Regulatory compliance
Regulatory environment
CAS and cost principles
Internal policies and procedures
Estimating system adequacy
Data requirements

Day 2: Developing Winning Cost Proposals

Cost proposal development models
Cost proposal compliance and review models: Proposal compliance plan, RFP shredding, Proposal adequacy checklist, Color team reviews
Pricing to win in the federal space: Market research
Impacts on pricing methodology: Contract types, Competitive vs. non-competitive

Day 3: How Buyers Analyze Proposals

Cost vs. price
Buyer proposal analysis process
The price analysis process
Competition pricing analysis
Historical pricing analysis
Economic price adjustments

Day 4: Price Analysis Methods

Parametric pricing analysis/li>
Market research price analysis
Independent estimate price analysis
Analysis of information other than certified cost or pricing data

CMBOK Competencies

2.0 Pre-Award
3.0 Award

Pricing

$950 member | $1200 non-member

Membership + Certificate Course Bundle: $1100

Take advantage of this bundle and save on course fees and become a member of NCMA.
Membership is activated on the first day of the month after payment/purchase.

2026 Schedule

Virtual classes meet over four days for 2.5 hours each day.

Session	Dates	Time (EST)
July	July 13 – July 16, 2026	2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
November	Nov 16 – Nov 19, 2026	2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Group Registration

To register a group of any size, contact [email protected] for assistance. Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more for the same calendar year.