Canvas

Cost Estimator (PL)

Canvas

Arnold AFB, TNFull timePosted Aug 3, 2026

Job description

Duties: 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: o 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. o 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. o Thoroughly and precisely document rationale and justification for BOE elements to ensure traceability to cost and technical narratives. o Use Microsoft Excel and/or other programs to fully document BOE rationale and justifications.
  • Efforts may also include: o Conducting cost, schedule, contract performance, variance, and risk analysis. o Assisting in proposal preparation and report generation as required. o Participating in development of cost controls, procedures, systems, and forecasting techniques to evaluate contract/program status. o Providing backup documentation for fact-finding and negotiations. o 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. o 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. o Other duties may include: o Applying engineering and construction standards, methods, practices, and techniques to support the development of accurate cost estimates. o Being knowledgeable of federal, state, and local codes and regulations, in particular, those associated with construction specifications at military installations. o 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. o Reading and interpreting engineering and architectural drawings and specifications. o 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. o 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.
  • Prior experience working at a military facility highly desirable (AEDC experience a plus). Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field OR substitution as described below. Minimum Experience: 0-3 years of experience Security Clearance: Must be able to acquire and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance Other Essential Job Functions: Highly organized with excellent communication skills Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), RS Means, MS Project 5-10% travel may be required