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Cost Preparer Practicum for USAID Proposals
5.0
(4 ratings)
4 Weeks
·Cohort-based Course
By the end of this course, you will know how to prepare a responsive and competitive cost proposal for USAID.
Course overview
From analyzing an RFP to developing a cost strategy
Keylime’s C&P expert will guide participants through developing a responsive cost volume based on a standard USAID RFP. In this hands-on practicum, participants will prepare a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee proposal together with the instructor and learn how to develop a cost strategy.
Who is this course for
01
International development professionals at all levels that want to learn how to prepare a cost proposal for USAID
02
Business development managers that want to hone their skills in preparing cost proposals
03
Proposal Leads who want to learn strategies to make their proposals more competitive
04
New Partners for USAID who needs the cost proposal to be demystified
By the end of this course you will
Understand how to read and analyze an RFP
It is critical to review RFPs from a cost and contractual lens. You will learn the anatomy of an RFP and tactics for finding and dissecting the necessary information to prepare not only a compliant, but also a responsive, cost proposal.
Be cognizant of the key regulations
Overwhelmed with the myriad of regulations governing cost proposals? You are not alone. The key is to know which regulations apply to the actual development of a cost proposal. You will become cognizant of the key regulations pertaining cost proposals and their applicability.
Become a skilled cost preparer
This course is a practicum, and participants will gain hands-on experience developing a cost proposal, line-by-line. You will learn how to prepare a cost proposal for USAID based on best practices.
Gain confidence to lead a cost strategy
USAID awards contracts based on a 'best value determination'. You will learn how to conduct a technical/cost trade-off analysis and develop a cost strategy that maximizes your proposal's value. You will be prepared to apply cost-effectiveness principles to project design.
Cost Preparer Practicum for USAID Proposals
Kristen Hamaoui
Director, Keylime
Kristen leads Keylime Academy's Cost & Pricing curriculum. She is a seasoned project implementation, business development, and program management specialist with more than 15 years of experience managing and implementing USAID-funded programs. As a cost and pricing expert, Kristen provides pricing advisory expertise to clients within the USAID market, as well as those looking to enter the USAID market or increase their USAID portfolios. Previously as a manager in Chemonics International's Cost and Pricing Department, Kristen provided formal cost proposal preparation trainings, mentored staff members, and provided pricing strategy and analysis to proposal teams and senior leadership.
Course syllabus
01
Session 1 - RFP Review, Anatomy of a Cost Volume, and Contract Types
The first session covers the key concepts needed to start preparing a cost proposal for USAID. We will walk through the first steps you’ll take when an RFP is issued, including how to review an RFP and outline your cost volume. We will also cover the major contract types used by USAID.
02
Session 2 - Cost preparer practicum, part 1
Sessions 2-5 are a practicum in which we will prepare a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee proposal, using MS Excel, tailored to typical USAID requirements. The instructor will cover applicable USAID regulations and prepare a budget in real-time, sharing best practices along the way. Participants are expected to prepare a budget alongside with the instructor.
03
Session 3 - Cost preparer practicum, part 2
Sessions 2-5 are a practicum in which we will prepare a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee proposal, using MS Excel, tailored to typical USAID requirements. The instructor will cover applicable USAID regulations and prepare a budget in real-time, sharing best practices along the way. Participants are expected to prepare a budget alongside with the instructor.
04
Session 4 - Cost preparer practicum, part 3
Sessions 2-5 are a practicum in which we will prepare a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee proposal, using MS Excel, tailored to typical USAID requirements. The instructor will cover applicable USAID regulations and prepare a budget in real-time, sharing best practices along the way. Participants are expected to prepare a budget alongside with the instructor.
05
Session 5 - Cost preparer practicum, part 4
Sessions 2-5 are a practicum in which we will prepare a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee proposal, using MS Excel, tailored to typical USAID requirements. The instructor will cover applicable USAID regulations and prepare a budget in real-time, sharing best practices along the way. Participants are expected to prepare a budget alongside with the instructor.
06
Session 6 - Cost strategy
In this session, participants will learn how to develop a cost strategy based on most frequently used RFP evaluation criteria and methodologies. This includes learning how to conduct a technical/cost trade-off analysis to increase cost effectiveness and maximize value.
07
Session 7 - Supporting documentation and subcontractor pricing
There's more to a cost proposal than the spreadsheets. In the final session, we will go over the supporting documentation submitted in cost volumes, including how to outline the budget narrative based on an RFP's instructions and evaluation criteria. Participants will also learn how to review a subcontractor's budget to ensure price reasonableness.
Course schedule
2 hours per week
Every Tuesday from September 19-October 31
09:00am - 11:30am EST
Homework
1-2 hours per week
We'll assign homework to put your new skills into practice! You'll get feedback from your instructor on your homework and will have the opportunity to discuss in class.
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How to Avoid Cost Proposal Panic
We’ve all see it happen—the proposal team is chugging along, and days before submission there’s a huge problem with your cost proposal. Maybe your calculations aren’t adding up, maybe there’s a mysterious error in the spreadsheets, or maybe your budget is simply unrealistic. Whatever the reason, last-minute issues with the cost proposal can derail a proposal team and jeopardize your chances of success.
Keylime Academy has compiled the most common pitfalls we see on the cost proposal, and strategies to avoid them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an Excel guru to take this course?
What happens if I can’t make a live session?
I work full-time, what is the expected time commitment?
Can this course be offered privately in- house?
Join an upcoming cohort
Cost Preparer Practicum for USAID Proposals
Cohort 6 - Winter 2024
$1,400 USD
Dates
Jan 17—Feb 7, 2024
Payment Deadline
Jan 16, 2024
Learning is better with cohorts
Active learning, not passive watching
This course builds on live workshops and hands-on exercises
Interactive
You’ll be interacting with other learners through a live practicum
Learn with a cohort of peers
Join a community of like-minded people who want to learn and grow alongside you
Join an upcoming cohort
Cost Preparer Practicum for USAID Proposals
Cohort 6 - Winter 2024
$1,400 USD
Dates
Jan 17—Feb 7, 2024
Payment Deadline
Jan 16, 2024