We are often asked about the project management software tools and management techniques used in cost estimating for proposals and for executing and monitoring contract performance. The emphasis is usually placed on fixed price contracts but the answer is equally important on other types as well. After the Award Know your project and the cost of the work you are proposing. Before preparing any cost estimate, have a clear outline of what technical tasks will be performed, what deliverables will be provided, the time frame for the performance, and what new upgraded project management and cost control tools and systems you may need. Once the scope of work has been defined, the next step is the development of a work breakdown structure to identify the logical steps necessary to complete the job.
Small things are easier to analyze than large ones.
Developing a detailed work breakdown structure for the project, which enumerates the tasks, milestones, schedule and interdependencies among the tasks that are critical to accomplishing the plan. Now do the skill match to people. Integrate people requirements with known and unknown personnel who fit your identified needs. Choose and become closely familiar with a project management tool such as Turbo ProjectTM or Harvard Project ManagerTM to help you track the work breakdown structure and estimates that you derived and to compare with your performance data. During the proposal process, employ logic in establishing what it takes to perform the job.