Blog

Posted: May 10, 2020

C*CERT+ v3.2.2.1 Upcoming Release

We are excited about this upcoming release. Two major additions are being added:

• Deltek COBRA Interface
• Missile Defense Agencies - Fixed and Variable Cost Report
• Flex File: FAC By Period By Reporting WBS output

Click to view more information on these additions

Posted: Feb 13, 2020

C*CERT+ vs. cPet Gap Analysis

As a Software Solution Provider for both the CCDR Legacy 1921 family of reports and the new CCDR Cost and Hour Report (Flex File), we were approached by numerous individuals at the last NDIA IPM conference (Jan 2020) we attended who asked why they should consider utilizing our C*CERT+ application as opposed to the free DCARC cPet tool.

The cause behind this confusion was understandable: During the CADE’s out brief of their Flex File status and progress, no mention of utilizing 3rd party solutions was included. They only mentioned cPet.

In order to address this question, we decided the best way to answer is in the form of a relatively high-level Gap Analysis between C*CERT+ and cPet.

C*CERT+ vs cPet GAP Analysis (.pdf)

Posted: June 5, 2019

The New CCDR Flex File requirements are here: Why you need C*CERT+

We have provided a C*CERT+ Flex File Capability overview article.

We hope this article will highlight the strengths that C*CERT+ brings to the table in satisfying both the Legacy and Flex File requirements.

The New CCDR Flex File requirements are here: Why you need C*CERT+ (.pdf)

CSDR Reporting Thresholds (.pdf)

Posted: Mar 29, 2019

Implementation policy memo initiating the start of MANDATORY FlexFile and 1921-Q reporting

Deputy Director of Cost Assessment Richard P. Burke signed and release subject Memorandum Mar 22, 2019

Per the Memo: Beginning May 15, 2019 the default cost reporting formats for NEW CSDR Plans shall be the FlexFile and Quantity Data Reports.

This will replace the Legacy DD 1921 series formats (i.e. DD 1921, 1921-1, 1921-2 and 1921-5).

This policy on new cost reporting formats does not apply to CSDR Plans prior to May 15, 2019.

Industry may choose to use these new DIDs in place of Legacy DD 1921 series requirements for previously-approved CSDR plans.

Here at Midnite Dynamics - we have you covered...

C*CERT+ provides everything you need, whether it is the new FlexFile formats or the Legacy DD 1921 series.

We produce the compliant FlexFile JSON submissions, the FlexFile Excel compatible submission or all of the DD 1921 series submissions.

Contacts us so we can make your CSDR submission easy.

Posted: Feb 12, 2019

Information provided in the CSDR Working Group breakout session: NDIA 2019 Winter IPM Division Meeting

New CAPE Memo from 4 January 2019 updates the CAPE Memo 16 February 2018
CAPE has now imposed CSDR Requirements on ALL ACAT II Programs > $50M and discretionary for $20M - $50M
This new requirement is not retroactive. It will be imposed on final RFPs released after Mar 1 2019
The CAPE DDCA can waive this requirement
Tailoring will be considered on a case by case basis
The current waiver for data collection requirements for ACAT III and ACAT IV's is extended indefinitely

FlexFile and 1921-Q Timeframe
Starting around April 2019 new RFPs will be mandated to start using the FlexFile and 1921-Q DIDs
There will be exceptions on a case by case basis
The 1921-Q will not be required in all cases like the current Legacy 1921-2 is
New Policy will not be retroactive on existing contracts or contract Mods
CAPE will not be requiring the FlexFile to be submitted in the JSON Format (Excel or CSV will be OK)
IF NOT submitted in JSON then CADE/DCARC will attempt to convert to JSON
In this scenario, they expect many back and forth meetings/calls with submitting entity to scrub the data in the submitted Excel/CSV formats
There will be no Standard Excel or CSV formats

WOW! Shocking! Those last 4 items sounds like it could be really time consuming and expensive!

Why not just use C*CERT+ ??

It's FlexFile Compliant...

C*CERT+ FlexFile Validations scrub the data before submitting!

C*CERT+ satifies all the Cost Hour and 1921-Q JSON requirements!

Thus C*CERT+ will save both Industry and Government a ton of Time and Money!!

Posted: Jan 12, 2019

NDIA 2019 Winter IPM Division Meeting

We will be attending the NDIA IPM Winter Division meeting Feb 6th - 7th, 2019.

This meeting will be held at the HTC Conference Center | Palm Bay, FL.

As usual we will also be attending the CCDR Working Group Breakout Session.

We are expecting to hear some updated news on the forth coming new CCDR Flex File DID.

Rumor has it there will be some CADE/DCARC representation attending so maybe we will hear some news.

We already have C*CERT+ compliant with the Feb 2018 released DID - and have been anxiously waiting for the new DID for any changes that will need to be made.

If you also plan on attending => lets talk!

Posted: Jan 1, 2018

Helpful Industry Links

    Cost Assessment Data Enterprise (CADE)

The Cost Assessment Data Enterprise (CADE) is an Office of the Secretary of Defense Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (OSD CAPE) initiative to increase analyst productivity and effectiveness by collecting, organizing and displaying data in an integrated single web-based application, improving data quality, reporting compliance and source data transparency. CADE aims to provide the government analyst with a single, authoritative website utilizing data visualization methods to house source data which are easily searchable and retrievable. CADE offers the analyst a reduction in the time spent on ad-hoc data collection and validation, allowing more time for in-depth, meaningful analysis in support of DoD’s mission.

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    Defense Acquisitions (AcqNotes)

The Cost and Software Data Reporting (CSDR) system is the primary means that DoD uses to collect actual cost and related business data on Acquisition Category (ACAT) I and ACAT IA defense contracts. Program Managers (PM) use the CSDR system to report data on contractor development and production costs and resource usage incurred in performing DoD programs. Its two principal components are:

• Contractor Cost Data Reporting (CCDR)
• Software Resources Data Reporting (SRDR)

DoD Instruction 5000.02, Enclosure 4, Table 4, establishes CCDR and SRDR requirements for major contracts and sub-contracts (regardless of contract type) associated with ACAT I and IA contracts.

The Instruction includes specific dollar thresholds that can also be found in the Defense Acquisition Guidebook (DAG).

Detailed procedures and other implementation guidance are found in: Manual: DoD 5000.04-M-1, “Cost and Software Data Reporting (CSDR)” – 18 Apr 07

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    Department Of Defense - EVM Site (PARCA)

Earned Value Management is an essential Program Manager and Technical Lead tool for supporting proactive decision making. The EVM division of PARCA is responsible for the EVM Central Repository, and EVM Interpretation and Communication to facilitate timely, accurate and equitable EVM implementation across the DoD.

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    NDIA IPM Division

The Integrated Program Management Division (IPMD) is the primary forum for exchanging views and information to promote and communicate integrated program management best practices. The IPMD actively works to foster mutual understanding and effective working relationships between Industry and Government regarding the development, documentation, and maintenance of effective integrated program management processes. The IPMD and its predecessor, the Program Management Systems Committee (PMSC), has long been industry’s advocate on the use, implementation, and integration of EVM practices with program management and other disciplines.

The IPMD initiates and leads program management improvement initiatives with the DoD and other Federal agencies for the mutual benefit of the Industrial base and the Government to understand and adapt to changes in the business and procurement environment.

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    College of Performance Management (CPM)

CPM is an international, non-profit professional organization dedicated to the disciplines of project management and performance measurement. The Organization assists the earned value professional and project manager in professional growth and promote the application of earned value management. CPM is a growing body of professionals dedicated to managing projects on time and on budget.

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    International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA)

The International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association is a nonprofit organization that strives to promote and to enhance the profession of cost estimating and analysis with the primary goal of fostering the professional growth of our members in cost estimating, cost analysis, and allied fields. ICEAA is represented locally by more than 20 chapters nationwide and international affiliates in Australia, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom.