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DSA · 8 hours ago

Sr. Proposal Pricing Lead

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

3+ years exp

Datasystems Analysts Inc. is seeking an experienced Sr. Proposal Pricing Lead/Manager to spearhead the development of cost volumes for government proposals. In this role, you will own the entire cost volume process, ensuring bids are competitive and compliant while collaborating closely with capture and proposal teams to shape pricing strategies.

AerospaceInformation ServicesInformation TechnologyPublic SafetySoftware

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead Cost Volume Development: Take full ownership of the cost/price proposal volume for all assigned bids. Interpret RFP requirements and develop the cost volume strategy and outline, ensuring alignment with the technical approach and compliance with all instructions. Coordinate data calls and inputs and produce a complete cost volume (narratives and detailed spreadsheets) that is accurate, clear

Price-to-Win (PTW) Analysis: Develop and apply advanced price-to-win techniques to shape pricing strategies that maximize win probability while meeting profitability targets. Conduct competitor and market research to inform pricing decisions. Use scenario modeling to understand how different price points affect our proposal’s evaluation score, win likelihood, and margins. Collaborate with capture teams to integrate PTW findings into the overall bid strategy

Risk Analysis & Mitigation: Use scenario-based pricing (sensitivity analyses) to evaluate worst-case and best-case outcomes. Develop risk mitigation strategies such as adjusting contingencies or structuring pricing options. Provide data-driven pricing recommendations based on this analysis

Cost Structure Analysis: Analyze and incorporate our company’s cost structure into each proposal. Examine relevant cost center data, applying the correct indirect rates to the cost base

Team Collaboration & Communication: Serve as the hub for all pricing activities, working closely with cross-functional teams. Collaborate with capture managers, proposal managers, technical leads, contracts and procurement, and finance throughout the proposal lifecycle. Facilitate pricing reviews and tag-ups with subject matter experts to gather necessary inputs. Provide concise, data-driven pricing updates and recommendations to senior leadership at key decision points. Ensure all stakeholders understand the pricing approach and any trade-offs made

Briefings & Documentation: Prepare and deliver executive-level pricing briefings and supporting documents during color team reviews, management gate reviews, and bid decision meetings

Qualification

Government contract pricingCost estimationMicrosoft ExcelPrice-to-win analysisCost accounting principlesIndirect rate structuresFederal Acquisition RegulationAnalytical skillsCommunication skillsTeam collaborationOrganizational skillsLeadership experience

Required

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field

3+ years of direct experience in government contract pricing, cost estimation, or financial analysis

Hands-on experience developing cost/price volumes for Federal proposals (preferably DoD or other government agencies)

Familiar with the end-to-end proposal process and have participated in multiple proposal cycles as a pricing lead or analyst

Experience with multiple indirect cost pools

Solid understanding of cost accounting principles

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for pricing models (e.g. complex formulas, pivot tables, scenario analysis)

Ability to build and manage large spreadsheets accurately under tight deadlines

Strong knowledge of Government contracting pricing practices and regulations

Familiar with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency supplements (e.g. DFARS) as they pertain to pricing and cost allowability

Understand various contract types (CPFF, FFP, T&M, etc.) and how to structure pricing for each

Knowledge of government solicitations (RFPs/RFQs)

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail

Able to dissect cost problems, perform sanity checks on estimates, and spot inconsistencies or risks

Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, delivering accurate results even with last-minute changes

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Able to write clear cost narratives explaining pricing methodologies and assumptions

Capable of presenting complex financial data in a way that is understandable to non-finance stakeholders

Self-motivated and independent, capable of driving the pricing process with minimal oversight

Collaborative team player who works well in cross-functional groups, maintaining professionalism and effective partnerships

Strong organizational skills to manage multiple pricing tasks simultaneously, prioritize workload, and adapt to shifting priorities

Willingness to occasionally work extended hours (evenings/weekends) during critical proposal periods

Preferred

5+ years of pricing experience in government contracting, with a track record of serving as lead pricer on significant proposals

Prior experience at a Defense or Federal IT services contractor is highly desirable

Experience in pricing IDIQ contracts and task orders, including establishing IDIQ rate cards or pricing matrices

Mastery of Excel

Use of AI tools

Experience with pricing software to develop complex cost models

Background in DoD/Defense contracting is preferred

Understanding of indirect rate development and Forward Pricing Rate Agreements is helpful

Familiarity with DCAA audit expectations and cost realism analysis methods gives candidates an edge

Professional certifications in pricing or government contracting, such as Certified Pricing Professional (CPP), Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCE/A), or NCMA certifications (e.g. CFCM, CPCM), are a plus

Experience mentoring junior pricing analysts or leading pricing review teams is beneficial

An active security clearance (Secret or above) is not required, but would be viewed favorably