Abacus Technology's support team is fully capable of maximizing operational effectiveness and cost savings. Indeed, we support a broad approach to the OMB Circular A-76 process by also seeking out opportunities to achieve efficiencies in areas that are exempt from A-76 competitions. Under this holistic approach, our support team assists clients by facilitating "complete" functional/organizational assessments in order to achieve program objectives with the optimum balance between program performance and costs. To date, we have provided A-76 services in support of more than 60 studies, involving a wide variety of functions and covering tens of thousands of FTEs. This support provides us with a breadth of experience that is second to none.

Preliminary Planning:

Abacus Technology’s support team will provide the necessary expertise, advice, and assistance to support the development of a feasibility study and business case analysis (BCA) to determine the best business unit definition/packaging approach for the activity being considered for competitive sourcing. At a minimum, our team will address the first five steps in the preliminary planning phase as addressed in the most current OMBC A-76 guidance (May 29, 2003). These steps include scope, grouping, workload data and systems, baseline costs, and type of competition.

Performance Requirements Document/Performance Work Statement (PRD/PWS) Development:

Abacus Technology's support team will develop a truly performance-based requirements document that is both contractible and enforceable. Our tried and true methodology allows for innovation and creativity by both the in-house workforce or a commercial contractor by presenting government requirements in a manner that is not overly prescriptive (i.e., what must be done rather than how to do it).

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) Development:

After developing a solid PRD/PWS, the QASP is developed as a means of measuring contractor service. Our systematic analysis results in a QASP that, when followed, lets the government know if the service is being furnished as specified.

Most Efficient Organization (MEO)/Agency Tender Development:

Using the various methods available (e.g., benchmarking, flow process charting, cost-benefit analysis, Six Sigma statistical analysis, operational audit), the Abacus Technology support team will develop an MEO/Agency Tender that is competitive, executable, and thoroughly documented. This support also includes development of a Phase-in Plan (PIP) and Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Cost Estimating:

Abacus Technology's costing analysts are highly proficient in the use of the COMPARE software, as well as fully cognizant of all DoD Costing Manual guidelines and Agency-specific regulations. Using these tools, we deliver Preliminary Planning baseline costs, i.e., Preliminary Baseline Cost Estimate (PBCE) and Adjusted Baseline Cost Estimate (ABCE); clearly and concisely documented MEO costs, i.e., Agency Cost Estimate (ACE) (formerly the In-House Cost Estimate (IHCE)). We also support independent government estimate (IGE) development effort, if requested, for cost realism during source selection.

MEO Independent Reviews:

Our seasoned analysts perform a top to bottom review of completed Agency Tenders to assess compliance with applicable guidance; appropriateness of assumptions; and thoroughness, completeness, and correctness of the costing methodology. All A-76 documents are reviewed (PWS, MEO, PIP, QCP, and ACE) as well as all supporting documents and the COMPARE data. Identification and correction of errors reduces the chance of protests/contests and strengthens the government's position in the event of a protest.

Post Competition Accountability Reviews:

Post Competition Accountability Reviews (PCARs) are performed to determine if the MEO is operating within the requirements of the PWS and their cost proposal. Abacus Technology’s analysts will verify MEO implementation against the PIP, actual performance against PWS quality standards, and using generally accepted auditing principles and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, the costs of MEO performance will be compared to the estimated cost of Agency performance put forth during the competition. As with Independent Reviews, our in-the-trenches experience building PWSs and MEOs aids in our ability to review others. 

Other Services:

- Strategic Planning and Sourcing
- Acquisition/Source Selection
- Protests/Contests
- Surveys/Focus Groups
- Indexing of Products/Services
- Labor Market Analysis
- Public Affaris/Media Relations

Related Links:
A-76 Training
A-76 Support Tools/Innovations
2007 Department of Treasury (Competitive Sourcing) Award

For further information about our Support Services, please contact
Scott Rawls, Commercial Services Management, at 800-488-7654