List of the Best DCAA Approved and Compliant Accounting Software Systems

Summary of Keypoints DCAA-compliant accounting software is essential for government contractors: These systems support audit readiness, FAR and CAS compliance, accurate cost allocation, transparent reporting, scalability, and reduced risk of penalties or lost contracts. Core features define DCAA compliance: Required capabilities include a compliant general ledger, detailed cost accounting for direct and indirect costs, approved…

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Understanding Incurred Cost Proposals: Avoiding the Top 5 Audit Issues

understanding-incurred-cost-proposal

Summary of  Keypoints Incurred Cost Proposals (ICPs) are required annually for contractors with cost-type or T&M contracts, and reconcile provisionally billed indirect costs with actual incurred costs to establish final indirect rates and calculate over- or under-billings. The ICP functions like a tax return for government contracts, finalizing indirect rates after the fiscal year closes…

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The Complete Guide to DCAA Pre Award Audits: An 8 Point Readiness Checklist

dcaa-audits-checklist

Sumary of  Keypoints A DCAA pre-award audit is required before awarding cost-reimbursable defense contracts, assessing whether a contractor’s accounting system can properly track, allocate, and report contract costs before funding is released. The purpose of the pre-award audit is to determine contractor qualification, focusing on accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls rather than conducting a…

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What is an Adequate Accounting System? 10 Questions to Determine if Your Accounting System is Adequate for Government Contracts

adequate-accounting-system

In many cases, having an “adequate accounting system” is an integral part of successfully winning and performing on Federal contracts. Many companies find it challenging to determine when accounting system requirements are triggered and how to navigate obtaining a determination of adequacy.  Our clients and prospects unanimously have the same questions.  Since these questions are…

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Key DCAA Terms to Understand for Contractors

glossary of key dcaa terminology

The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), part of the United States Department of Defense (DoD), performs  audits of DoD contractors to ensure the best value for money the agency spends on defense contracting. As part of its auditing services, DCAA will review a contractor’s accounting and business systems to ensure the contractor is able to…

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What Happens During a Pre-Award Survey With DCAA?

government contractor preparing for pre-award survey with DCAA

If you’re a contractor who has submitted a proposal to work with the Department of Defense (DoD), you will have an audit done by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) before the contract is awarded. A Pre-Award Audit typically includes the audit of the pricing in the proposal the contractor submitted as well as a…

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How to Prepare for DCAA Pre-Award Survey

How to Prepare for the Pre-Award Survey

If you are new to government contracting, prior to being awarded a flexibly priced contract, your contracting officer will request that DCAA perform a Pre-Award Survey to ensure your accounting system is adequate to account for government contracts. As you’re bidding on contracts, you’ll frequently be asked to provide a copy of an audit by…

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