Ascension LLC is seeking a highly skilled Cost / Price Analyst (SME) to support federal acquisition and pricing activities, with a strong focus on Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE), cost modeling, and price analysis. This role is critical to ensuring that government clients make informed, data-driven procurement decisions that align with regulatory requirements and fiscal responsibility.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in federal acquisition pricing, FAR-based cost analysis, and financial modeling, and thrives in environments where precision, analytical rigor, and strategic insight directly impact mission outcomes. This role plays a key part in supporting Task Area 4.4 (Cost/Price Analysis and IGCE Development) and will influence acquisition planning, evaluation, and contract execution.

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who want to contribute to mission-critical federal programs while applying advanced cost analysis techniques to improve procurement efficiency and transparency.

Position Summary

The Cost / Price Analyst (SME) will provide expert-level cost estimating, pricing strategy, and financial analysis support across the acquisition lifecycle. The role includes developing IGCEs, conducting price reasonableness evaluations, supporting proposal analysis, and maintaining cost databases.

The ideal candidate is:

• A detail-oriented financial analyst with strong federal acquisition knowledge
• A self-driven problem solver capable of working independently in ambiguous environments
• Skilled at translating complex cost data into actionable insights
• Experienced in supporting contracting officers, CORs, and program managers

This role supports the government’s need to:

• Ensure fair and reasonable pricing
• Improve budget planning and forecasting
• Strengthen acquisition decision-making
• Maintain compliance with FAR, OMB, and agency-specific policies

The position leverages tools such as Excel-based cost models, pricing templates, Power BI dashboards, and acquisition documentation frameworks.

Day-to-Day Activities

• Develop Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) using historical data, market research, and cost modeling techniques
• Perform price and cost analysis in accordance with FAR Part 15 and agency guidance
• Analyze vendor proposals to assess cost realism, reasonableness, and completeness
• Build and maintain cost models, pricing templates, and financial forecasting tools
• Conduct variance analysis between proposed and historical costs
• Support source selection evaluations with pricing insights and documentation
• Develop and maintain cost databases and benchmarks for recurring services
• Collaborate with CORs, Contract Specialists, and Program Managers to align pricing strategies
• Prepare pricing memoranda, reports, and briefings for acquisition decision-making
• Support budget planning, spend analysis, and lifecycle cost estimation
• Ensure compliance with FAR, agency policies, and audit requirements
• Provide recommendations to improve cost efficiency and procurement strategies