Calyptus Consulting Group

Calyptus Consulting Group brings more than 30 years of public-sector procurement experience supporting federal, state, and local agencies nationwide. Our firm is recognized for delivering compliant, defensible procurement strategies; rigorous cost and pricing analysis; high-impact solicitations; and hands-on contract administration support. We have a proven track record of improving procurement efficiency, strengthening vendor performance, and helping agencies achieve measurable cost savings and operational transparency.

Consulting services available to States include the following:
Category One: Procurement Strategy/Strategy Plan
Services within this category are as follows:

Procurement Plan Development/Review. We will provide services that include advice and recommendations for all elements of the plan, including approaches, options, strategies, risks, contracting methods, competition, sources, costs, milestone schedule, etc.
Category Two: Independent Government Cost Estimate
This category of services is for consultation and/or assistance in developing IGCEs.

Services within this category are as follows:

1. Data Collection. We will collaborate with the agency to gain a thorough understanding of the contract scope of work for which the IGCE is being generated. We will develop a plan that identifies stakeholders and other resource requirements necessary to create the IGCE, including a schedule specifying the start and delivery dates for the final report, and a list of all potential sources of information required to complete the cost estimate.

2. Data Analysis. Data Analysis consists of two components: review and analysis. The review component consists of an in-depth examination and qualitative analysis of all the requested and received sufficient information during Data Collection. We will conduct a thorough review of the SOW, agency-developed cost estimates, contractor-developed cost estimates, or proposals, BOE, and any other sufficient information received. We will apply appropriate estimation methods to the data to generate the IGCE.
Category Three: Specifications/Scope of Work Review

This category of services is for review and/or assistance in the development of a scope of work (SOW) or specifications(s). Services within this category are as follows:

1. Review Services.

Provide recommendations to amend/develop specifications/SOW to produce correct, clear, and concise obligations of all parties with respect to the needed goods or services. Review services shall include verification, validation, and recommendation so that the SOW/specifications for required goods and/or services clearly identify how the specification/SOW may be amended/changed.

2. Requirement Analysis.

We will identify and make recommendations to specifications or SOW to ensure that an agency obtains the best products or services available in the market at fair and reasonable prices. Requirement analysis services shall include review, analysis, and recommendation, and clearly identify how the specification/scope of work may be amended/changed to reflect the following, as applicable:
Ø Eliminate a requirement that is not cost-effective.
Ø Improve the quality level without impacting the cost(s).
Ø Describe the requirement(s) of quality standards to increase the service life.
Ø Achieve total value, i.e., not only initial expense as the award factor.

3. Specification Writing (Technical).

We will provide specification-writing services for all types of specifications, including design, performance, and market grades.
We will assist in the development and preparation of pre-award Request for Information (RFI), Statements of Work (SOW), Statements of Objective (SOO), and other requirements documents. This effort includes assisting in researching and drafting specifications and standards, including Performance-based Work Statements (PWS); developing performance measures, providing consultation and recommendations; and coordinating requirements documents.
Category Four: Market Research

This category of services is for consultation and/or assistance with market research services. Services within this category are as follows:

Market Research Services. We will research available suppliers and compare the services and costs of obtaining goods or services from different providers. Information gathered shall be provided in a report form for use in the development of a competitive solicitation. We will provide advice and recommendations on all elements of market research, including approaches, options, strategies, risks, methods, competition, sources, costs, milestones, etc.
Category Five: Cost & Pricing Analysis

This category of services is for consultation and/or assistance with cost & pricing analysis services.
Services within this category are as follows:

Ø Cost & Pricing Analysis. We will assist in developing estimated costs and price elements for the work to be performed, and in preparing analyses for Stakeholders to make sound decisions regarding the financial viability of a project.

Cost & Pricing Analysis services include, but are not limited to:
• Developing plans and alternatives for effective price competition
• Informing states of the impact of the budget on technical, contract, and pricing outcomes
• Developing an approach for the State’s/Stakeholders’ budget planning
• Developing cost proposal solicitation documents to aid states in the development of the RFP
• Analyzing contracts/programs to assess price competitiveness
• Providing alternatives and research for stakeholders
• Providing estimates (case-by-case, based on the needs of the State/Stakeholder).
• Demonstrating the value of RFP and/or new system/product to the State/Stakeholder
• Providing a Make-or-buy analysis
• Providing a Go/no-go analysis
• Developing and analyzing BAFO requests
• Determining that the prices submitted by the Offerors are acceptable, fair, and reasonable
• Providing cost analysis during RFP evaluation – services performed to help States/Stakeholders analyze the cost proposals of several vendors to find the best value
• Developing evaluation support documentation to help States/Stakeholders validate the reasonableness of proposed labor rates as well as indirect rates (fringe, overhead, general and administrative, and materials)
• Performing an independent review of each cost element within an Offeror’s cost proposal
• Providing post-award services (contract renewals, modifications, assistance in the determination of termination if not in compliance with contract terms)
• Burn Rate Analysis
• Analysis of Change Orders & Modifications
• Award fee/incentive fee analysis
• Closeout payment analysis

Category Six: Solicitation Review or Preparation

This category of services is for the review and/or development of a solicitation document. Services within this category would be as follows:

1. Review Services: We will provide recommendations to amend/develop any part of the solicitation document to produce clear, concise obligations for all parties regarding the required goods or services. Review services shall include verification, validation, and recommendation to improve, at a minimum, the following sections of the solicitation:
Ø Scope of work, statement of work, or specifications.
Ø Standard bid/proposal clauses such as bid guarantee, indemnification, intellectual property rights, insurance, etc.
Ø Evaluation criteria.
Ø Bidder/Offeror qualifications.
Ø Proposal format.
Ø Administrative and Technical Response Requirements.
Ø Price and Cost sheets.
Ø Contract administration, post-award.
Ø Payment terms.

2. RFP Development. We will develop and prepare the solicitation document, which may be a request for quotes (RFQ), request for proposals (RFP), including a two-step process solicitation, or any other hybrid solicitation within the State. The solicitation shall include all appropriate solicitation terms and conditions applicable.

Category Seven: Source Selection
This category of services assists with preparing a source selection plan and conducting source selection activities. Services within this category are as follows:

Source Selection. We will develop and prepare source selection plans, in accordance with State statute and rules; instruct evaluation team members on roles and responsibilities; act in the capacity of an advisory role during the evaluation, which may include cost estimating or technical subject matter expertise; ensure Conflict of Interest/Nondisclosure forms are signed; prepare evaluation sheets or score sheets; and prepare draft of source selection decision memorandum.
Category Eight: Cost Realism Analysis

This category of services is for consultation and/or assistance with cost realism analysis services. Services within this category are as follows:

Ø Cost Realism. We will independently review and evaluate specific elements of each Offeror’s proposed cost estimate to determine whether the cost estimate is realistic for the work to be performed, reflects a clear understanding of the requirements, and is consistent with the unique methods of performance.

Cost Realism services shall include, but are not limited to:
• Determining the Offeror’s price is realistic for the work proposed
• Understanding and implementation of contract risk factors
• Developing a Purchasing Entity’s probable cost estimate
• Conducting cost to technical realism analysis
Category Nine: Contract Development/Contract Formation

This category of services is for consultation and/or assistance with contract development. Services within this category are as follows:

Ø Contract Development
Ø Contract signature and approval management
Ø Assistance in negotiations as needed
Category Ten: Contract Management

Services within this category are as follows:

1. Contract Administration. Manage the relationship between the Contractor and the end user, including monitoring contract fulfillment by government agencies and developing the Contract Administration Plan (CAP), which will define how the contract will be administered. Monitor contractor compliance with terms of the agreement, including site visits and labor interviews.
2. Vendor Performance Plan Development/Review.
3. Contract Modifications.

Category Eleven: Vendor Performance Evaluation Program

This category for services is for assistance in the development and implementation of a Vendor Performance Evaluation Program. This does not include vendor performance evaluation for construction contracts. Services within this category are as follows:

Establishing KPIs, such as contract compliance, customer satisfaction, cost competitiveness, cost control, continuous improvement, and timeliness, and formulating evaluation templates