Your cost volume will be scrutinized.
Know its weaknesses first.
Independent cost realism and pricing risk reviews for defense contractors — delivered from a former government evaluator's perspective, exactly when you need it.
What I Do
I review your cost volume before submission and identify the issues government evaluators will flag — BOE narrative weaknesses, unsupported labor rates and hours, aggressive learning curves, schedule-cost misalignments, and technical-pricing inconsistencies.
How It Works
Engagements are time-bound and milestone-aligned — typically 2–4 weeks tied to your submission schedule. I don't build your cost volume or serve as staff augmentation. I deliver a clear written findings memo with specific recommendations so your team can strengthen the proposal before it's too late.
Why Nathan Fox
17 years on the government side evaluating defense contractor proposals. Cost Analysis Team Lead for the U.S. Army's Heavy Tactical Vehicles program. Lead Cost Analyst on the $1.54 billion FHTV V production contract. I know exactly what government evaluators look for — and I'll find it in your cost volume before they do.
What I Do
I provide independent cost realism and pricing risk reviews for defense contractors and proposal teams before submission.Specifically I look at:
— Labor rates and hours against market data and historical actuals
— BOE narrative strength and traceability
— Learning curve assumptions and supporting data
— Direct and indirect cost treatment
— Schedule-to-cost alignment
— Technical volume and cost volume consistency
— Subcontractor proposal realismYou receive a clear written findings memo identifying weaknesses, risks, and specific recommendations — delivered within your proposal timeline.My role is strictly advisory. I do not build cost volumes, serve as staff augmentation, or take ownership of your estimate. I deliver one thing: an objective former-government evaluator's perspective, exactly when you need it.
How It Works
Every engagement follows three steps:— Step 1: Scope the Review
We align on your submission timeline, contract type, and the specific cost volume areas of highest risk. This typically takes one conversation.— Step 2: Independent Review
I conduct a focused, time-bound review — typically 2–4 weeks depending on proposal complexity — and assess your cost volume against what government evaluators actually look for. Throughout the review I remain available for questions and ongoing dialogue with your team as findings develop.— Step 3: Findings and Recommendations
You receive a written findings memo identifying specific weaknesses, execution risks, and actionable recommendations to strengthen the proposal before submission. I am also available to brief proposal leadership or capture leadership directly on findings and recommended actions.Engagements are available on a 1099 basis. I work remotely and align to your proposal milestones — not the other way around.If you're within 60–90 days of a major submission, that's the right time to reach out.
Why Nathan Fox
I spent 17 years on the government side of defense acquisition — not as a contractor, not as a consultant, but as the person responsible for evaluating whether your cost volume was realistic, executable, and defensible.As Cost Analysis Team Lead for the U.S. Army's Heavy Tactical Vehicles program under PEO CS&CSS, I led cost analysis across a portfolio exceeding $3.2 billion in contract awards — including HEMTT, PLS, HET, Tactical Fire Fighting Trucks, M915 line haul vehicles, and associated trailers and flat racks across more than 71,000 vehicles produced.I served as Lead Cost Analyst for the $1.54 billion FHTV V production contract — building and defending the Independent Government Cost Estimate used to evaluate contractor proposals and approve the final award.I have produced and defended 25+ rapid-turn cost estimates in 10 days or less supporting source selections, reprogramming actions, and senior leadership decisions.I know what government evaluators look for because I was one. I know what triggers a realism adjustment, what gets a proposal knocked out of the competitive range, and what a credible cost volume looks like from the other side of the table.That perspective is now available to you — before submission, when it still matters.