I am interested in hearing other's feedback on their methodology for cost realism. Most RFPs that I have seen utilize a hierarchal system for direct and indirect labor rates such as the following:
Direct Labor: Payroll, DCMA FPRR/FPRA, letters of intent, contractor's methodology
Indirect: DCMA FPRR/FPRA, historical actuals
Many contractors do not give the requested documents or give a methodology that is difficult to verify. I am looking for another alternative to determine realism (i.e. someone is not lowballing) in the event that substantial data is not given.
Also, I agree that labor category definitions/mix is important but responses from contractors often just repeat what the government provided.