Cost Estimator

Summary:

Flatter, Inc. (Flatter) is hiring a Lifecycle Cost Estimator to support the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Trade Transformation Office Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Modernization effort. The position develops, analyzes, and maintains life-cycle cost models to support program planning, budgeting, and decision-making.

The role applies structured cost estimating methodologies across the full system lifecycle, from concept development through operations and sustainment. The Lifecycle Cost Estimator analyzes complex cost data, develops cost estimates and supporting documentation, evaluates cost risks and alternatives, and communicates cost drivers, assumptions, and findings to program stakeholders and leadership. The position supports modernization activities intended to enhance trade facilitation, supply chain transparency, data sharing, automation, integration, and data quality.

Essential Functions

• Develop and maintain Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs) in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance, including OMB, GAO, DoD, and DHS guidance.
• Build cost models covering acquisition, operations, maintenance, and disposal phases of programs or systems.
• Conduct cost analyses using parametric, analogy-based, engineering build-up, and extrapolation techniques.
• Perform cost risk and uncertainty analyses using probabilistic methods, including Monte Carlo simulations.
• Analyze historical cost data and normalize datasets for use in estimating models.
• Work with large datasets and perform data cleansing, validation, statistical analysis, and regression modeling in support of cost estimates.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses and identify key program cost drivers.
• Interpret data trends and apply findings to forecasting and cost models.
• Apply knowledge of inflation indices, cost escalation, and normalization techniques.
• Analyze cost elements including labor, materials, overhead, and indirect costs.
• Collaborate with program managers, engineers, financial analysts, and other stakeholders to gather cost inputs, refine requirements, and validate assumptions.
• Support budget formulation, justification, and execution activities through detailed cost estimates and analyses.
• Prepare and maintain Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation, including assumptions, methodologies, supporting data, and analyses.
• Develop clear and comprehensive cost documentation, presentations, briefings, and reports.
• Present cost estimates, assumptions, methodologies, and findings to stakeholders, program leadership, and review boards.
• Evaluate program alternatives and conduct trade-off analyses to support cost-effective decision-making.
• Participate in Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs), cost reviews, and audit support activities.
• Identify and quantify risks, assumptions, and uncertainties affecting cost estimates.
• Support risk-informed budgeting and program decision-making.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of cost estimating standards, processes, and best practices.
• Provide updates to estimates as program requirements evolve.
• Perform assigned responsibilities in support of the CBP ACE Modernization program.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Project Management.
• Communication Proficiency.
• Ethical Conduct.
• Time Management.
• Attention to detail.
• Integrity and commitment.
• Quantitative and analytical skills.
• Cost estimating and financial analysis.
• Data analysis and modeling.
• Cost risk and uncertainty analysis.
• Ability to communicate complex cost drivers and assumptions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Stakeholder collaboration.
• Self-motivation.

Supervisory Responsibility: No

Work Environment:

This position operates in a professional office environment in a hybrid work arrangement within the Washington, DC Metro Area. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

 Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum THREE (3) years of experience in cost estimating, financial analysis, or program cost support.
• Experience working with structured cost estimating methodologies and frameworks.
• Experience supporting government programs with defined cost reporting requirements.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex cost drivers and assumptions to non-technical stakeholders.
• An Active CBP Public Trust suitability, strongly preferred.

Cost Estimating & Analysis (Core)

• Experience developing cost models using parametric and engineering-based methodologies.
• Proficiency in cost estimating tools such as Excel (advanced), ACEIT, SEER, Crystal Ball, @Risk, or similar.
• Knowledge of inflation indices, cost escalation, and normalization techniques.
• Understanding of cost elements including labor, materials, overhead, and indirect costs.
• Experience building and documenting Basis of Estimate (BOE) artifacts

Data Analysis & Modeling (Critical)

• Strong experience working with large datasets, including data cleansing and validation.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis and regression modeling to support cost estimates.
• Experience conducting sensitivity analysis and identifying cost drivers.
• Proven ability to interpret data trends and apply them to forecasting models.

Cost Risk & Uncertainty (Critical)

• Experience performing cost risk assessments using probabilistic methods.
• Familiarity with Monte Carlo simulation techniques and outputs (confidence levels, S-curves).
• Ability to identify and quantify risks, assumptions, and uncertainties in cost estimates.
• Experience supporting risk-informed budgeting and decision-making.

Documentation & Communication (Critical)

• Ability to develop clear and comprehensive cost documentation.
• Experience preparing presentations, briefings, and reports for program leadership.
• Experience working directly with stakeholders to refine requirements and explain estimate