GovCon Acronym Decoder
Government contracting runs on shorthand. Search any acronym and get a plain-English definition, when you will run into it, whether you need one, and where it comes from.
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7 of 172 terms matching "ICS"
Incurred Cost Submission
The annual submission of actual indirect rates and costs required on cost-reimbursement and T&M contracts.
When you see it
Six months after your fiscal year end, every year you hold covered contracts.
Do you need it
Yes if you have flexibly priced contracts. Missing it creates real contractual problems.
Where it comes from
FAR 52.216-7.
Related terms
Incurred Cost Submission
The annual submission of actual indirect rates and costs required on cost-reimbursement and T&M contracts.
When you see it
Six months after your fiscal year end, every year you hold covered contracts.
Do you need it
Yes if you have flexibly priced contracts. Missing it creates real contractual problems.
Where it comes from
FAR 52.216-7.
Related terms
North American Industry Classification System
The six-digit codes that classify what an industry does. Each federal opportunity is assigned one NAICS code, and that code determines the small business size standard for that opportunity.
When you see it
On every solicitation, in your SAM profile, and in every market research report.
Do you need it
Yes, you select the codes that describe your business in SAM. Note that the contracting agency, not you, assigns the NAICS on a given opportunity.
Where it comes from
U.S. Census Bureau maintains the codes; SBA sets the size standard for each one.
Defense Logistics Agency
The DoD combat support agency that buys supplies, fuel, parts, and logistics services. Also issues CAGE codes.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Buys research, engineering, and IT, and runs the SEWP GWAC.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Department of State
Buys diplomatic security, facilities, logistics, and IT worldwide.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Product Service Code
A four-character code describing what is actually being bought (a specific product or service), as opposed to NAICS which describes the industry doing the work.
When you see it
On solicitations, award notices, and spend data when you do market research.
Do you need it
You do not register for a PSC, but knowing your PSCs makes your opportunity searches and spend analysis far more accurate.
Where it comes from
Maintained by GSA.
Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan
The government's plan for how it will measure your performance against the standards in the PWS, including metrics and acceptable quality levels.
When you see it
Attached to performance-based service solicitations.
Do you need it
Read it as carefully as the PWS. It is the scorecard you will be graded on, and it should shape your staffing and QC plan.
Where it comes from
Contracting office, tied to FAR Part 46 and performance-based acquisition.
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