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Does PBS require a Scope of Work and Cost Estimate to accept an RWA?
Yes. Customers may not send an RWA for acceptance without an approved Summary Cost Estimate (SCE) or Overtime Utility Estimate (OUE) linked to their Work Request.
Who pays for increased costs for projects where PBS drastically underestimated costs?
The customer must always pay cost increases. It is important for the Project Manager to manage the customer’s expectations, especially utilizing the ranges of accuracy identified on the SCE Form.
Where can I go if I have more questions on OUEs?
Please visit OFM’s website of Overtime Utilities FAQs should you have any additional questions on OUEs.
When is the Summary Cost Estimate (SCE) used versus the Overtime Utility Estimating Tool (OUET)?
The OUET is used for all above standard services such as:
Can customers send RWA Work Requests as a means to get an estimate?
Yes, customers are encouraged to send an RWA Work Request in eRETA as soon as they identify a need for a project or service. This will prompt GSA to assign a PM and start developing requirements including estimates.
What is a Summary Cost Estimate (SCE)?
The Summary Cost Estimate (SCE) is the electronic estimate in RETA used by PBS personnel to summarize the total estimated direct and indirect costs of a project.
The GSA Project Manager associated with the RWA Work Request completes the SCE in RETA.
When does PBS charge directly for travel on line 8 of the SCE?
PBS charges for travel when the travel is outside of PBS’s local area (50 miles) or is in excess of the typical travel required for a project (e.g., the customer requires PBS to be on-site more than the typical project).
Do PBS fees calculate automatically on the SCE?
Yes.
Should the customer or PBS be supplying estimates?
Typically, PBS creates the detailed estimate / Independent Government Estimate (IGE), and uses it to generate a Summary Cost Estimate (SCE).
Can PBS accept customer-provided cost estimates?
Yes, but PBS must still conduct its own due diligence to verify the validity of the customer’s estimate. Per PBS RWA Policy, GSA can accept customer-provided cost estimates to support an RWA as long as the customer is willing to share the basis for those estimates in order for the GSA Cost Estimator, or the GSA PM, to acknowledge in writing that the customer-provided cost estimate is acceptable.
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Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories and possessions are set by the Department of Defense.
Rates for foreign countries are set by the Department of State.
Rates are available between 10/1/2023 and 09/30/2026.
The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.
Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.
Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."
Per diem localities with county definitions shall include"all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."
When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.
U.S. General Services Administration