This has happened to my firm several times during my tenure in the 8(a) program and my present SDB tenure. When asked to identify your cognizant agency, what they are really asking is whether you have an 'indirect rate' approved by a cognizant agency. Interestingly enough, the feds give full faith and credit to cognizant agency determinations of all other agencies so that, if you get your indirect rate from DOT or DHHS or DHS, it will be recognized by DOD or other DCAA agency. They will subject you to DCAA standards of review but you will win the debate on indirect rate. If you have no cognizant agency and are the successful bidder, all it will mean that you will receive a provisional indirect rate (assuming you ask for one) and then be required to begin the indirect rate process within 90 days. Caution: if the indirect rate ultimately approved by the cognizant agency is lower than the provisional rate which you requested, you will be required to repay the government for the difference within that first contract year. Josa© A. Rivera, JD President & CEO Rivera, Sierra & Company, Inc. Consultants to Business and Nonprofits

Hi Miranda, Well, it depends. What is the anticipated contract award value? Does the RFP have a DCAA (cost) audit requirement? Sometimes in the world of government contracting, Contracting Officers dont like 'N/A' so I would simply call the main point of contact and get this clarified. My guess is its only required if you already have a Cognizant DCAA/DCMA Office. Brian Dunn

This has happened to my firm several times during my tenure in the 8(a) program and my present SDB tenure. When asked to identify your cognizant agency, what they are really asking is whether you have an 'indirect rate' approved by a cognizant agency. Interestingly enough, the feds give full faith and credit to cognizant agency determinations of all other agencies so that, if you get your indirect rate from DOT or DHHS or DHS, it will be recognized by DOD or other DCAA agency. They will subject you to DCAA standards of review but you will win the debate on indirect rate. If you have no cognizant agency and are the successful bidder, all it will mean that you will receive a provisional indirect rate (assuming you ask for one) and then be required to begin the indirect rate process within 90 days. Caution: if the indirect rate ultimately approved by the cognizant agency is lower than the provisional rate which you requested, you will be required to repay the government for the difference within that first contract year. Jos A. Rivera, JD President & CEO Rivera, Sierra & Company, Inc. Consultants to Business and Nonprofits