Completing negotiations in a way that both your firm and the client are happy with the outcome requires that you prepare properly and fully for your discussions. But what, exactly, does “proper” preparation look like? We’ll begin to address that in this post.
An area of architecture and engineering (A/E) firm contract negotiations that can be especially challenging for those unfamiliar with it is government negotiations. If your firm is pursuing government work, there are some potential pitfalls you really need to be aware of.
Principals and managers at architecture/engineering (A/E) firms are often surprised to hear us say that while software packages can make time entry and tracking easier, they don’t necessarily make it more accurate. But, it’s true. The simplicity of the time entry function in these packages can, without proper policies and training, lead to inaccuracies.
Factor AE gives firms doing government work the tools they need to be FAR-compliant. When used properly, the system can minimize the risk of putting costs in the wrong accounts or the wrong format. This makes it easier to show auditors that the company is complying with government regulations and eliminates the fear of penalties.