Federal Contracting Acronym
BOE
Basis of Estimate
Plain-English definition
Basis of Estimate (BOE) is a core federal acquisition term used in regulations, solicitations, and contract administration. Pricing and finance terms relate to cost principles, audits, and proposal buildup. Contractors use them when preparing BOEs, supporting incurred-cost submissions, and negotiating rates.
Why it matters
Auditors and PCOs scrutinize BOE logic on cost-reimbursable and T&M pursuits.
Where you will see it
Cost volumes, DCAA forward-pricing reviews, and internal ROM templates.
Example in context
When reviewing a solicitation, a contractor confirms how BOE is used in the notice, whether related clauses apply, and which internal subject-matter experts should validate the response.