Federal Contracting Acronym
CAS
Cost Accounting Standards
Plain-English definition
Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) 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
CAS noncompliance affects allowability and can block award on covered contracts.
Where you will see it
DCAA accounting system reviews, disclosure statements, and incurred-cost audits.
Example in context
When reviewing a solicitation, a contractor confirms how CAS is used in the notice, whether related clauses apply, and which internal subject-matter experts should validate the response.