The Contractor shall provide the services detailed in the attached Scope of Work - Indirect Cost Proposal Services, which includes: A. Indirect Cost Rate Proposal Development 1. Review of MSDE's financial and accounting records to determine appropriate cost pools and allocation bases 2. Calculate indirect cost rates using federally approved methodologies 3. Prepare a comprehensive indirect cost rate proposal that complies with 2 CFR 200.414 and applicable federal guidelines 4. Develop supporting schedules and documentation required for submission 5. Prepare a comparison of proposed rates to prior-year approved rates, including an explanation of significant variances (increase or decrease) B. Compliance Review 1. Ensure the proposal meets all requirements of MSDE's cognizant federal agency 2. Review cost allocability, allowability, and reasonableness in accordance with federal cost principles 3. Identify and document any unallowable costs C. Submission and Approval Support 1. Prepare the final indirect cost rate proposal package for submission to the cognizant federal agency 2. Provide guidance on the submission process and timeline 3. Support MSDE before, during, and after the rate approval process D. Training and Knowledge Transfer 1. Provide training or walkthrough session(s) for MSDE staff explaining the indirect cost methodology, calculations, and considerations 2. Prepare a written summary of the method used, assumptions, and allocation bases used to enable MSDE to develop proposals independently in the future 3. Conduct up to two (2) meetings with MSDE staff (virtual or in-person) to review findings and recommendations E. Deliverables 1. Draft Indirect Cost Rate Proposal - Complete proposal with supporting documentation for MSDE review 2. Final Indirect Cost Rate Proposal - Submission-ready proposal incorporating MSDE feedback 3. Supporting Documentation Package - All schedules, calculations, and supporting materials 4. Executive Summary - Brief summary of methodology, rates calculated, and key findings 5. Rate Comparison Analysis - Comparison of proposed rates to prior-year approved rates with variance explanations
