Who is responsible for developing the Independent Government Estimate (IGE)?

The correct answer is that the requiring activity is responsible for developing the Independent Government Estimate (IGE). The IGE is a critical component in the contracting process, providing an estimate of the anticipated costs of a project or service. This estimate is used to evaluate contractor proposals and to ensure that the government does not overpay for the services or goods it intends to acquire.

The requiring activity typically consists of personnel who are familiar with the specific requirements of the project, including subject matter experts who can provide insights into the necessary resources, labor, and materials involved. By developing the IGE, the requiring activity ensures that the government has a well-informed basis to compare against contractor proposals, enabling the contracting officer to make an informed decision.

In contrast, the contracting officer does not create the IGE, but rather utilizes it to help in the procurement processes. The contractor is responsible for submitting proposals based on their own estimates and cannot create an IGE, as it represents the government’s internal estimation. Lastly, the funding office may play a role in ensuring that funds are available for the project but does not typically participate in developing the IGE itself.