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Deltek Costpoint

The API Integration Process

Written by: Sandy Froonjian

In my previous article, I provided a general overview of what the API team at PCI does. In this article, I’m going to get more technical and explain the details of how we work with our clients to accomplish that integration. To begin integrating, the client must be set-up within both software programs. We typically integrate Deltek’s Costpoint and WorkBook products, but we can connect to various other software programs as needed. For the sake of simplicity, I will reference Costpoint in this article.

Once Costpoint is implemented, the customer will contact a PCI Sales Representative and  describe the integration they require. For example, what third-party software are they using? Which module within Deltek/Costpoint do they want connected? Which fields within the module do they want populated? Which way(s) do they want the data to flow? Once the PCI Sales Rep has a good understanding of what the client needs, a proposal is created for them. The proposal will contain all the answers to the above questions, as well as the final cost of the integration.

            After the proposal is signed, the API team jumps in! The API team consists of a Project Manager, a Principal Consultant, and Software Engineer(s). Once the team is assigned, we first meet for a kick-off call, where we introduce ourselves, outline the steps of your integration, and give you a timeframe for each part of process. We will also schedule a weekly meeting series so that both parties can stay up to date on the progress.

            The first order of business for the API team is obtaining access to both your third-party system and Costpoint. Depending on the type of third-party software, we might need to get credentials to connect to its API’s, SFTP site, and/or SSL certificates. If we do not have access to your Costpoint system at this stage, we will connect through a VPN. The team then creates a WIC (Web Integration Console) environment for the client, which is an exact copy of their Costpoint system that is only used for testing purposes.

            Once we have all the access components we need, the next step is to complete a mapping document with the client. This is where customization comes into play. Because we are working with two completely different systems, the fields found in each system don’t align perfectly. Therefore, we need to discuss with the client how they want data in one system to flow into the other. This often involves creating crosswalks because the two systems might contain data of the same field in different formats. For instance, the field “Organization” in system 1 might be a text format such as “Premier Consulting and Integration”, while in system 2 it might be a numerical format such as “1.01.01.02”.

            After the API team and the client complete the mapping for every field, the Software Engineer can then code the function. The mapping file acts as the blueprints for the coder to create the API. Once they are done coding, we move into the testing phase. During this phase, we have the client make any possible test changes they see fit, so we can account for all possible scenarios while we are still pointed at the client’s WIC environment. Also, during this phase, the function is automated to run on whatever schedule the client asks for.

            Finally, once both parties are confident that all testing scenarios have been accounted for and that the API is working as intended, the engineer then points the function at the client’s production environment. At this point, the API is officially live! The API team provides one last meeting for the client called the “Dashboard Review.” During this review, we provide access to our Astrata dashboard site where the client  can monitor all the logs/run of the function moving forward. They also have the ability on this site to submit support tickets directly to the API team if they run into issues or concerns.

The amount of time that the entire integration process takes varies. If it’s an integration that we have done before, it can be as quick as 5-6 weeks, but if it’s a brand-new integration, it can take 7-8 weeks.

The diagram below summarizes the entire integration process:

So. Many. Passwords.

Doesn’t it feel like you need a different password for everything you do nowadays? Need a password to listen to music, need a password to order Chick-Fil-A, need a password to do your timesheet. Everything we touch needs a password and they never need to be updated at the same time, so you need to remember 10 different variations of a password at any given time.


Well one area that we can help make life easier is by having Single Sign On (SSO) for accessing Deltek Costpoint. From a company perspective most of us already have Microsoft Azure in place and aren’t taking full advantage of the efficiencies it can provide us with our day to day tasks. This is one of the ways to take advantage of it! 


We are able to connect your SSO (Azure, Okta, Ping, AFDS) to Costpoint so that you and all your end users can consolidate your passwords. The setup and switch to using Single Sign On is quite easy: 

  • Submit the service request with Deltek Cloud Solutions to connect your Costpoint and your SSO
  • Setup Costpoint as an application on your SSO Platform 
  • Test the SSO and CP connection 
  • Roll out Single Sign On to your end user

Not only does this help with efficiencies but now your Costpoint password credentials and expiration policy will align with your internal security policies, which is helpful as we all prepare for upcoming FedRamp and CMMC requirements. 

Interested in learning more about how PCI can assist your SSO requirements? Contact us today!

What are APIs & What Does PCI’s API Team Do?

This blog was written by Sandy Froonjian, Software Engineer at PCI.

You may have heard the term “API” thrown around at your job here and there but have never really known what it is or what it means. APIs are ubiquitous and most software these days have API capabilities without people even realizing it. That’s because they are only found on the invisible back-end of software. But even though you can’t see them, and they aren’t talked about much, APIs can (and currently do) make your daily tasks much easier.

So, what are APIs? API is an acronym that stands for Application Program Interface. Ok, there you go! Hope this article was helpful! …just kidding. What the heck does application program interface even mean?! To put it simply, APIs are middleware software that connect two other software together. It’s a type of software that allows data to be inserted into, pulled from, updated in, or deleted from a different software. The types of actions APIs can do is often abbreviated as CRUD, which stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete/Destroy. To get technical, there are two types of APIs – SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and REST (Representational State Transfer). SOAP and REST dictate the HTTP protocol used to interact with the data. SOAP has more rigid standards and requires a little more work for the programmer, whereas REST is simpler and more flexible to work with.

Now that you understand what an API is, let’s talk about how they are beneficial to you! (Because otherwise, what’s the point of any of this?) Whether you realize it or not, you encounter APIs every day that make your life a little bit more streamlined. For example, if you’ve ever tried logging into a website, and it asked you if you want to login using Google, META, Twitter, etc., that is all thanks to an API. Similarly, connecting to PayPal when checking out on an online store is also the work of an API.

Here are PCI, we don’t work with Google or META. Instead, we use even cooler programs… accounting software! The API team connects to whatever third-party HR/payroll/expense-reporting software our clients use by gaining access to that software’s API. We also connect to their Deltek system (Costpoint) using Deltek’s API. We then export data from either system and import it into the other. There is a lot of room for flexibility and customization here, the client can choose if they want the data to flow from the third-party software to Costpoint, from Costpoint to the third-party software, or even have it flow bi-directionally. These functions are then automated to run on whatever schedule the client asks for. By connecting your software together like this, a more efficient workflow is created, because you will no longer have to enter the same data in two sperate systems. Say good-bye to duplicate entries!

            All in all, you can think of APIs as the middlemen of software. I like to use a restaurant analogy to describe them, our clients’ third-party software are like the customers at a restaurant, Costpoint is like the chefs, the API is like the server, and the data is like the food. The process goes like this:

  1. The customer (software 1) tells the server (API) what they want.
  2. The server takes that request and brings it (data) to the chef (software 2).
  3. The chef gives the server what they asked for (data).
  4. The server brings it to the customer.

We have already created several types of API integrations at PCI with dozens of different software, and we are always open to creating brand new ones. Stay tuned for a separate article where we go into detail about the types we have done so far!

If you are interested in learning more about PCI’s ASTRATA API integrations check them out here!

Timekeeping for Government Contractors

Timesheets are a major component of a government contractor’s accounting system. But why are they so important? See below. 

  • FAR 31.201 –2 (d) reads: A contractor is responsible for accounting for costs appropriately and for maintaining records, including supporting documentation, adequate to demonstrate that costs claimed have been incurred, are allocable to the contract, and comply with applicable cost principles in this subpart and agency supplements.

There are penalties for labor mischarging, requirements to ensure your organization is meeting, policies that need to be in place and more.  Join us for a webinar on 11/1 where we will discuss requirements for employees and managers related to timekeeping and DCAA Audits that focus on timekeeping.

Register here to attend: Webinar: Timekeeping and the Government Contractor

6 Reasons to Attend Deltek ProjectCon

Deltek ProjectCon, formerly known as Deltek Insight, is the destination for project-based business professionals to gather for inspiration, education and collaboration.

This year’s Deltek ProjectCon will take place on November 15-18th at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN! PCI is excited to participate as a Platinum sponsor at this year’s event!

Check out these six reasons to register for DeltekProjectCon:

  1. Deepen your Product Knowledge – This conference offers hundreds of product educational sessions teaching new skills, tips, and tricks. PCI will be hosting three sessions, listed below. Be sure to add them to your agenda!

CPSPON-13: How to use the MS Word reporting tool in Costpoint

CPSPON-14: Offers and Decisions

CPSPON-15: Do your contracts have CLINs/SLINs/ACRNs? Do your employees complain because they have too many project codes? See how ACRN billing will fix all your problems.   

  • Networking! – Connect with thousands of attendees, Deltek leaders and visit with the PCI team in the Xpo Hall!

  • Ignite Innovation – Hear how companies like yours are leveraging Deltek’s solutions!

  • Certifications – Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary Deltek University certification exams while on-site!

  • Meet 1:1 with Experts – Meet 1:1 with the PCI team, Deltek Customer Care, Solutions Engineering team and more!

  • Enjoy your time! – There are a ton of fun activities planned throughout the conference such as philanthropic activities, special networking events and a customer appreciation party!

We hope to see you there! Register now to attend!

Introduction to FAR & CAS

If you’re a federal contractor, at some point you will be faced with understanding—and complying with—federal regulations regarding acquisitions and accounting: FAR and CAS.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR)

According to the government, FAR is “the primary regulation for use by all Federal Executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds.” The purpose of FAR is to provide a set of consistent, uniform policies and procedures within the federal acquisition process.

COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (CAS)

A set of standards and rules established by the federal government to help achieve uniformity and consistency in the cost accounting principles within federal contracting. CAS also sets forth regulations that require contractors to disclose their cost accounting practices, to follow the disclosed practices consistently, and to comply with specified standards.

Learn more around the basics of FAR & CAS and why it’s important for GovCons to understand, in our upcoming webinar – Register Now.

Powering Your Project Lifecycle With Deltek

Deltek delivers software and information solutions that enable superior levels of project intelligence, management, and collaboration. Their industry-focused expertise makes your projects successful and helps you achieve performance that maximizes productivity at every stage of the project lifecycle that fuels your business.

Win – Firms want to identify clients early and pinpoint projects worth bidding for and create effective proposals that position them to win new business. In this space, firms need business analytics and relevant marketing intelligence in order to find the perfect fit and win deals. Deltek GovWin IQ can help you win more business.

Manage – After winning a project, organizations need a good plan to optimize resources, manage costs and risks, and stay on time and budget. With a full team engaged on required work, project management goes beyond a simple checklist. Companies needs to have an optimal schedule across all of their projects, as well as understanding the granular requirements to drive maximum profitability. Learn more about how Costpoint Contract Management can help manage your contract needs.

Develop – A good plan helps to deliver a great project but developing your talent and having the right people in place, truly powers project success. Project based businesses need a modern, integrated, HR and talent management approach to truly track and predict labor costs, forecast recruiting needs as well as develop and monitor employee engagement as part of your comprehensive retention strategy.

Deliver – Project based companies strive to deliver efficiently on their contract obligations while running a smooth and profitable operation. To do this, firms need the capabilities to connect resources and materials back to projects, track cost breakdown, and manage project documentation and assets in a single location. This is where Deltek Costpoint can help you succeed.

Measure – Project based businesses seek to measure both specific project profitability and analyze company level performance in terms of cash flow, people utilization, compliance, and profitability. These KPIs help ensure overall company financial health and shape future pursuits. Companies can look at trends to a more efficient, productive, and profitable company. PCI’s Business Intelligence team can assist you in personalized reports for your business.

The stages of the project lifecycle represent the fundamental workflow of project-based businesses. Helping businesses gain a competitive advantage, automating processes across the project lifecycle.

If you are interested in learning more about how Deltek’s Project Lifecycle can help your business, contact us today.

Introduction to DCAA Compliance

As a Government Contractor it is extremely important to remain compliant with rules and regulations. This blog provides a quick snapshot of DCAA and what compliance should look like for your organization.

Introduction to DCAA

What DCAA Does

  • The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) provides audit and financial advisory services to the Department of Defense (DOD) and other federal entities responsible for acquisition and contract administration.
  • DCAA provides recommendations to government officials on contractor cost assertions regarding specific products and services.
  • DCAA auditors examine contractor accounts, records, and business systems to evaluate whether contractor business practices and procedures are in compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and other applicable government laws and regulations.
  • DCAA has the authority to establish final indirect rates.

What DCAA Does Not Do

  • DCAA audits only contractors; it has no internal audit responsibilities in DoD.
  • DCAA has no direct role in determining which companies are awarded defense contracts.
  • DCAA does not negotiate or settle costs directly with contractors.

DCAA has about 230 offices located throughout the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

  • Headquarters
    • Regional Offices/Field Detachment
    • Corporate Audit Directorates (CAD)
    • Branch Offices
    • Resident Offices

In FY 2020, DCAA had a staff of approximately 3,843 auditors.

What is Compliance?

  • Being compliant means being compliant with ALL contract requirements and applicable regulations (FAR, DFARS, CAS, etc.).
  • DCAA doesn’t certify or issue a formal statement that an organization is DCAA compliant.
  • DCAA doesn’t approve specific software tools as compliant.

Government Contract Rules & Regulations

  • FAR – Federal Acquisition Regulations
  • CAS – Cost Accounting Standards
  • Federal Agency Supplements
    • Example: DFARS – Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement
  • The Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Statute (formerly known as TINA – The Truth in Negotiations Act)

Pro Tip: The regulations in effect on the date of contract award generally will govern the contract regardless of its period of performance and despite the fact that a regulation might change during the course of the contract.

For more information on DCAA Compliance

Access our On Demand DCAA Compliance for Small to Mid-sized Contractor Webinar or

Contact us today for more information on how PCI can assist your organization.

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Premier Consulting & Integration, LLC (PCI) is the leading provider of financial management consulting services, implementation and audit support for government contractors and marketing agencies.

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