• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Premier Consulting & Integration, LLC

Your Partner In Success

  • Services
    • Astrata Integrations
    • Deltek Costpoint
    • Deltek WorkBook
    • Deltek Pros | Managed Accounting Services
    • PRIME
  • Products
    • Arch Travel And Expense
    • Astrata
  • Partners
  • Careers
    • Internal Positions
    • Staffing Solutions
  • Blog
    • WorkBook Blog
    • News
  • About
    • Resources
    • Awards
    • Events
    • Customer Stories
  • Contact

Deltek Costpoint

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.

API Acronyms Uncovered

We live in a world filled with acronyms. For those who are not familiar, an acronym is an abbreviated formed word, formed by letters of other words and pronounced as a word.

The Application Program Interface (API) world is no different when it comes to abbreviations and acronyms. We have outlined some common API acronyms below.

  • API – Application Program Interface
  • WIC – Web Integration Console
  • SOAP and REST– types of API calls that can be made
    • SOAP – Simple Object Access Protocol
    • REST – Representational State Transfer
  • CRUD – Create, Read, Update, Delete
  • SFTP– Secure File Transfer Protocol
  • AWS – Amazon Web Services
  • SSS – Simple Storage Service
  • VPN – Virtual Private Network
  • SQL – Structured Query Language
  • CSV– Comma Separated Values
    • Type of file that can be used if SFTP sites are used
  • JSON and XML– Formats data from API calls can be in
    • JSON– JavaScript Object Notation
    • XML– Extensible Markup Language
  • 200, 400, 500 responses– responses that tell you if the API call was successful or not
    • 200– indicates successful API call
    • 400– indicates an error caused by the user
    • 500– indicates an error caused by the server
  • DNS– Domain Name System
    • Service that enables a link between domain names and the IP addresses with which they are associated
  • IP Address– Internet Protocol Address
    • unique string of characters that identifies each computer communicating over a network
  • SSL– Secure Socket Layer
    • Uses a public key to encrypt data transferred over the connection to communicate securely with the web server
  • TLS– Transport Layer Security
    • Authentication and security protocol widely implemented in browsers and Web servers
  • HTTP– Hypertext Transfer Protocol
    • protocol for information systems that allows users to communicate data on the World Wide Web.
  • HTTPS– Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
    • Adds SSL/TLS to the HTTP for added security
  • DB/DBMS– Database/Database Management System
    • Secure system where data is stored
  • SDK– Software Development Kit
    • Collection of software development tools in one installable package
  • CLI– Command Line Interface
    • Processes commands to a computer program in the form of lines of text
  • GUI– Graphical User Interface
    • Type of user interface where users interact with electronic devices using visual representations

We hope you have learned a new acronym or two from this today!

PCI offers cutting-edge solution integrations to complement and enhance your Deltek product investments. Our consultants help to identify and bridge gaps between various business systems, offering several third-party integrations into Deltek Costpoint and Deltek WorkBook. Our API capabilities include data pulls and custom-built integrations.

To learn more about API integrations, visit our LINK API Integration page.

Why You Should Use GovWin IQ As A Federal Contractor

The federal government contracting market is vibrant and healthy with the top opportunities for FY 2022 alone valued at more than $250B. Within this favorable & lucrative environment, contractors can win more business by using GovWin IQ.

GovWin IQ serves contractors that are selling to the federal government by providing the earliest awareness of new opportunities, deep planning intelligence, potential teaming partnerships, and the strategic insight that businesses need to get ahead of the competition and win more federal government contracts.

HOW TO COMPETE

Understanding the federal market is key to being successful at federal government contracting, whether you are an experienced vendor or a new entrant. GovWin IQ provides key insights and opportunities to help you navigate this complex, cumbersome world.

BENEFITS

PLAN BEYOND THE PROPOSAL

Discover opportunities months, or even years, before they go to bid in the form of forecast pre-RFP intelligence.

FIND A QUALITY PARTNER

Identify quality teaming partners in a specific location, level of experience, or set-aside category in our exclusive GovWin Network™ of contacts.

CAPTURE MARKET INSIGHTS

Detect market potential based on data analysis conducted by our research support team along with easy-to-use data breakdown tools within GovWin IQ.


NEXT STEPS

Looking to grow your sales with federal agencies in 2022? Master the ins and outs of this complex but lucrative market with this free guidebook. Guide: Federal Contracting 101: The Basics

Learn more about how the leading market intelligence platform can help you win more federal government contracts by contacting us today.

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 7
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

PREMIER CONSULTING & INTEGRATION

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

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST

contact us

  • Address
    125 Rt-35 North, Red Bank, NJ 07701
  • Mailing Address
    PO Box 42 Oceanport, New Jersey 07757
  • Phone
    703.992.4817

LINKS

Home
About
Contact
Careers
Events
Blog
Privacy