The correct answer is C (Parametric estimating) because, according to NCMA Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK), parametric estimating is a technique that uses statistical relationships between historical data and other variables (such as units produced, labor hours, or performance characteristics) to estimate costs or pricing for a given requirement.
This method involves collecting historical cost data and applying mathematical models or formulas to predict future costs based on measurable parameters. For example, cost per ton, cost per square foot, or cost per labor hour can be used to estimate total project costs. Parametric estimating is particularly useful when there is a strong correlation between past performance data and the current requirement.
Option A (cost trend analysis) and B (price trend analysis) focus on examining historical patterns over time but do not necessarily involve mathematical relationships tied directly to output variables. Option D (economic escalation estimating) deals with adjusting costs for inflation or economic changes, not correlating historical data to production metrics.
CMBOK highlights that parametric estimating is a valuable tool in the pre-award phase , supporting cost estimation, budgeting, and proposal evaluation. It improves accuracy and efficiency by leveraging data-driven insights, especially when detailed cost breakdowns are not yet available