The function of procurement pricing is an integral part of the procurement process and is carried out by all elements of the DoD, either as part of other procurement functions or as an identifiable organizational element. It is accomplished in both purchasing and contract administration services (CAS) activities. When accomplished at the purchasing activity, its primary purpose is to assist the procuring contracting officer (PCO) in determining that prices being paid by the government for supplies and services are fair and reasonable. When accomplished by the contract administration activity, it also serves the same purpose when the administrative contracting officer (ACO) has been assigned final pricing responsibility (such as for spare parts pricing). In addition, the CAS pricing function also includes the review and evaluation of contractor proposals to be negotiated by the PCO, determination of reasonableness of costs claimed under cost-type contracts, and contractor management systems reviews. The objectives of Panel 14 were to examine the CAS pricing function and major problems, trends, and goals which affect pricing performance, and to recommend any changes considered necessary for improvement.