FlexFile and Quantity

Cost and Software Data Reporting (CSDR) is the Department of Defense (DoD) system for collecting actual costs, software data and related business data. The resulting data repository serves as the primary source for contract cost and software data for most DoD resource analysis efforts; including cost database development, applied cost estimating, cost research, program reviews, analysis of alternatives (AoA's) and life cycle cost estimates. CSDR is structured around seven Data Groups that contain the content required for the electronic submission of actual costs and related business data. The "Cost and Hour Report (FlexFile) Data Item Description (DID)," provides guidance for the preparation and maintenance of FlexFiles.

The Cost and Hour Report (FlexFile) and Quantity Data Report DIDs summarize the Data Groups and provide instructions to support the data and frequency requirements specified in the contract for CSDR. The CSDR may be used in response to government solicitations according to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

Learn more about the FlexFile and Quantity Initiatives here:

• FlexFile and Quantity 101 Training - Nov 2023
• March 2019 FlexFile Implementation Memo
• FlexFile Training FAQs - Nov 2023

FlexFile and Quantity DIDs and Implementation Guidance:

• Cost and Hour Report (FlexFile) DID – Nov 2017
• Quantity Data Report DID - Nov 2017
• FlexFile and Quantity Implementation Guide - Nov 2023
• FlexFile DD 2794 Plan and Template and Instructions: Click Here
• Standard plans may be used as the starting point for CSDR Plan development, and they can be found here: CSDR Plan Standards

FlexFile and Quantity Format Specifications and Guidance:

There are three file format options the contractor can choose to use for submission (refer to “File Specification Guidance” within the FlexFile Implementation Guide (pg. 6) for additional information):

1. FlexFile Excel-Compatible Submission Guidance

   • FlexFile Excel Compatible Submission Guidance - Mar 2019

2. FlexFile and Quantity Excel Template

   • FlexFile Excel Template Part 1 - Metadata & Structures - Mar 2019
   • FlexFile Excel Template Part 2 - Actual Cost-Hour Data - Mar 2019
   • FlexFile Excel Template Part 3 - Supplemental Data - Mar 2019
   • Quantity Excel Template - Mar 2019

3. FlexFile and Quantity File Format Specification and Data Exchange Instructions

   • FlexFile File Format Specification - Mar 2019
   • FlexFile Data Exchange Instructions - Mar 2019
   • Quantity File Format Specification - Mar 2019
   • Quantity Data Exchange Instructions - Mar 2019

4. FlexFile and Quantity cPet Validation

   • FlexFile and Quantity Automated Validation – Apr 2022