What is Allocable Cost [Energy]? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Q: How are allocable costs determined?

They are determined based on criteria such as direct assignment to a cost objective and measurable benefits to the customer and the Department.

Q: Do allocable costs include indirect costs?

Yes, some indirect costs may be allocable if they can be reasonably assigned to a project.

Definition & Meaning

Allocable cost refers to expenses that can be directly assigned to a specific project, function, or organization based on the benefits received. This term is commonly used in the context of energy and other services provided by the Department of Energy (DOE). A cost is considered allocable if it meets one of the following criteria:

It is incurred solely for materials or services sold.
It benefits both the customer and the Department in measurable proportions.
It is essential for the overall operation of the Department and can be partially assigned to materials or services sold.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

Allocable costs are primarily relevant in the energy sector and government contracting. They are used to determine how costs can be charged to specific projects or services. Understanding allocable costs is crucial for compliance with federal regulations and for organizations that work with the DOE. Users may find it helpful to utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to ensure proper documentation and compliance in their cost allocation processes.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A contractor working on a government energy project incurs costs for materials that are solely used for that project. These costs are allocable as they directly relate to the project.

Example 2: A service that benefits both the DOE and a private customer, such as energy consulting, may have costs that are allocable if the benefits can be reasonably measured. (hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

Allocable costs are defined under federal regulations, specifically in 10 CFR 1009.2 (a), which outlines the general policy for pricing and charging for materials and services sold by the DOE.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Difference
Direct Cost	Costs that can be directly attributed to a specific project.	Allocable costs may include indirect costs that can be reasonably assigned to a project.
Indirect Cost	Costs that are not directly attributable to a specific project.	Allocable costs can include certain indirect costs if they benefit the project.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a project that requires cost allocation, it is essential to understand which costs are allocable. You may consider using templates from US Legal Forms to help document and manage these costs effectively. If the situation is complex or involves significant sums, consulting a legal professional may be advisable.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Typical Fees	Varies by project and organization.
Jurisdiction	Federal regulations apply, especially under DOE.
Possible Penalties	Non-compliance may result in financial penalties or contract disputes.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What are allocable costs?

Allocable costs are expenses that can be directly assigned to a specific project or service based on the benefits received.