Glossary / Regulations, Finance
Truth in Negotiations ActTINA
The Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA, now statutorily renamed 'Truthful Cost or Pricing Data' though the original name is still universal) requires contractors to submit certified cost or pricing data for negotiated contracts above a threshold ($2.5 million since October 1, 2025) when no exception applies. Exceptions include adequate price competition, commercial items, and prices set by law or regulation. If a contractor fails to disclose current, accurate, and complete cost data, the government can recover 'defective pricing' amounts plus interest and penalties. DCAA audits certified cost data closely.
Why it matters to your pipeline
TINA applies to much more contracting than many firms realize, especially on sole-source IDIQ task orders and large modifications. A defective-pricing finding years after award can drain millions from the contractor. Robust pricing submission processes are essential: dated support, current cost-element documentation, and proper certifications. TINA also interacts with commercial-item determinations: if your firm claims commercial-item status incorrectly, you lose the TINA exception and inherit retroactive disclosure obligations.
When this term shows up in an opening GovSmith finds for you, your vCM explains what it means for that pursuit and does whatever it calls for. You decide; we do the work.
Example
A contractor submits certified cost data with a TINA certificate. DCAA audits 14 months later and finds that one labor rate built in a subcontractor quote that the contractor had already negotiated down, but failed to update in the certification. The government recovers $340K in defective pricing plus interest.
Find out what applies to you
Some terms will matter to your business right away and some won’t for years. A vCM can tell you which are which.