COBOL/JAVA/C++ Contracting rates

I am in the middle of preparing a quote for a fairly large size project that
includes redesigning and rewriting an existing COBOL application (750k-1mb
lines of code) to another language (probably a combination of Java and
C++)...

I know most folks do not like giving out rate info, but I'd appreciate any
insight as to what rates current contracting folks are getting
now-a-days...Actually, I'd like to find out what their agency is billing at
rather than what the individual programmer is getting because I would be
acting as my own agent in this case...

Obviously I do not want to go into this with too high of a figure and get
the boot, nor do I want to go into this with a low figure and realize later
than the general market price could have been better...

Any input would be greatly appreciated...

You can respond here or via private email...


kenmullins
at
bellsouth.net

"Ken Mullins" <kennospammullins@bellnospamsouth.net> wrote:

>I am in the middle of preparing a quote for a fairly large size project tha
t
>includes redesigning and rewriting an existing COBOL application (750k-1mb
>lines of code) to another language (probably a combination of Java and
>C++)...
>
>I know most folks do not like giving out rate info, but I'd appreciate any
>insight as to what rates current contracting folks are getting
>now-a-days...Actually, I'd like to find out what their agency is billing at
>rather than what the individual programmer is getting because I would be
>acting as my own agent in this case...

$90/hr bill rate; $50/hr to the worker. Acting as your own agent, you may ha
ve
to subcontract through an Approved Vendor. Don't pay more than 10% -- $9/hr.

If not, you'll have to be Incorporated and carry E&O insurance costing $3-5K
/yr.

>Obviously I do not want to go into this with too high of a figure and get
>the boot

Your competition is in India.

In article <HW1Ec.2852$4A5.1244@bignews1.bellsouth.net>,
"Ken Mullins" <kennospammullins@bellnospamsouth.net> wrote:

> I am in the middle of preparing a quote for a fairly large size project th
at
> includes redesigning and rewriting an existing COBOL application (750k-1mb
> lines of code) to another language (probably a combination of Java and
> C++)...
>
> I know most folks do not like giving out rate info, but I'd appreciate any
> insight as to what rates current contracting folks are getting
> now-a-days...Actually, I'd like to find out what their agency is billing a
t
> rather than what the individual programmer is getting because I would be
> acting as my own agent in this case...
>
> Obviously I do not want to go into this with too high of a figure and get
> the boot, nor do I want to go into this with a low figure and realize late
r
> than the general market price could have been better...
>
> Any input would be greatly appreciated...
>
> You can respond here or via private email...
>
>
> kenmullins
> at
> bellsouth.net

Depends on the clients need.

A knowledge of Cobol, C++ and Java would seem to command a nice rate.
My employer bills at least $80/hour for mainframe Cobol only, so I would
pad some for the extra language skills.

If design is required, pad it some more.

Don't forget you need to pay your own FICA/Medicare and 'high-risk of
audit' income taxes in addition to your city/county/state business tax.
So pad accordingly.

(BTW, I have all three skills and am available for night/wend
subcontracting...;-)