Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA)

A U.S. federal law, now codified as the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements, that requires contractors to submit current, accurate, and complete cost or pricing data when negotiating certain non-competitive government contracts, unless an exemption applies. The legislation helps the Government negotiate fair and reasonable prices by ensuring contracting officers have access to reliable pricing information. Contractors subject to these requirements must certify their cost or pricing data and may be required to refund overpayments if defective pricing is later identified. Proposal, pricing, and contracts professionals should understand when TINA applies because it directly affects cost proposals, negotiations, documentation, and compliance during contract award.