The issue of optimization of the process of determining the cost of scientific and technical projects is considered. The field of research and development (R&D) requires large financial and material costs. The most important indicator in the decision to Finance R&D is its cost. The structure of the price for the work performed, the calculation of their cost, is the basis and an integral part of any contract for their implementation. In order to prevent unreasonable costs of the contractor when performing R&D, it is necessary to control their economic feasibility, as they determine the price of the work performed. The directions of adequate improvement of the methodology for assessing the complexity and cost of R&D in the conditions of atypical and low‑volume relevant scientific, technical and production procedures are formulated. Based on the results of the analysis of the approaches used in the methods, an algorithm and procedure for assessing the complexity of R&D were developed, recommendations for estimating the cost of R&D were formed, and an algorithm and procedure for estimating the cost of R&D of any orientation were created.
