My software startup is considering a project for a client that has a significant hardware component: a custom device with GSM, GPS and CAN connectivity for use inside a vehicle. We'll design the board ourselves (we have hardware experience), and we'll have to research CAN codes for locking/unlocking car doors, produced prototypes and write the firmware from scratch.
We'll soon have to negotiate a price for the R&D (calculating the per-device cost will be easier), but we don't know what is typical in the industry. How much should work like that cost? I'm just looking for a ballpark figure.