...they'll view your fringes as costing them 30%...so they'll try and drop your rate when they add benefits and vacation.

However, you should be able to get some play from you having to move. This always creates additional expenses over and above what they will pay.

If you could get them within 15-20% of your bill rate (not counting the travel expenses) you'll be doing well. (and you can go to the doctor and stuff :-)

All that reasonableness aside. --->If they like you, and they see enough value to want to extend you to permanent. They may be willing to bite the bullet and overpay. You are a known commodity to them and that is worth $$$.

Don't be bashful when negotiating. They know what your making now. You only have to reinforce that with that statement being out in the open.

Plus, do your value equation. How much have you >saved< them in reduced fees to "the drinkers". How much can you continue to save them. Make sure they know this as well (though I'm sure they do...which is why the perm position is likley being created in the first place.)

You can become mission critical to this company. Companies have a tendency to pay mission critical well.

My sister is down there...so I have a place to stay if you get a place thats really small ;-)