WCA Chapter Virtual Luncheon: Counting the Cost of Bias: Unveiling Hidden Bias in AI and Cost Data
Please join us for this month’s Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) Luncheon
SUBJECT: WCAC ICEAA October 2026 Luncheon
TOPIC: Counting the Cost of Bias: Unveiling Hidden Bias in AI and Cost Data (2026 ICEAA Workshop Best Paper Winner, AI & IT Category)
PRESENTED BY: Patrick Casey, Quantech Services
TIME: Oct 28, 2026 | 12:00 to 1:00pm Eastern
ABSTRACT
As cost analysts increasingly rely on data analytics and AI, understanding bias has become essential to maintaining estimate integrity. This session explores hidden biases that permeate both AI systems and traditional cost datasets: biases rooted in human judgment, sampling limitations, and historical inequities. Real-world examples, from biased algorithms to cost models trained on incomplete project data, illustrate how unrecognized bias can distort forecasts and decisions. Attendees will learn how AI trained on internet data can magnify existing societal and institutional biases, creating a false sense of objectivity. The session connects these insights to common pitfalls in cost estimating, offering frameworks for detecting and mitigating bias through better data practices, validation checks, and human-in-the-loop oversight. Participants will leave with actionable steps for improving fairness, accuracy, and transparency in AI-enabled and traditional cost-estimating workflows—ensuring that models serve analysis, not shape it.
Speaker Bio:
Patrick Casey’s enthusiasm for mathematics and research shapes his career in Cost Analysis at Quantech Services. With six years of DoD experience, he has supported aircraft modifications, cloud transformation efforts, CI/CD pipeline programs, and developed training resources. Elected ICEAA Region 1 Director for 2025–2027, Patrick’s 2024 ICEAA Minneapolis Workshop paper earned Best Paper in the Trending Topics Track. He holds certifications as an AWS Cloud Practitioner, SAFe Lean Agilist, and IFPUG Function Point Specialist (CFPS).
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/248735376560969?p=SupUlLdbeLAt4qSvZG
Meeting ID: 248 735 376 560 969
Passcode: YG2ge6Fq
Dial in by phone
+1 929-352-1792,,10699306# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 106 993 06#