WCA Chapter 2024 Spring Social
2024-03-07 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Cobec Consulting, Inc., 500 L'Enfant Plaza SW, STE 1100, Washington, 20024, United States
Please join the WCAC of ICEAA for the:
2024 Spring Social
Thursday, March 7th | 5:00 – 8:00 PM ET
Hosted By:
Cobec Consulting, Inc.
500 L’Enfant Plaza SW STE 1100, Washington, DC 20024
Please join the Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) of ICEAA for our 2024 Spring Social!
Celebrate the beginning of the March Equinox with colleagues and friends among the Washington Capital Area cost community, enjoying more daylight and budding cherry blossoms along the DC Tidal Basin!
Cobec Consulting, Inc. will be hosting our Spring Social at their L’Enfant Plaza office, complete with an assortment of beverages and hors d’oeuvres! In addition to an ample selection of food/drinks, a patio venue will be made available with a stunning view of the National Mall and famous Washington DC landmarks (weather permitting).
We highly encourage all chapter members to come out and join the fun, especially newer members who are looking to get more involved with the WCAC of ICEAA community! Don’t wait, RSVP here or via the link below!
Event Details:
What: WCAC of ICEAA 2024 Spring Social
When: Thursday, March 7th | 5:00 – 8:00 PM ET
Where: Cobec Consulting, Inc. | 500 L’Enfant Plaza SW STE 1100, Washington, DC 20024
RSVP:
PLEASE RSVP NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MARCH 1st 2024
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
For any questions/concerns related to this event, please send an email to the WCAC Social/Service Chair, Cameron Bennage (cbennage@tecolote.com)
Event Access:
Metro: L’Enfant Plaza stop, D & 9th Street exit, enter the food court plaza and walk straight through to the rear near the double glass doors. Trip Planner | WMATA
VRE: L’Enfant Plaza stop, head South and West to the D & 9th Street Metro exit, enter the food court plaza and walk straight through to the rear near the double glass doors. VRE Schedules
Rideshare: Enter the address of the International Spy Museum. Upon arrival, walk toward the Hilton and to the large glass building in the back-right corner.
Ace Parking: 840 D Street SW, Washington DC 20024. 2+ hour parking is priced at $23.

SoCal Chapter In-Person Workshop
2024-03-21 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Please join the SoCal Board for our spring workshop on 21 Mar! This will be a FREE, all-day (8:00-4:00), in-person event, hosted by L3Harris-Rocketdyne in Canoga Park, CA. Snacks will be provided in the morning and afternoon, and there are several restaurants nearby for lunch. We’ve got an incredible list of speakers lined up, including:

Rocketdyne Vice President – keynote speaker
Kevin Terry – presenting “The Estimator’s Guide to a Parametric Universe”
Irina Litchfield – Entrepreneur in FinTech, SpaceFund advisor, and speaker with over 100 international appearances
Renee Marchiano – Edwards AFB Flight Test Museum curator presenting “Tiki Torch: How to Obtain Historical Cost Data from Museums and Libraries”
Madhu Thangavelu – USC Engineering/Architecture professor and expert in the design of complex space projects, including space stations and exploratory missions

We will also take a group tour of the L3Harris-Rocketdyne manufacturing campus, where they house an additives laboratory and produce space vehicles. (Note: closed-toe shoes are required for this tour.)
Registration is live at https://www.iceaaonline.com/socal/. RSVPs must be received NLT 19 Mar to allow time for processing facility visitor badges.
For those in the South Bay, Charley Merritt will be coordinating carpools from the El Segundo area. If you would like to be included in carpooling to the event, email her at charlotte.merritt.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil by 15 Mar, and include whether you would like a ride or are willing to drive (drivers, please include how many seats are available in your car).
This is going to be a fantastic day of learning and seeing how the US is going to remain superior in space in the years to come. Sign up today for this great opportunity!

See you in 3 weeks!
ICEAA SoCal Board

WCA Chapter March Luncheon - Trouble With the Curve: Engineering Changes and Manufacturing Learning Curves
2024-03-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
SUBJECT: WCAC ICEAA March Luncheon: Trouble With the Curve: Engineering Changes and Manufacturing Learning Curves
PRESENTED BY: Brent Johnstone
TIME: Monday, March 25, 2024 | 12:00 to 1:00pm eastern
LOCATION: MS Teams

Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 259 439 303 860
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or call in (audio only)
+1 253-336-6031,,262274298#
Phone Conference ID: 262 274 298#
SUMMARY:
Engineering changes pose a dilemma for estimators: If learning curves assume cost improvement due to repetitive build, what happens when that repetition is interrupted by a change of task? Design changes are common occurrences, but rarely addressed in learning curve literature. This paper addresses how to analyze an engineering change by breaking it into its pieces and outlines techniques to calculate the reversionary impact on the learning curve to derive the estimated cost of change.
This briefing was originally presented at the ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop.
Speaker:
Brent Johnstone
Speaker Bio:
Brent Johnstone is a Lockheed Martin Fellow and production air vehicle cost estimator at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, Texas. He has 36 years’ experience in the military aircraft industry, including 33 years as a cost estimator. He has worked on the F-16 program and has been most recently the lead Production Operations cost estimator for the F-35 program. He has a Master of Science from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin.

PerfectXL Presents: Effectively Standardize Model Audits for Cost Estimation Spreadsheets
2024-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
PerfectXL Presents:

Effectively Standardize Model Audits for Cost Estimation Spreadsheets
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
12:00-1:00pm (EST) | 5:00-6:00 (GMT)
The dreaded model audit is a time sink like no other. Cell by cell reviews, trying to understand exactly what a certain reference is accomplishing, or sifting through unnecessary data to sense check the quality of models can be quite the task. What would this process look like if it was standardized? What if tools did more than half the work for you? If you could report your findings clearly and communicate these with colleagues or clients? If material checks for things like errors, iffy references, hardcodes, and more were done automatically it would free you up to look at the things that really matter. That is what PerfectXL makes possible, join the demo to find out how!
Presented by Joel Steendam
Joel has been working in the spreadsheet risk space for 6 years, between consulting, training, and onboarding new clients he loves to give presentations on this topic at various events and seminars. With a multicultural background growing up in China, studying in the US, and living and working in the Netherlands he focusses on building culture when it comes to working with spreadsheets as well. Encouraging users all over the world to apply best practices in tangible, results driven ways, eliminating spreadsheet risks and encouraging users to get the most out of Excel.
RSVP online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqdOqorzoiE9yxbUNcOi95zC0XegQv6_oG

WCA Chapter April Virtual Luncheon: Software Estimation Using Functional Size Derived from User Stories
2024-04-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

Greater Alabama Chapter Virtual Luncheon: Innovative Risk-Driven Contract Pricing Strategy
2024-04-24 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
The ICEAA Greater Alabama Chapter presents:
Innovative Risk-Driven Contract Pricing Strategy
Brian Flynn
April 24, 2024 | 12:30-1:30pm (east)
This webinar presents a framework or scoring matrix that quantifies contract risk using a numerical evaluation of the many factors that make or break a program, such as: experience of the contractor, stretch in technology, solidity of requirements, and degree of competitive procurement. The framework, in turn, is made operational by leveraging benchmarks from over 60 U.S. contracts, enabling data-driven selection of contract type, incentives, and share lines for use in evaluating future contract prices.
Speaker: Brian Flynn
Brian Flynn supports national security efforts at Technomics’ Arlington, Virginia, headquarters. He has a deep understanding of and strong working relationships with many of the cost and operations research organizations in the U.S. DoD and the NATO Alliance. His areas of expertise include capability portfolio analysis and AoAs, weapon system and software cost estimating – including the cloud, EVM, econometric modeling, and corporate financial health. Dr. Flynn has undying pride in his service as a Marine.
RSVP online: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclfu2hqj0jHdd4Pr0qLTHRxfc6d08ZuQiJ

Unison Presents: Defendable Software Estimates with NLP & Cost Engineering
2024-04-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

Projstream Presents: A Winning Framework: Enhanced Profitability and Win Rates through ProjStream's Innovative Cost Estimation Solutions and Best Practices for Government Contractors
2024-05-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Projstream Presents:
A Winning Framework: Enhanced Profitability and Win Rates through ProjStream’s Innovative Cost Estimation Solutions and Best Practices for Government Contractors
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 | 12:00pm (EST)
Description:
Government contractors face significant challenges in cost estimation, impacting profitability and win rates. Join us for our upcoming webinar as we explore these challenges and unveil ProjStream’s innovative solutions designed to drive success in government contracting.
Root Cause:
Poor cost estimation in government contracting often stems from non-centralized systems like Excel, fragmented data, and project complexity. These issues lead to errors and a lack of historical data access, hindering accurate estimation.
Consequences to Business and Staff:
Poor estimation results in financial losses, reputational damage, and staff stress, hindering growth and innovation.
ProjStream Solutions:
ProjStream’s tools centralize data, leverage advanced algorithms, and promote collaboration, empowering accurate estimates. With intuitive interfaces and customizable features, our tools simplify the process and enable data-driven decision-making, driving success.
Integrating Best Practices with Technology Framework:
At ProjStream, we understand that success in government contracting requires more than just technology – it requires a strategic approach that integrates best practices with a robust technology framework. Our webinar will focus on how ProjStream’s solutions combine industry-leading best practices with cutting-edge technology to enable better outcomes, including improved win rates and profitability.
Key Features:
Discover seamless SOW-WBS integration, data-driven estimates, version control, BOE reporting, and comprehensive cost analysis with ProjStream’s tools. Join our live demo to see how ProjStream integrates into workflows, empowering contractors in government contracting.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your cost estimation process and drive success in government contracting. Register now for our webinar and unlock the potential of ProjStream’s innovative solutions and best practices.
RSVP online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIscuGsqj4uH9QGGdSBP9us2M-cI6e8aew1

Galorath AI: Exclusive Pre-Launch Event
2024-05-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Galorath Presents:

Galorath AI: Exclusive Pre-Launch Event
Tuesday, May 2, 2024 | 12:00pm (EST)
Join us for a special prelaunch event of Galorath AI, hosted by Charles Orlando, Galorath’s VP of Global Marketing. Discover how Galorath is revolutionizing cost estimation in manufacturing, software, and hardware, as well as in the space and military sectors, through the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, prompt engineering, and large language models
Presented by Charles Orlando
Charles is an accomplished, innovative technology leader and serial entrepreneur with 25+ years of diversified B2B SaaS industry experience and a five-time bestselling author. He specializes in building and scaling SaaS companies, both in terms of revenue and process. He drives all go-to-market and lead acquisition activities, including demand generation, marketing operations, product marketing, public relations, and brand.
RSVP online at: https://galorath.com/events/webinar-galorath-ai

2024 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop
2024-05-14 08:00 - 2024-05-16 17:00 (America/New_York)

SoCal Chapter Webinar: BUZZCRAFT: Evolution of A Sturdy Cislunar Cycler Architecture in Support of ARTEMIS for Permanent Lunar Settlement Logistics
2024-06-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
BUZZCRAFT: Evolution of A Sturdy Cislunar Cycler Architecture in Support of ARTEMIS for Permanent Lunar Settlement Logistics
Thursday, June 20, 2024
12:00-1:00pm Pacific/3:00-4:00pm Eastern
As part of the Artemis program, NASA intends to have boots back on the moon by 2026, with help from the Gateway station in lunar orbit. However, questions persist about the physiological consequences of prolonged exposure to deep space radiation on the crew, especially during the upcoming sunspot cycle 25 solar maximum period that will peak during Artemis mission execution. Furthermore, there is currently no cislunar infrastructure in place to aid with rescue missions in the event of an anomaly requiring crew extraction on the lunar surface, nor is there a reliable logistics channel and communications link to the Moon.
BuzzCraft concept architecture is an alternative to the current Gateway station proposal that seeks to address both of these issues. Attributes of the BuzzCraft architecture are presented. This Buzzcraft cislunar Cycler would serve as a crew emergency and rescue system and also initiate the evolution of a cislunar logistics channel adding vital value to the Artemis effort. Eventually, Buzzcraft could also evolve into Gateway in different orbits including the near rectilinear halo lunar polar orbit(HALO) that is proposed currently.
The BuzzCraft architecture designed to be supported by already existing space technology, both human rated and non-human rated, including NASA and existing commercial space assets. Tried and tested Apollo hardware including the Lunar Module(LM) and the Apollo lunar surface EVA suit can be quickly upgraded for the Artemis lll mission. As a result of space qualified derived hardware, the first phase of BuzzCraft could be launched quickly. Operations in low Earth orbit enable both commercial and international partners to engage in a rapidly phased Buzzcraft cislunar architecture. Furthermore, modules and payloads can be supplied by international partners such as the ESA, RosCosmos, CNSA, JAXA, and ISRO as well as emerging nations with space faring ambitions.
BuzzCraft features are outlined, some future technologies for prime providers suggested and presented in the hope that estimators can provide some insight on comparing reference mission costs & budgets.
Speaker: Madhu Thangavelu
Madhu Thangavelu has a background education in Civil Architecture and Astronautical Engineering. He conducts the ASTE527 graduate Space Exploration Architecture Studio in the Department of Astronautical Engineering within the Viterbi School of Engineering and teaches Space Architecture in the School of Architecture at the University of Southern California. He is the author or coauthor of several publications relating to Space Architecture and human space activities, including a book – The Moon: Resources, Future Development and Settlement by publishers including Elsevier, Routledge, Springer and Wiley. Madhu is on the faculty of the International Space University, an international organization that trains space professionals around the globe. Madhu is an active member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and former Vice Chair of Education for the Los Angeles Section of the AIAA. He is on the board of directors of the National Space Society and also the NSS Vice President for India region. Madhu is the North American coordinator of activities for the Moon Village Association based in Vienna, Austria.

RSVP Online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkduusrzotGd0erHrP758_5GBll9T9N6Kd

WCA Chapter Webinar: What’s the buzz around ICEAA’s new Software Cost Estimating Certification (SCEC)?
2024-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
SUBJECT: WCAC ICEAA June Luncheon: “What’s the buzz around ICEAA’s new Software Cost Estimating Certification (SCEC)”
PRESENTED BY: Kevin McKeel, Logapps, LLC
TIME: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 | 12:00 to 1:00pm eastern
LOCATION:
MS Teams
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 244 961 439 979
Passcode: [REDACTED]
SUMMARY:
This training seminar will cover ICEAA’s new Software Cost Estimating Certification (SCEC) and an overview of software estimating. The nine SCEC modules will be discussed, common software development and maintenance processes will be reviewed, and best practices with estimating effort, cost and schedule will be identified. Cost drivers of size, complexity will be explained, and common software effort and schedule CERs will be provided. The different software sizing metrics (SLOC and Function Points) will be identified and differentiated. We will discuss the different software development paradigms (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid), and different approaches to estimating custom development and COTS/SaaS software projects. We will touch on some of the leading parametric tools, and the strengths/weaknesses with parametric tools will be noted.
The seminar will also explain how to prepare for and take the SCEC exam.
Speakers:
Kevin McKeel
Speaker Bio:
Kevin McKeel – Mr. Kevin McKeel has over 25 years of experience in software cost estimation. He is a CCEA and SAFe Architect and received the prestigious 2021 Technical Achievement of the Year award from ICEAA related to research of automated software sizing using AI and NLP. Mr. McKeel holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Finance, ‘89) from James Madison University and a Master’s in Business Administration (Decision Systems, ’92) from The George Washington University.

WCA Chapter July Luncheon: “Level Up Your Cost Analysis with Data Science”
2024-07-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

WCA Chapter Virtual Luncheon: AI and Cost Estimation: Data Science's Expanding Role in Cost Estimating
2024-08-13 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)

OEM COG: Bridging Generational Gaps
2024-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Bridging Generational Gaps
ICEAA’s OEM COG has formed a panel of “first-decade” young estimators to give their opinions, ideas, and experiences with two of those table topics: the future of hybrid/remote working and the shortage of skilled professionals, and how those two topics relate to each other, especially in terms of encouraging or incentivizing younger professionals. What motivates the younger workforce? What do they think the best ways to overcome communication and training barriers are, particularly those for whom remote work has been the norm for all or most of their careers? What lessons have they learned from interacting with older professionals, and what advice can they give us as we too adjust to the new workforce environment?
Panelists:
Samantha Bailey, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
Sam Bailey is a production operations estimator at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, Texas. She has 10 years of professional work experience in data analysis, project/subcontract management, and education, including 5 years in estimating. She has worked on a variety of F-35 program efforts with estimates involving manufacturing, tooling, quality, and engineering. Some estimating techniques to execute these efforts have comprised cost estimating relationships, learning curve analysis, and data modeling. She has also been involved in multiple digital transformation efforts, involving tools like Alteryx, Tableau, Power Queries, and Access. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in English from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Michael Finnegan, The Boeing Company
Michael Finnegan currently works for the Boeing Company in El Segundo, California. After earning his Masters in Mathematics at Missouri State University, he joined the Business Skills Rotation Program within the Boeing Company in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. His first rotation was in Labor Estimating & Pricing, where he also had the opportunity to attend the ICEAA Conference in San Diego. He began to seek out opportunities to further his career in Estimating & Pricing, which were limited in St. Louis at the time, so he moved to Philadelphia, PA, for his second rotation in Procurement Financial Analysis. After three years in the procurement side of the business, he attempted a rotation in Integrated Scheduling, where he lasted a total of 3 months before moving back into a Procurement Finance role. Roughly five years into his career, he had a midlife crisis due to not wanting to settle down at the old age of 28. His mentor found a role for him within Satellites Estimating & Pricing in El Segundo, CA, where he currently works as a parametric cost estimator, building cost models, satellite proposals, and independent cost analyses. In his spare time, he can be found with one of his run clubs (either running or at the brewery), at the bowling alley, or traveling for a marathon.
Jacqueline Magistro, BAE Systems, Inc.
My name is Jacqueline and I have many years of finance under my belt. I fell into pricing based on a career change. With the love of numbers, finance was always a fantastic place, but can get mundane, so this led me to pricing, which never gets boring! The past several years I have had the opportunity to work on the Legacy, MIDS and NTCDL programs, as well as, continuously working all repair bids. I train employees on an application called Golden Eagle and assist when end users have trouble. My training is kept up to date and I enjoy finding new areas to learn. I have attended the peer-to-peer meeting last year and again this year. She also has a mentor to lead her in new areas. I am always looking for new challenges or to try and simplify a process.
Brady Thompson, Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc.
Brady Thompson is an accomplished Senior Data Scientist and Information Architect with extensive experience in data analysis, machine learning, and IT architecture modernization. Currently at Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., he specializes in designing scalable data-driven systems using Microsoft Azure and other advanced platforms. Brady is known for leading enterprise-wide initiatives, including the adoption of Azure Synapse, AI, and Power BI tools, representing BPMI as their Estimating Subject Matter Expert, as well as a mentoring data science and engineering teams. With a strong background in business intelligence and supply chain analytics from previous roles at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Brady holds a Master’s in Quality and Manufacturing Management from Penn State and is currently attending the Naval Postgraduate School for a certificate in Estimating and Analytics.
RSVP online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvfu2urz8pGt1iWVdzI8U0J9LT7JiASKB0

2024 SCAF/ICEAA Training Symposium
2024-09-19 - 2024-09-20

WCA Chapter Webinar: Data Science for Cost Estimating...
2024-09-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

2024 All-Member Meeting
2024-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

ICEAA All Members Meeting
2024-10-02 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
The national ICEAA all members meeting will be on 12 Noon EDT, 2 Oct, 2024. This is a great chance for members to participate and understand what ICEAA is doing as a community. If you are interested in attending this meeting, please see registration link – www.iceaaonline.com/townhall

Project Controls Expo USA, Washington DC
2024-10-07 - 2024-10-09

SoCal Chapter Fall Workshop
2024-10-16 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Fall In-Person workshop is on Wednesday October 16th, 2024! It’s all about AI, and the location is the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club.
RSVP today at https://www.iceaaonline.com/socal-rsvp/
Please join us at the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club in San Pedro (211 West 22nd Street, San Pedro CA 09731) on Wednesday, October 16 th, 2024 for the Fall 2024 ICEAA Southern California Workshop hosted by Galorath Incorporated! The theme of this workshop is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cost Analysis.
We are starting the day at 9 AM and have a delightful set of speakers lined up, including:

Doug Howarth, the winner of the 2024 ICEAA Annual Workshop Best Paper
Award
Patrick Malone from Systems Planning and Analysis Inc (SPA)
Charles Orlando from Galorath, Inc.
Colin Hammond from Scope Master, traveling all the way from England.

Topics include Digital Engineering Economics, Multi-Dimensional Market Analysis,
and AI and Cost Estimation, all cutting edge topics tied to cost analysis. We’ll also
have time for more in-depth, small group discussions to exchange experiences and
ideas related to the use of Artificial Intelligence for cost estimating.
Morning and afternoon snacks as well as lunch will be provided. As usual, this face-to-
face workshop is free of charge and open to ICEAA members and friends.
We will wrap up the day around 5 PM with news and announcements from the SoCal
ICEAA chapter, including information on how to get more involved, followed by a Social
Networking Event on site at the Yacht Club.
RSVP today at https://www.iceaaonline.com/socal-rsvp/

WCA Chapter Virtual Luncheon: The Cost of Bureaucracy
2024-10-31 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

2025 Workshop Abstract Submittal Deadline
2024-11-04

WCA Chapter Fall Social
2024-11-07 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)

What's the Buzz about CEBoK-S?
2024-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
What’s the Buzz about CEBoK-S?
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
12:00-1:00pm (eastern)
Software is around us every day, controlling our smartphone apps, automobile dashboards and sensors, and ‘internet of things’ household applications. Software is also very complex, not something we can touch, and a challenge for the cost analysis community to estimate. So how does one accurately estimate software development and maintenance costs?
ICEAA worked for years to create the Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge – Software, or CEBoK-S. This webinar will explain the value of fully understanding the importance of software estimation in the costing process, and introduce the Software Cost Estimating Certification (SCEC), with tips on obtaining the SCEC, test preparation, and the certification process. Much like the CCEA® is the gold standard for traditional cost estimators, SCEC holders will be in demand by cost estimation organizations and their clients in need of certified software cost estimators.
Join us to learn how CEBoK-S explains:

The growing importance as software cost and how it can dominate software intensive programs
Guidance on estimating a range of software development efforts depending on what is being built and how
The relationship between software size and cost
Various software estimating techniques that will increase your software estimating skills and proficiency

RSVP online today: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvd-GsqjMsHd2zNaO8sB0RCSKL3BNah-mG
Speakers:
Carol Dekkers is a software cost estimation expert whose contracts include development of SiSE at DHS CAD since 2019. She is president of Quality Plus Technologies, specializing in working with organizations who want to keep their promises to their clients through realistic, data-founded estimates. She was also the lead author for the ICEAA CEBoK-S and received the ICEAA Educator of the Year for that work in 2022. She holds a BSc (MechEng) and is an IFPUG CFPS (Fellow), a PMP, Certified Scrum Master and a P.Eng. (Canada). Ms. Dekkers has presented many times at ICEAA.
Mr. Kevin McKeel has over 25 years of experience in software cost estimation. He is a CCEA and SAFe Architect and received the prestigious 2021 Technical Achievement of the Year award from ICEAA related to research of automated software sizing using AI and NLP. Mr. McKeel holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Finance, ’89) from James Madison University and a Master’s in Business Administration (Decision Systems, ’92) from The George Washington University.

WCA Chapter Virtual Luncheon: Well, That Escalated Quickly – A Novel Approach to Forecasting Escalation
2024-12-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

2025-2027 BOD Nominations Due
2025-01-10

OEM COG Presents: ChatGPT: Friend or Foe – Meet Your New EN SME
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
ChatGPT Friend or Foe is an insightful exploration into the capabilities and nuances of ChatGPT. Delving deep into the genesis of this AI model the presentation tracks its evolution from inception by OpenAI to its fourth iteration. Patrick Casey, a Senior Cost Analyst at Quantech Services, candidly shares his experiences with the tool, highlighting its transformative power in various use cases for cost analysts ranging from WBS considerations to innovative recipe creations. While celebrating its prowess the presentation does not shy away from addressing its limitations and security concerns, urging a cautious approach. As a grand finale, attendees are treated to an entirely AI-generated TV commercial. This engaging journey demystifies ChatGPT offering both appreciation and critical insight into this modern marvel. Beyond mere technology the presentation invites audiences to consider the impact of AI in our lives challenging us to harness its potential responsibly.

Presenter: Patrick Casey
A passion for mathematics and research made Cost Analysis a perfect fit for Patrick Casey at Quantech Services. He currently has 4.5 years of DoD experience supporting aircraft modifications, cloud transformation efforts, various large CI/DC pipeline programs, and creating training on a plethora of topics. Patrick currently has certifications as an AWS Cloud Practitioner, SAFe Lean Agilist, and IFPUG Function Point Specialist (CFPS). He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of New Hampshire.
RSVP online: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wN4PI0PfR5iOocSZqpZdRA

ICEAA 2025-2027 Election Petition Nominations Due
2025-02-26

WCA Chapter Virtual Luncheon: Costing Web App Development for Operations Research
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
