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)

2025 Association Award Nominations Due
2025-03-10

2025-2027 Election Polls Open
2025-03-14 - 2025-04-15

2025 Workshop Earlybird Rates End
2025-04-01

WCA Chapter Webinar: Agile Software Development Cost Estimating
2025-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

SoCal Chapter Webinar - Preparing Data for Cost Estimating: Data Consolidation Techniques in Excel
2025-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Michael Finnegan has often found it useful in his career to ask two key questions: “How can I make this easier in Excel?” and “How can I reduce my file size?” Join him on Wednesday, April 9th for a lunchtime webinar as he walks through some basic (and not-so-basic) Excel capabilities relevant to cost estimating. Michael builds tools for data consolidation, escalation, reporting, learning curves, pricing, CER development, and more– while taking approach that avoids a “black box.” He strives to create (and encourages others to create) Excel tools that everyone can use, understand, and replicate. Toward that end, Michael will demonstrate how he applies INDEX/Match, SumIfs, OFFSETs, Power Query, and other techniques for consolidating and analyzing data. He will also show various methods he uses to keep his file sizes small enough to operate efficiently while handling large(ish) data sets from various sources.

2025 Professional Development & Training Workshop
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-15

WCA Chapter Webinar: Economics of Digital Twins in Aerospace and Defense
2025-06-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Please join us for this month’s Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) Luncheon:
SUBJECT: WCAC ICEAA June Luncheon: “Economics of Digital Twins in Aerospace and Defense”
PRESENTED BY: Patrick Malone, Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA)
TIME: June 30, 2025 | 12:00 to 1:00pm eastern
SUMMARY:
Defense and Aerospace systems engineering is transforming from a document to a digital model framework, leveraging low-cost multidisciplinary modeling, analysis and simulation tools. With these methods, engineers can specify, analyze, design and verify systems. Digital Twins enable the approach, they are digital or virtual replications of physical products and processes allowing increased speed to market and performance evaluation at reduced costs. Not straightforward is return on investment evaluation when generating cost to develop digital twins. This paper looks at development of DT architectures, capabilities and resulting life cycle cost estimates. Factors impacting DT development costs are model fidelity, design features, analytical tools, integration difficulty, scalability, and programming languages. Concepts are grouped providing practitioners tools and methods to apply digital twin concepts to recommended solutions that maintain positive ROIs and identify cost drivers.
This briefing was originally presented at the ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop.
Speaker:
Patrick Malone, Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA)
Speaker Bio:
Patrick Malone – Mr. Malone is a Senior Analyst and Project Manager at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. He has over 35 years of analytical and hands-on experience in the aerospace and space industries. Pat currently works at USSF Space Systems Command in advanced programs. He has written numerous papers on technology, cost estimating and scheduling. He has a BS from Arizona State and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Certifications include ICEAA – CCE/A, AACEI – EVP, INCOSE – CSEP and PMI – PMP.

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2025 Cost Challenge Winning Presentation: Technomics
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
At the 2025 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop, our teams were challenged with estimating the cost of relocating the 2028 Olympics from Los Angeles to Atlanta…and in 2027! What will it take to fast-track preparations and successfully move the LA Olympics to a city with its own unique challenges and opportunities?
Tune in Tuesday, July 8 for an encore presentation of the estimate from Team Technomics, our 2025 Cost Challenge Winners!
RSVP online at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jsLFGAv_S4ehU89W0XGlmw

WCA Chapter Summer Social
2025-07-10 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Tecolote Research, Inc., 2231 Crystal Drive Suite 702, Arlington, VA, , Arlington22202-3724, United States
Please join the Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) of ICEAA for our 2025 Summer Social!
This year’s Summer Social will be hosted by Tecolote Research, Inc. at their office located in Arlington, VA!
Come on out to eat, drink, socialize and take in a fantastic view of Reagan National Airport! An assortment of food and drinks will be provided for all participants who RSVP.
We highly encourage all WCAC members to come out and join the fun, especially newer members who are looking to get involved in their local ICEAA community!
Don’t wait, RSVP here or via the link below!
Important Event Details:
What: WCAC of ICEAA 2025 Summer Social
When: Thursday, July 10th | 5:00 – 8:00 PM ET
Where: Tecolote Research, Inc. | 2231 Crystal Drive Suite 702, Arlington, VA 22202-3724

RSVP:
PLEASE RSVP NO LATER THAN MONDAY, JULY 7th, 2025
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO RSVP:
https://forms.office.com/r/MynZ4uY6RT
For any questions/concerns related to this event, please send an email to the WCAC Social/Service Chair, Cameron Atkins-Bennage (CAtkinsBennage@tecolote.com)

PerfectXL Presents: Five Fatal Excel Errors that Cost Estimators Can't Afford to Miss
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
PerfectXL Presents:

Five Fatal Excel Errors that Cost Estimators Can’t Afford to Miss
Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 12:00pm (eastern)
In this webinar we’re going to look at some of the fatal errors we see every day in Excel models, and show you how you can avoid them. We know the importance of working fast in this space, and how crucial accuracy is, that’s what we want to help you with, the impossible balance between speed and precision. Find errors that are hard to spot in seconds and gain confidence in every single Excel model you build, receive, or adjust.
“We love PerfectXL! It’s like an insurance policy for us, we use it on every outbound model to make sure everything is working as it should.” – ICEAA member
Presented by: Joel Steendam
Joel has been working in the spreadsheet risk space for 7 years, between consulting, training, and onboarding new clients he loves to give presentations on this topic at various events and seminars. Encouraging users all over the world to apply best practices in tangible, results driven ways, eliminating spreadsheet risks and helping users and managers to get the most out of Excel.

Cost Challenge Presentation: Team Augur
2025-07-31 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
At the 2025 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop, our teams were challenged with estimating the cost of relocating the 2028 Olympics from Los Angeles to Atlanta…and in 2027! What will it take to fast-track preparations and successfully move the LA Olympics to a city with its own unique challenges and opportunities? What infrastructure from the 1996 Olympics can be repurposed, what other Atlanta area venues can be utilized, and how can innovative technologies like AI and digital twins transform Olympic logistics and reduce costs? Which creative strategies can maximize sustainability while minimizing community disruption?
Our rising estimators defined their ground rules and assumptions, the context of their estimate, and presented in current fiscal year US dollars. Teams presented their solutions for a panel of judges at the 2025 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop in Atlanta.
Join us Thursday, July 31, 2025 to hear from Team Augur, one of the participants in this year’s Cost Challenge, on what it would take to relocate and expedite the Olympics: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/j5hPWEf-RZ6lOtgOs_onrA

WCA Chapter 2025 All-Hands Meeting
2025-08-14 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Technomics, Inc., 1225 South Clark Street, Suite 1500, Arlington, VA, 22002, United States
Please join the Washington Capital Area Chapter of ICEAA for the:
2025 All-Hands Meeting

WHEN:
Thursday, August 14th | 5:00 – 8:00 PM ET
WHERE:
Technomics, Inc.
1225 South Clark Street
Suite 1500 (15th floor)
Arlington, VA 22202
OVERVIEW:
Please join the Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) of ICEAA for our 2025 All-Hands Meeting!
WCAC All-Hands meetings serve to provide ICEAA members and partners across the National Capital Region with an annual update on local chapter operations and achievements. Convening cost estimating professionals across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, participants are invited to connect with WCAC leadership and learn about chapter accomplishments, current activities, and future endeavors.
This year’s All-Hands Meeting will be located at Technomics, Inc. in Arlington, VA. Doors will open at 5:00pm for networking, with catered dinner served promptly at 5:15pm.
Don’t wait, CLICK HERE TO RSVP NOW!
< https://forms.office.com/r/D7gXXLbMgL >

CHAPTER UPDATES & AWARDS:
WCAC leadership will provide an update on the state of the chapter and its accomplishments in the last year as well as present the 2025 WCAC Awards for:

Technical Achievement
Team Achievement
Management Achievement
Junior Analyst Achievement
Best Speaker

RSVP:
PLEASE RSVP NO LATER THAN MONDAY, AUGUST 11th 2025
For any questions/concerns related to this event, please send an email to the WCAC Social/Service Chair catkinsbennage@tecolote.com or call (571) 385-2016
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP
< https://forms.office.com/r/D7gXXLbMgL >

EVENT ACCESS:
METRO / VRE:
Technomics is a 5-10 minute walk from both the Crystal City Metro and VRE stations

Directions to Technomics from Crystal City Metro & VRE Station

PARKING:
Garage parking under the building is free after 4pm. If you choose to park under the building, the entrance is off Clark Street. It is recommended you go down one or two levels and park in the vicinity of the elevator bay. These elevators lead to the main entrance of the office (Suite 1500) on the 15th floor

Cost Challenge Presentation: Team Boeing
2025-08-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
At the 2025 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop, our teams were challenged with estimating the cost of relocating the 2028 Olympics from Los Angeles to Atlanta…and in 2027! What will it take to fast-track preparations and successfully move the LA Olympics to a city with its own unique challenges and opportunities? What infrastructure from the 1996 Olympics can be repurposed, what other Atlanta area venues can be utilized, and how can innovative technologies like AI and digital twins transform Olympic logistics and reduce costs? Which creative strategies can maximize sustainability while minimizing community disruption?
Our rising estimators defined their ground rules and assumptions, the context of their estimate, and presented in current fiscal year US dollars. Teams presented their solutions for a panel of judges at the 2025 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop in Atlanta.
Join us Wednesday, August 20, 2025 to hear from Team Boeing, one of the participants in this year’s Cost Challenge, on what it would take to relocate and expedite the Olympics: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5Exyu4LFTjayERDUOD3jZQ

SoCal Chapter In-Person Workshop
2025-08-27 07:30 - 15:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Aerospace Corporation, 210 S. Douglas St, El Segundo, CA, 90245, United States
RSVP by August 10 at: https://www.iceaaonline.com/socal-rsvp/

Southern California Chapter 2025 Free In-person Workshop
SPEAKERS
Dr. Joseph Kim
Effect of Change Orders (due to Unforeseen Existing Conditions) on Project Cost
Dr. Ricardo Valerdi
Put Your Socks on Properly (practical tools to help improve decision-making)
Mr. Michael Nosbisch
Challenges in Implementing GAO’s Estimating Best Practices
Mr. Rick Garcia
Emerging Trends in Space Systems and The Cost Estimating Challenges
Mr. Brian Glauser
Biases in Project Estimating and Mitigation Strategies to Overcome Them
Aerospace Corporation
210 S. Douglas St
El Segundo, CA 90245

WCA Chapter Virtual Luncheon: A Fool With an AI Tool Is Still a Fool...
2025-08-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Please join us for this month’s Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) Luncheon:

SUBJECT: WCAC ICEAA August Luncheon: A Fool with an AI Tool Is Still a Fool: Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for IFPUG Function Point Analysis and Software Estimation

PRESENTED BY: Carol Dekkers, Quality Plus Technologies & Dan French, Cobec, Inc.
TIME: August 27, 2025 | 12:00 to 1:00pm eastern
SUMMARY:
This presentation will explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in sizing software projects using the International Function Point User Group (IFPUG) function points methodology and software estimates. As organizations increasingly seek efficiency and accuracy in project estimation, AI offers transformative potential by automating the function point counting process. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI can analyze historical project data, identify patterns, and predict function point counts with enhanced precision. This not only streamlines the estimation process but also reduces human error and bias. Additionally, AI-driven tools can provide insights into project complexity and resource allocation, enabling more informed decision-making. The synergy between AI and IFPUG function points represents a significant advancement in software estimating practices, facilitating better project planning and management. Ultimately, this approach enhances the overall reliability of software project estimations, paving the way for successful project delivery in an increasingly dynamic technological landscape.
Speakers:
Carol Dekkers – 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.
Dan French – With 20+ years of experience in a variety of IT roles including analyst, developer, tester, project management, software metrics and software estimation. He has developed CMMi and ISO compliant process improvement and software estimation processes. Dan holds a B.S. in Economics from Virginia Tech and holds certification as a Lifetime CFPS, PMP and CSM. He recently served as the Certification Director on the IPFUG Board of Directors and is currently the chair. Previously he served as the Chair of the Functional Software Sizing Committee (FSSC). He’s authored numerous white papers/presentations.

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Paws for Thought: Dayton Chapter Cost Challenge
2025-08-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
During the Financial Management Cost (FMC) Division’s annual program review at Buckley Space Force Base in May 2025, FMC took the opportunity to do something new and issued an ICEAA-inspired cost challenge to its analysts: Paws for Thought, A Pet Ownership Cost Challenge. Three teams (3-4 analysts per team) were announced and given the task of developing a comprehensive lifecycle cost estimate for owning either a pet dog or cat within just 24 hours. Each team was responsible for delivering a 15-minute presentation on their analysis and findings to senior FM leadership that included the following:
• Basic profile of the chosen pet (location, breed, lifestyle, quality of products/services, etc.)
• Initial investment costs (purchase/adoption costs, vaccines, supplies, etc.)
• Recurring, non-recurring costs (food, grooming, emergency vet visit, etc.)
• Risk and uncertainty analysis (health of the pet, emergency pet visits, etc.)
• Scenario analysis (worst case, moderate case, and optimistic case)
• Sensitivity analysis (food, boarding costs, etc.)
All three teams chose to estimate the cost of a pet dog (sorry cat lovers) and were given carte blanche to be a creative as possible with their cost factors and presentation. Join us Thursday, August 28 to hear from the winning team!

WCA Chapter Virtual Luncheon: Discount Rate Impacts on Private and Public Sector Capital Investment Valuation
2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Please join us for this month’s Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) Luncheon:
SUBJECT: WCAC ICEAA September Luncheon: Discount Rate Impacts on Private and Public Sector Capital Investment Valuation
PRESENTED BY: George Bayer, Cobec, Inc.
TIME: September 24, 2025 | 12:00 to 1:00pm Eastern
SUMMARY:
The public and private sectors have different valuation techniques, motivations, and considerations when evaluating capital budgeting decisions. Understanding the difference between private and public sector capital investment analysis – discounted cash flow, cost/benefit considerations, nominal/real discounting, stakeholders, and cost of capital – helps decision-makers make better informed decisions. In 2023, the OMB updated its Circular A-94 with new nominal and real discount rates, significantly reducing the real discount rate for cost-benefit analyses. This could have unintended consequences in project valuation when including private sector stakeholders who traditionally have a higher cost of capital. In this paper, we explore the major differences in valuation, stakeholder motivations, and discount rates in public and private sector investment decisions and the impact of inflation. Understanding value drivers in both sectors is important for the cost estimating community and makes us more effective Finance professionals.
This briefing was originally presented at the ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop.
Speaker: George Bayer, Cobec, Inc.
George Bayer – George Bayer, a Senior Director at Cobec, develops innovative cost/benefit, supply chain, and investment analyses for major FAA capital investments. Prior to the FAA, he led economic analyses and DCF valuations for Power Generation at BP and ConocoPhillips and financial management at Disney. Mr. Bayer has a PMP certification, a BSBA in Finance and English from the University of Florida, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin in Corporate Finance.

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2025 All-Member Virtual Meeting
2025-10-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

Project Controls Expo USA
2025-10-06 - 2025-10-09

WCA Chapter Virtual Luncheon: Annie Oakleying the Risk Cube – Management Goes Better with Analysis
2025-10-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Please join us for this month’s Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) Luncheon:
SUBJECT: WCAC ICEAA October Luncheon: Annie Oakleying the Risk Cube – Management Goes Better with Analysis
PRESENTED BY: Sean Wells (the new WCAC ICEAA President) and Peter Braxton, Technomics
TIME: October 20, 2025 | 12:00 to 1:00pm Eastern
SUMMARY:
Despite advances in both Risk Management and Risk Analysis over the past two decades, there remains a persistent divide between the two disciplines. Risk Management, with its predisposition to discrete risks (“what could go wrong?”) and central construct of the Risk Cube, tends to have a myopic focus on Issues and struggles to accurately assess and portray Likelihood and Consequence. Risk Analysis, with its predisposition to continuous risks (“what is the range of possible outcomes?”) and central construct of the S-Curve, brings the mathematical tools needed for fidelity in risk calculations but struggles to put a recognizable face on these necessary abstractions. This paper seeks to unify these two fields by drawing the best from each. It identifies fundamental deficiencies in the Risk Cube, such as lack of basis, distortion of linear scales, misleading color codes, and junk math, and remedies them with principles from Risk Analysis to better inform decision-makers.
This briefing was originally presented at the 2025 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop.

Speakers:
Peter Braxton – Mr. Peter Braxton is a Subject Matter Expert and Employee Owner at Technomics, Inc. He has over 25 years of experience performing cost and risk analysis and delivering associated training for a broad spectrum of federal clients. The inaugural VP for Professional Development and a multiple ICEAA Educator of the Year winner, he has shown a long-standing commitment to knowledge sharing within the community.
Sean Wells – Mr. Sean Wells has been with Technomics since July 2023 and currently provides cost support to the Marine Corp’s Program Assessment and Evaluation Office. Sean has an MS in Contracts Acquisition and Management and 5+ years of professional experience working naval estimates and performing risk analyses. He is an ICEAA Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA) and the Washington Capital Area Chapter ICEAA President.

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EVM Practitioners' Forum
2025-10-22 - 2025-10-23
