ICEAA thanks everyone for joining us for our Professional Development & Training Workshop May 16-18, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas!
Breakout Sessions CEBoK-S Training Track Presenter Bios Keynotes & Panel Discussions
OEM Forum & Networking Event ICEAA Cost Challenge
Keep an eye out on this page or follow us on social media for updates:
2023 Workshop Registration Rates:
| ICEAA Members | $1,095 |
| Non-Members* | $1,215 |
| ICEAA Member & Government Employee | $990 |
| Non-Member Government Employee* | $1,070 |
| For companies sending 5 or more paid registrants: | |
| 5+ Group Registrant ICEAA Members | $1,055 |
| 5+ Group Registrant Non-Members* | $1,160 |
The 2023 ICEAA Workshop is an in-person event only. Virtual attendance will not be available.
All attendees who purchase a non-member registration will receive a discount coupon for a free year of ICEAA membership after the conclusion of the Workshop.
Registration fee includes breakfast and lunch for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The evening networking receptions on Tuesday and Wednesday will feature light hors d’oeuvres but dinner is not served.
Attendees of the ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop will have access to four hours of thought-provoking presentations in general sessions and 36 hours of concurrent breakout training and professional papers presentations. Individuals are free to determine their own schedule and do not need to indicate in advance which sessions or tracks they plan to attend.
2023 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop Registration Cancelation Policy:
⋅ Refund requests made before April 4, 2023: Full refund, less a $100 processing fee.
⋅ Refund requests made April 4-May 4, 2023: 50% refund.
⋅ On or after May 5, 2022: No refund.
Substitutions can be made at any time.
Thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors!
ICEAA’s 2023 Professional Development & Training Workshop exhibit hall will be open for over 30 hours, with 8 hours on the Workshop schedule dedicated for attendees to visit our exhibitors. The limited number of available booths allows for a focused, consultative environment in which you can meet with current and future clients. Tuesday and Wednesday’s evening receptions, as well as food buffets and beverage breaks, will be served in the exhibit hall among the booths, providing ample time to develop leads. The exhibit hall is centrally located to the breakout session rooms and adjacent to the general session ballroom.
All exhibiting packages include:
- 8’ x 10‘ booth in exhibit hall with complimentary electrical line
- Pipe & drape, 6’ table, 2 chairs, wastebasket, janitorial services
- Listing in conference program, website, mobile app, and onsite signage
- Two complimentary full conference registrations
Download the 2023 Sponsoring & Exhibiting prospectus to review the array of exposure and and branding opportunities that will be available to you in San Antonio. Contact Megan Jones at megan@iceaaonline.org for inquiries.
2023 Gold Sponsors
2023 Silver Sponsors
2023 Sponsors & Exhibitors
Announcing the First Annual ICEAA
OEM Forum & Networking Event
Monday, May 15, 2023 | 3:00-5:00pm
ICEAA’s OEM COG was formed to identify, acknowledge, and address the challenges ICEAA members employed by Original Equipment Manufacturers face that differ from those employed by the government or other private sector organizations. The OEM COG is proud to present the first annual OEM Forum & Networking Event, Monday, May 15, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk.
Join us for two hours of panel discussions, presentations, and networking from representatives from BAE Systems, Ball Aerospace, The Boeing Company, HII, L3 Harris, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and more. The open forum will allow for questions of our panelists and time for individual discussions before the group hits the town for some social networking.
Attendees of the 2023 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop are welcome to attend, whether employed by an OEM or elsewhere in the community.
ICEAA 2023 Cost Challenge
The inaugural ICEAA Cost Challenge will provide an opportunity for teams of 3-5 junior estimators to learn from a hands-on exercise in data gathering, model building, cost estimating, and finally, presenting their findings to a panel of experts at the 2023 ICEAA Workshop. Our experts will ask questions of the participants and rate the presentations on methodology and approach, data analysis, innovation, their conclusion and supporting rationale, and finally their presentation skills. The winning team will be announced at the closing general session of the Workshop on Thursday, May 18 and awarded a $1,000 cash prize for the team!
The challenge will be somewhat abstract in nature, with no definitive “right answer.” Our judge’s focus will be more on how the teams approach the task of analyzing data and producing thorough, communicable estimates. Teams will send their materials in advance and then give a live presentation to our judges on Wednesday, May 17 that include:
• Team composition
• Planning and research
• Data sources
• Approaches to data gathering
• Ground rules & assumptions
• Normalization techniques
• Analysis of any economic trends
• Any uncertainty or risks associated with their estimate
A maximum of six teams will be comprised of 3-5 junior estimators (5 or fewer years of experience) and one optional mentor that may provide guidance and support but not actively participate in the project. Teams can be comprised of participants from one company or a collaborative effort among organizations. All team members will be required to attend the 2023 Professional Development & Training Workshop in San Antonio, and must be registered by May 1, 2023 or the team will be disqualified. ICEAA will award a $1,000 prize to the winning team to distribute among the participants as they choose.
Timeline:
March 31, 2023: Cost Challenge announced, team signup open
April 13, 2023: As of April 13, 2023, six teams have signed up for the cost challenge. If any of the teams withdraw before the challenge questions are distributed on April 15, the vacant space will be made available to the next team on the wait list.
April 15, 2023: All teams must sign up by 9am (EDT) on April 15. ICEAA will distribute the challenge questions and guidelines at noon (EDT) on April 15 to the first six teams who have entered to compete. No new teams may enter after the challenge information is distributed.
May 1, 2023: All members of competing teams must be registered for the 2023 ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop by May 1. Teams who are not fully registered by May 1 will be disqualified.
May 14, 2023: Teams will email their final presentation files (MS Office formats, including PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe PDF) to ICEAA.
May 17, 2023: Teams will present their estimates live to ICEAA’s panel of judges throughout the day on May 17. Workshop attendees are welcome to observe the presentations but will not be allowed to comment or ask questions.
May 18, 2023: The winning team will be announced and awarded a $1,000 cash prize at the closing general session for the 2023 ICEAA Workshop.
The ICEAA Cost Challenge is intended to be a fun and educational experience for both the participants and the audience; presentations will be conducted in a non-hostile atmosphere. Observations and critiques will be focused on the team’s methodology and approach, rather than the absolute accuracy of the output. Teams are encouraged to seek ways to demonstrate their innovation, experience, knowledge and presentation skills. Workshop attendees are welcome to observe the presentations but will not be allowed to comment or ask questions.
Visit www.iceaaonline.com/costchallenge for more details or contact iceaa@iceaaonline.org with any questions.
Keynote Presentations & Panel Discussions
Tuesday, May 16 – 8:30am
Time is Money and Value of Popcorn Stands and Simulations
Jim Manchisi
Jim Manchisi will take you through his 40+ year career, starting in the trenches as an Aerospace engineer, through to Aerospace leadership positions, to consultant, entrepreneur, and Board positions. From his diversified career, he will pick out assignments, programs and anecdotes and relate them to cost estimating analysis and risk analysis. He will also offer some perspectives on staffing challenges and career advice, two of the panels that will take place during the conference, and wrap-up with Q&A.
Jim Manchisi is a seasoned executive and business strategist, known for his successful 40+ year career as a business and technical leader in start-up, turnaround, rapid-growth, and global enterprises. A champion of people development and operational effectiveness across multiple locations, Jim has industry expertise in aviation, aerospace, defense, intelligence, and civil sectors. Recognized as a highly fungible business leader with P&L responsibility for $700M+, 3K+ employee global organizations, Jim built and led advanced technology organizations, M&A integration of specialty businesses, and turnaround/divestiture of non-core operations. He led the design, development, integration, and delivery of advanced technology solutions to commercial and government markets and maintained a successful track record in multi-million-dollar business pursuits and contract wins, as well as customer service excellence resulting in significant incentive awards and follow-on business.
Jim is currently the President and Founder of Better Business Results, a company that specializes in helping businesses improve their top and bottom lines through services that include business strategy, acquisitions and divestitures, portfolio management, new business capture, program execution, and systems engineering & integration. He has also served and continues to serve in Board of Advisor roles including Take2 Consulting and Sciometrics.
Previously, Jim was with Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading global management consulting firm, and served in various leadership roles as a Senior Vice President, overseeing multiple business units and driving growth initiatives. Throughout his tenure at Booz Allen Hamilton, he has been instrumental in guiding the Firm’s strategic direction, identifying new market opportunities, and developing innovative solutions to address client needs. He has been known for his ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence, resulting in significant business growth and client satisfaction.
Prior to Booz Allen, Jim had a 27 year career in the aerospace industry, including roles as President of the Space Systems Division of ITT Industries, President of the Remote Sensing Systems Division of Eastman Kodak, and General Manager of the Barnes Division of EDO Corporation. Additionally, he served in a number of engineering, business development and program management positions at Lockheed Martin and General Electric Company.
Mr. Manchisi holds a B.E. degree in Electrical Engineering from Cooper Union and an M.S. in Computer Science from the State University of New York (SUNY) Binghamton. His passion for helping organizations thrive in a rapidly changing world has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to clients and colleagues alike.
Wednesday, May 17 – 8:30am
Navigating Staffing Challenges in Today’s Environment
Panel Discussion
Join us for an engaging discussion on the pressing issue of staffing challenges in today’s dynamic environment. As organizations face unprecedented changes and disruptions. The landscape of workforce management has become increasingly complex, presenting new and unique challenges for businesses of all sizes and industries. Our panel of experts from Government and Industry will share their insights and perspectives on the staffing challenges organizations are grappling with in the current environment.
During the panel discussion, we will delve into various staffing challenges organizations are facing today, including:
• Talent Acquisition Strategies: How organizations can attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market and navigate the complexities of clearances, remote hiring, and onboarding.
• Workforce Planning: Strategies to effectively plan and manage workforce needs amidst changing business conditions, including addressing skill gaps and identifying emerging talent trends.
• Employee Engagement and Retention: Strategies for enhancing employee engagement, well-being, and retention in the face of remote work, burnout, and increased demand for flexibility.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: How organizations can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their staffing practices to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Managing Labor Shortages: Strategies for organizations grappling with labor shortages, including talent shortages in specific industries, geographic locations, or skill sets, and addressing the impact of turnover and attrition.
Our panelists will share their practical insights, best practices, and real-world experiences in navigating these challenges and provide valuable recommendations on how organizations can adapt and thrive in the current staffing landscape. This panel discussion promises to be a thought-provoking and informative session, providing attendees with actionable strategies and practical solutions to address the staffing challenges faced by organizations today.
Panelists:
Lisa Kurz – CEO – Take2 Consulting LLC
Lisa is the CEO of Take2 Consulting, an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Business, delivering IT consulting and professional staffing services to Federal and Commercial clients. With 20+ years of experience in organizational development and management, Ms. Kurz has led complex technical staffing and surge efforts to identify the best talent to support the client’s mission. In 2022, Ms. Kurz was a recipient of the Women Who Mean Business Award from the Washington Business Journal. Prior to joining Take2, Ms. Kurz worked at KPMG/BearingPoint, Jacobs and Blue Canopy in their Federal Service Sectors. Ms. Kurz holds both a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!). Ms. Kurz lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and four children ages 13-18.
Jennifer Kirchhoffer – General Manager – Tecolote Research Inc.
Jennifer Kirchhoffer is the General Manager for the Software Products and Services Group at Tecolote Research Inc. She oversees a large team of Tecolote developers and analysts supporting CADE, EVAMOSC, EVM-CR, ACEIT, and various other cost estimating tools and data repositories. ACEIT is used by the government for analyzing, developing, sharing, and reporting cost estimates, providing a framework to standardize the estimating process. CADE, EVAMOSC, and EVM-CR provide the cost, schedule, and technical data for DoD’s major systems. Jennifer has worked at Tecolote for 19 years as a cost analyst and manager in both the Tacoma and Albuquerque offices. Prior to joining Tecolote, she served in the Air Force for six years where she obtained significant experience estimating weapon systems for various platforms. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Economics from the US Air Force Academy and a M.S. in Cost Analysis from the Air Force Institute of Technology. She is certified as a CCEA, SCEC, and CCP (Certified Cost Professional).
James Smirnoff – Deputy Director – NRO CAAG
Mr. James Smirnoff is the Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Cost and Acquisition Assessment Group (CAAG) where he has worked since 2009. He began his career in 1999 as an Air Force Officer supporting aircraft and space acquisition programs. He has an MS in Cost Analysis from AFIT and a BA in Economics from Virginia Tech. He lives in Ashburn, VA with his wife of 21 years and his three boys.
Dave Volpe – Branch Head – Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
Mr. Dave Volpe has 37 years of experience supporting the NAVAIR Cost Department on fixed wing, rotary wing, avionics, weapons and unmanned air vehicles. He has provided budget, milestone, source selection and analysis of alternatives and is currently the Branch Head for PEO Unmanned and Weapons programs managing a staff of 40 cost analysts, a mix of government and contractor employees at Navy bases Pax River, China Lake and Pt. Mugu. In addition to supervisor and estimating support, he is the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for the NAVAIR Cost Department. His roles include recruiting, hiring and retaining cost estimators for all of our NAVAIR sites (Pax River, Lakehurst, Orlando, China Lake, Pt. Mugu, and San Diego).
Thursday, May 18 – 8:00am
We Are All More Than the Sum of Our Parts…
Larry Clements
Coming from a lifetime of leadership development Larry Clements invites you to have an opportunity to grow in you professional and personal life. We will be discussing the finer attributes of communication and emotional intelligence and how they play a role in the professional development of an individual regardless of industry. 58% of performance, in any industry, is made up of factors related to emotional intelligence. It is the single most prevalent predictor of success in the workplace and the strongest driver of leadership as well as personal excellence.
Cutting his teeth in military intelligence during Desert Storm, Larry recognized a desperate need for development in his leaders. He has dedicated his entire professional career to helping people reach their personal potential. Most especially offering leaders the tools and techniques to become better service focused leaders in their respective industries. A fourth degree black belt in the martial arts, a graduate of the Dale Carnegie program and having a Psychology degree from the University of Texas combined with 30 years as not just a leader but a developer of leaders, Larry walks the walk and embodies the continuous learning cycle that he brings to others.
Thursday, May 18 – 3:15pm
Career Perspectives for Every Age
Panel Discussion
This dynamic panel discussion will provide valuable insights that can help you shape your career path with confidence. Our panel of experts will share valuable insights and advice on how to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the job market, regardless of your age or career stage. From young professionals just starting their careers to mid-career changers and seasoned veterans looking to make a career pivot, this panel will offer diverse perspectives and practical strategies for success.
The panelists, who bring a wealth of experience from various industries and backgrounds, will share their personal stories, anecdotes, and expert opinions on the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals at different stages of their careers. They will discuss topics such as:
• Navigating the job market: The panelists will discuss the current job market trends and provide tips on how to effectively search for jobs, create a compelling resume, and prepare for interviews. They will also discuss strategies for standing out in a competitive job market, regardless of age.
• Career transitions: Whether you are just starting out in your career, looking to change careers, or considering a mid-career switch, the panelists will share insights on how to successfully navigate career transitions. They will discuss strategies for identifying transferable skills, exploring new career paths, and managing the emotional and logistical aspects of career change.
• Career advancement: The panelists will provide advice on how to progress and excel in your career, regardless of your age. They will discuss strategies for setting and achieving career goals, developing leadership skills, and leveraging networks and mentorship opportunities to advance professionally.
• Work-life balance: Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a universal challenge that affects professionals of all ages. The panelists will discuss strategies for managing work-life balance at different career stages, including tips on time management, setting boundaries, and maintaining personal well-being.
• Professional development: Continuous learning and skill development are essential for career success. The panelists will share advice on how to stay relevant in the job market through professional development opportunities, such as continuing education, certifications, and skill-building programs.
• Mentoring and reverse mentoring: The panelists will discuss the importance of mentoring and reverse mentoring at different career stages. They will provide insights on how to find mentors or mentees, and how to establish mutually beneficial mentoring relationships that can contribute to professional growth.
The panel discussion will be interactive, allowing for questions and discussions from the audience. Attendees will gain practical tips, strategies, and inspiration to navigate their careers effectively, regardless of their age or career stage.
Panelists:
Kimberly Roye – Senior Data Scientist – Tecolote Research, Inc.
Kimberly Roye is an experienced data scientist with over 20 years of experience in cost and data analysis. She currently supports CADE and DoD agencies in conducting studies to improve the quality of data, as well as to influence decision making through analysis of available data. Kimberly develops data science specific content to teach junior analysts how to incorporate machine learning techniques into their cost analysis activities. Kimberly followed her passion for math and analysis and obtained a dual B.S. degree in Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Georgia. She then went on to obtain a M.S. degree in Applied Statistics at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Kimberly has enjoyed a career immersed in analytics. She began by conducting analysis using household data for the U.S. Census Bureau and transitioned into cost analysis/data science and has supported multiple DoD agencies ( Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force), DHS and NASA. She also has experience in Data Governance in the financial industry.
Bronwyn Sluz – Senior Associate – Booz Allen Hamilton
Bronwyn Sluz is a business leader at Booz Allen Hamilton and has spent the past 15 years providing cost estimating and analysis support to the U.S. Navy. She has supported U.S. Navy Communication, IT, Submarine, and Unmanned programs, across various ACAT levels, and currently leads a cost estimating and analytics team in Washington, DC. Bronwyn has a PMP certification and a BS in Management Science and Information Technology from Virginia Tech.
Tim Anderson – Principal Engineer – The Aerospace Corporation
Mr. Anderson of The Aerospace Corporation, is a professional cost analyst with over 28 years’ experience in cost analysis, cost uncertainty analysis, and operations research, involving national security and civil space systems. In addition, Mr. Anderson is a member of the faculty of the Naval Postgraduate School, teaching courses in cost analysis and operations research. He is also an active member of ICEAA, a certified cost estimator/analyst (CCE/A) and elected regional director.
Ken Odom – Director, National Agencies – Take2 Consulting LLC
Ken has provided cost estimating and analysis and program management support to Defense, Intelligence, Civil, and commercial programs since 1993. He currently supports the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Cost and Acquisition Assessment Group (CAAG) leading a team providing cost analysis, Integrated Performance Management analysis, Acquisition Support, Data Science, and Software Development for space and ground programs. He is the Director for National Agencies at Take2 Consulting and has also spent time working for Booz Allen Hamilton, TASC, and the Department of the Navy. He earned a Master of Engineering Administration in Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia.
2023 Best Paper Award Winners
2023 Best Paper, Analytical Methods Category -and- 2023 Best Paper Overall:
Innovative Risk-Driven Contract Pricing Strategy
Brian Flynn
Robert Nehring
Peter Braxton
This paper 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.
2023 Best Paper, Modeling & Case Studies Category
CSI EU (Cost Scene Investigation – European Union)
Doug Howarth
In 2000, several Airbus units from European Union member countries launched the Airbus A380. The program was projected to sell 1250 units with a development cost of €9.5 billion but shut down after selling 251 copies, as costs more than doubled. This paper examines its causes and how the entire debacle might have been prevented, as all the information needed to assess its viability existed before it started.
2023 Best Paper, Processes & Best Practices/Technical Innovations Category
Wouldn’t It Be Nice to Use All of Your Data Points: An Introduction to NICE
Steven Read
The difficulty of having non-homogeneous data when fitting a CER can be addressed using data imputation. A Non-linear Iterative Constrained Estimator (NICE) is an approach to both data imputation and CER fitting that considers the whole model and uses the WBS relationships to recalibrate systems of equations for a better fit. This presentation will explain what NICE is, how it works, and begin to explore what problems this method can solve.
2023 Best Paper, Software & Agile/IT & Cloud Computing Category
The Symbiotic Nature of Requirements Quality and Software Cost Estimation
Colin Hammond
It is widely recognised that high quality software requirements lead to reliable functional size estimates, what is less apparent is the potential contribution of functional sizing to help assess and improve the quality of requirements. This paper looks at the observations from assessments of software user stories using our NLP (Natural Language Processing) requirements analysis tool, and how this symbiotic relationship is revealed and enhanced with automated analysis tooling.
2023 Best Paper, Data Science/Trending Topics Category
Hilbert’s Problems III: The Post-Pandemic Cost Community
Peter Braxton
Upended by the pandemic, the cost community stands at an inflection point. Revolutions in telework and data science open doors to collaboration and innovation. After a decade, we revisit the seminal Hilbert’s Problems paper and reassess Professional Identity, Cost Estimating Techniques, Cost Estimating Implementation, Cost and Schedule Risk Analysis, and Integration with Other Disciplines. We summarize recent progress and issue challenges for future research. We recommend taking advantage of trends in Digital Engineering and Agile and providing meaningful dashboards instead of static briefs.
Photos & Attendee Headshots
Photos by Carrie Evans unless otherwise noted. All photos are available for private use; please credit the photographer if used publicly or for business purposes.
To request a high-resolution version of any photo, or if you took photos at the Workshop you’d like to share with us, please email ICEAA.
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Contact Carrie Evans to inquire about Photoshop services for enhancing your head shot!
Hotel
Hyatt Regency San Antonio
123 Losoya Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
ICEAA does not have a relationship with any group accommodation providers, travel agents, or other third-party reservation services. You will not be contacted by anyone involved with the ICEAA workshop to make your reservation or to encourage you to do so. If you are unsure if a communication regarding the Workshop is valid, please contact us at iceaa@iceaaonline.org
Draft Detail Schedule
Download the detailed schedule (PDF) as of May 8, 2023. All times, titles, and speaker information subject to change.
Outline Schedule
Attending the ICEAA Professional Development & Training Workshop earns a minimum of 2 points towards CCEA recertification. Additional points can be claimed for individual sessions attended by completing a form after the Workshop.
Tuesday
Breakfast buffet available • 7:00 – 8:00
Best Paper Awards & Keynote Presentation • 8:00 – 9:30
Papers • 9:45 – 11:45
Lunch • 11:45 – 12:45
Training/Papers • 12:45 – 4:45
Welcome Reception • 4:45 – 7:00
Wednesday
Breakfast buffet available • 7:00 – 8:00
Association Awards & Keynote Presentation • 8:00 – 9:45
Training/Papers • 10:15 – 12:00
Lunch • 12:00 – 1:15
Training/Papers • 1:15 – 5:15
Attendee Reception • 5:15 – 6:30
Enjoy San Antonio!
Thursday
Breakfast buffet available • 7:00 – 8:00
Keynote Presentation • 8:00 – 9:00
Training/Papers • 9:15 – 11:00
Best Paper General Session • 11:15 – 12:00
Lunch • 12:00 – 1:15
Training/Papers • 1:15 – 3:00
Closing General Session • 3:15 – 4:30
Workshop Ends • 4:30