# AI for Federal Cost Estimation and Analysis Course (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/ai-for-federal-cost-estimation-and-analysis-course-self-paced>

## Overview

This half-day course teaches federal cost professionals how to use AI as a practical tool for developing, reviewing, and communicating cost estimates and economic analyses. Participants will learn to apply AI to lifecycle cost modeling, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, independent cost estimate review, and capital planning — while maintaining compliance with GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide standards and OMB requirements. No prior AI experience is required.

## What you'll learn

- Explain AI fundamentals and responsible use principles relevant to federal cost estimation and analysis
- Use AI to research cost estimating methodologies and interpret GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide standards
- Apply AI tools to analyze historical cost data, identify cost drivers, and assess estimating uncertainty
- Leverage AI for cost-benefit analysis (OMB Circular A-94), cost-effectiveness analysis, and business case development
- Construct effective prompts for cost estimation scenarios including lifecycle cost models, sensitivity analysis, and risk-adjusted estimates
- Verify AI-generated cost analysis against authoritative sources (GAO Cost Guide, OMB Circulars A-94 and A-11, agency CPIC guidance)
- Recognize when AI output requires review by senior cost estimators, program managers, or investment review boards

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: AI Fundamentals for Cost Professionals

- How AI language models work and their application to cost estimation and economic analysis
- Responsible AI use with cost data, procurement-sensitive information, and pre-decisional estimates
- Protecting sensitive cost data, proprietary pricing, and source selection information
- Recognizing AI hallucinations in cost modeling and economic analysis contexts

#### Module 2: AI for Cost Estimation Development and Review

- Using AI to research cost estimating methodologies (analogy, parametric, engineering build-up)
- AI-assisted analysis of historical cost data and cost growth trends
- Applying GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide standards with AI research support
- Independent cost estimate review and should-cost analysis with AI tools

#### Module 3: AI for Economic Analysis and Capital Planning

- Applying AI to cost-benefit analysis aligned with OMB Circular A-94 requirements
- Using AI for business case development and Exhibit 300 support narratives
- Sensitivity analysis and risk assessment for cost estimates with AI tools
- Lifecycle cost modeling and total cost of ownership analysis with AI assistance

#### Module 4: Hands-On Workshop

- Participants apply AI tools to realistic federal cost estimation scenarios
- Practice prompt engineering for cost analysis and economic evaluation queries
- Cross-check AI outputs against GAO Cost Guide and OMB guidance
- Group exercise: Using AI to develop a cost estimate briefing for an investment review board

## Instructors

### Steve Pesklo — Instructor

Steve is an energetic trainer who focuses on applying technical concepts to everyday work practices. He is the founder and president of SoftLake Solutions, a company that specializes in providing data and AI applications to identify fraud for Internal Audit, Criminal Investigations, Forensic Accounting, Privacy, and Compliance.

Steve brings a large amount of experience across multiple industries and government agencies. He is an expert in implementing large data analysis projects across the world, including Inland Revenue in the UK and Argentina, New Zealand, Africa and across Europe. Previously, he was the manager of Data Architecture and Data Services for a large mortgage company. He is a frequent speaker on data analytics and project management topics and speaks fluent German. He has been teaching at the Graduate School for over 10 years.

Steve has an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and a B.S. in Computer Science from California Lutheran University and the Universität Salzburg in Austria. He is certified as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $675