Are you looking for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IT program management in government? Want to learn from other program managers’ experiences delivering applications using agile? Gain insights into how analysis can inform smarter, more cost-effective IT contracts? Explore how cost analysis can help you manage resources more strategically? Connect with peers across program management, contracting, technology, and cost analysis to share best practices? Understand the cost and resource trade-offs of emerging development approaches? If so, the Joint IT and Software Cost Forum is for you!
This joint forum is co-chaired and organized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA), the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Cost Estimating Directorate, the Office of the Secretary Defense Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation (OSD CAPE), the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Cost & Economics), and the U.S. Census Bureau’s Office of Program Performance and Stakeholder Integration (PPSI).
Our mission is to foster continuous learning and engagement between Federal Program Managers, technologists, contracting officers, and cost analysts. Our forum enhances the analytical capabilities and drives innovation across the Federal government for Information Technology, software development, and cost estimating through our efforts to exchange ideas, share successes, face challenges, efficiently optimize available resources, and apply best practices.
Forum Topics Include:
Cyber Security
Emerging Technologies
SW and IT Program Management and Contracting
Agile/Cloud
Analytical Methods and Modeling
History and Overview of the Joint IT & Software Cost Forum
The Joint IT and Software Cost Forum (JITSWCF) traces its origins to the formation of the Software and Information Technology Cost Integrated Product Team (Software and IT-CIPT) by the Naval Center for Cost Analysis (NCCA) on August 10, 2015. The inaugural meeting, held at the Lockheed Martin Global Vision Center in Crystal City, Virginia, under the leadership of Dr. Wilson Rosa, marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance software and IT cost estimation. With over 134 participants, the meeting garnered highly positive feedback, establishing a foundation for continued growth.
In August 2016, the Software and IT-CIPT merged with the IT-Cost Analysis and Support Team (IT-CAST) to form a joint cross-agency forum known as "Software and IT-CAST." This initiative, co-led by NCCA and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Corporate Assessment and Program Evaluation (NGA CAPE), became a critical platform for government and industry professionals to exchange cost data, share best practices, and develop solutions for software and IT cost estimation. This evolving collaboration eventually became the annual Joint IT and Software Cost Forum.
By 2020, the Department of Homeland Security’s Cost Analysis Division (CAD) assumed sponsorship of the forum, partnering with the NGA and the National Security Agency (NSA). Even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the forum successfully transitioned to a fully virtual format, expanding its reach and inclusivity. DHS CAD also broadened the scope of the event, bringing in Program Managers and Software Experts to join discussions that were traditionally held among cost analysts. This shift has led to richer dialogue, better identification of shared challenges, and a more comprehensive approach to addressing them.
By 2022, the Joint IT and Software Cost Forum had grown even stronger, with partnerships that now include the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency, Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Census Bureau, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Cost and Economics (ODASA-CE), and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (OSD CAPE). This broad coalition has helped the event emerge as a premier venue for collaboration and innovation in IT and software cost estimation across the federal government.
Key Accomplishments of the Joint IT & Software Cost Forum:
- Driving Government Efficiency Through Collaboration: The forum has become a vital platform for cross-agency coordination, enabling federal IT and software leaders to share best practices, address common challenges, and develop unified, cost-effective approaches to program management and cost estimating.
- Accelerating Adoption of Innovative, Cost-Saving Practices: Participants gain insights into cutting-edge methodologies such as machine learning for cost analysis, agile budgeting techniques, and cloud cost optimization strategies—advancing efficiency and fiscal responsibility in federal IT programs.
- Empowering Leadership for Smarter Decision-Making: The forum equips senior leaders and program managers with the knowledge to oversee IT investments more effectively, mitigate risks, and make data-driven decisions that optimize resources and drive mission success.
- Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: By fostering clearer communication among IT Program Managers, Cost Estimators, and executive leaders, the forum strengthens trust in cost estimating and decision-making, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
Participant feedback underscores the forum’s impact, highlighting increased understanding of cost estimation techniques, agile methodologies, and stronger connections within the federal IT and project management communities. Recognized for promoting collaboration, showcasing emerging technologies, and delivering critical insights, the forum continues to advance IT and software cost estimation across the federal government.
The Joint IT & Software Cost Forum remains a driving force in improving efficiency, innovation, and transparency—helping agencies manage IT resources smarter and more effectively.
JITSWCF’s 2024 proceedings were held from September 17 – 19, 2024. Details for next year’s conference will be released in summer of 2025.
- 2020 JITSWCF Slides and Video Recordings on Bigmarker
- 2021 JITSWCF Slides and Video Recordings on Bigmarker
- 2022 JITSWCF Slides and Video Recordings on Bigmarker
- For the 2023 Slides and Video Recordings or the 2024 video recordings, please email JointITSWCostForum@hq.dhs.gov
- 2024 JITSWCF Slides
Contact us at JointITSWCostForum@hq.dhs.gov.