David Stem

Washington Area Chapter President

David E. Stem is a cost analyst at the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency and has been working in the field for the past 20 years. Since joining AFCAA in 2006, Mr. Stem has worked on cost estimating for some of the largest major defense acquisition programs in the Air Force such as the Joint Strike Fighter, B-2 avionics modernization upgrades, the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Reengineering program, and the MQ-9 Reaper program. Prior to working for AFCAA, Mr. Stem researched various aircraft acquisition topics with a focus on cost implications while working for the RAND Corporation. His published studies include a report on the lessons learned from the development of the F/A-22 and F/A-18E/F programs, estimating methods for predicting the costs of systems engineering and program management, cost issues for aircraft avionics and radars, and several specific program cost studies for the Air Force. Before joining RAND, Mr. Stem worked as a Staff Specialist at the Office of Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics) on weapons, cargo, and tactical aircraft programs coordinating the acquisition reviews as programs proceeded for major acquisition decisions. Previous to this assignment, Mr. Stem worked as a cost analyst at the Naval Center for Cost Analysis leading the development of independent estimates on the F/A-18E/F and the Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) programs. He also performed several independent cost analyses of support aircraft and avionics programs. Mr. Stem began his career at the Naval Air Systems Command working in the cost department developing early program estimates for the Joint Strike Fighter and the Joint Standoff Weapon systems. While still finishing his Bachelors program, Mr. Stem worked as an associate engineer designing and testing gas turbine engine parts at Textron Lycoming.

In addition to his direct work experience, Mr. Stem is an active member of the Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA) and has held several positions on the board of directors including Programs Chairman, Treasurer, and his current position – Vice President. He is Level III certified for Business Cost and Financial Management (BCFM) by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). Mr. Stem holds a master’s degree in business administration with a finance concentration and a BS in aerospace engineering from Virginia Tech. In addition, he has taken several courses at the Naval Postgraduate School towards a aerospace engineering masters. He has also briefed several times at the DoD Cost Analysis Symposium and the SCEA National Conference.

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