Tom Harris
Springboro,OH
Summary
Dynamic cost estimation leader with extensive experience at the United States Air Force and the Department of War, adept in financial analysis and project management. Successfully directed multi-billion dollar programs, enhancing cost accuracy and stakeholder collaboration. Proven track record in risk assessment and process improvement, delivering critical insights to senior defense officials.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
USAF Supervisory Cost Lead
Office of the Undersecretary of Defense OSD (A&S)
03.2025 - Current
- Directed a team of 11 analysts managing T&E, Propulsion, Training Systems, and Sustainment activities.
- Oversaw intricate cost estimating challenges across Air Force, Navy, Marines, and 15 foreign partners.
- Facilitated collaboration among stakeholders to ensure comprehensive program oversight.
- Evaluated financial data to support multi-service projects within $1T+ F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program.
Senior Operations Research Analyst
United States Air Force
12.2023 - 03.2025
- Senior Operations Research Analyst at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Cost and Economics Division
- Senior cost estimator leading a wide range of high level DoD and AF programs
- Source Selection Cost Estimating Lead for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) within the Agile Development Office.
- Routinely presented contentious cost estimates to the highest level of DoD and AF in support of AoAs, POEs, POMs, BCAs, ASPs, as well as countless high level tasking
Cost Chief
United States Air Force
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Directed cost management for KC-Y and KC-Z programs, overseeing a $325B portfolio.
- Led cost estimates for inaugural KC-Y Program Office Estimate, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Managed Cost Analysis Working Group for NGAS Analysis of Alternatives, facilitating key decision-making.
- Coordinated comprehensive cost estimating efforts across various projects within the portfolio.
Senior Operations Research Analyst
United States Air Force
07.2019 - 01.2021
- Led cost analysis for Next Generation Air Transportation (NEAT) Analysis of Alternatives (AoA).
- Collaborated with senior Department of War officials to develop joint AoA for E-4B, E-6B, and C-32A aircraft replacement.
- Constructed and validated life cycle cost estimates surpassing $200 billion.
- Reported findings and expertly defended cost estimates to Senior OSD CAPE stakeholders.
Directorate Cost Chief
United States Air Force
02.2016 - 07.2019
- Directed team of cost analysts in Plans and Programs Directorate at Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
- Revitalized Cost Estimating and Analysis of Alternatives process for Air Force and Department of War.
- Developed and defended cost estimates for Senior DoW Stakeholders across various weapon systems.
- Managed cost analysis for Next Generation Fighters, Tankers, UAVs, Directed Energy Systems, and Space Weapons Systems.
Supervisor, Predator/Reaper Unmanned Air Vehicle Cost Estimating Branch Chief
United States Air Force
07.2012 - 03.2016
- Company Overview: Medium Altitude Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- Cost team lead/supervisor of $90B Predator/Reaper Unmanned Air Vehicle Drones
- Supervisor of a team of 10 civilians, government contractors, and military officers in a highly complex and extremely challenging program office
- Cost team lead/supervisor during 5 year period where Predator/Reaper drones were the #1 requested military asset in the Global War on Terror
- Continuously provided quick turn analysis required by high ranking appointees/offices-including reports to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition)
- Medium Altitude Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Cost Analyst
United States Air Force
05.2007 - 07.2012
- Company Overview: Aeronautical Systems Center
- Senior Cost Analyst with experience in source selection, Milestone Estimates, Emergency/Tiger Teams, and Senior Analyst Reviews with responsibilities ranging from individual estimator, reviewer, advisor, and team lead
- Air Force Cost Team lead for an effort tasked by the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force to complete cost estimates in support of an assessment on the Air Force's nuclear sustainment-presented and defended cost estimates to a panel chaired by Major General Everett Thomas, Commander of the Global Strike Command-estimates were key component to the report that was provided to Congress
- Collaborated with a team of analysts to provide Senior Department of Defense officials Milestone B cost estimates for the KC-46A tanker program-personally responsible for estimates totaling over 80%, or $13 billion, of Service Cost Position Production costs
- Aeronautical Systems Center
Financial Manager
Air Force Research Laboratory
05.2002 - 05.2007
- Lead Financial Analyst for Control Sciences Division (AFRL/VAC) responsible for coordinating budget/cost analysis of six analysts, $85M+ active year funds, and seven program elements including Basic Research (AFOSR), Applied Research, Advanced Research, SBIR, and DARPA
- Monitored execution status and routinely briefed CFO and Directorate leadership on financial status
- Analyzed financial cost reports and contracts to validate funding profiles and ensure billings were up to date
Education
Air Command and Staff College -
Air University
Montgomery, AL12.2013
Defense Financial Management & Comptroller School -
Maxwell AFB
Montgomery, Alabama05.2011
MBA - Business Administration
University of Findlay
Findlay, OH12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Finance
University of Dayton
Dayton08.2004
Skills
- Cost estimation
- Data analysis
- Statistical modeling
- Budget management
- Program evaluation
- Risk assessment
- Financial analysis
- Project management
- Process improvement
- Cost-benefit analysis
Certification
- Certified Defense Financial Management
- Level III Business - Financial Management
- Level III Business - Cost Estimating
- Level I - Program Management
Awards
- Air Force Achievement Medal, 01/01/25
- Air Force Acquisition Leadership Award, FY24 Small Team of the Year
- AFLCMC Small Team of the Year (Team Lead), 03/01/20
- Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award, 09/01/17
Security Clearance
Top Secret/Service Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
USAF Supervisory Cost Lead
Office of the Undersecretary of Defense OSD (A&S)
03.2025 - Current
Senior Operations Research Analyst
United States Air Force
12.2023 - 03.2025
Cost Chief
United States Air Force
01.2021 - 12.2023
Senior Operations Research Analyst
United States Air Force
07.2019 - 01.2021
Directorate Cost Chief
United States Air Force
02.2016 - 07.2019
Supervisor, Predator/Reaper Unmanned Air Vehicle Cost Estimating Branch Chief
United States Air Force
07.2012 - 03.2016
Cost Analyst
United States Air Force
05.2007 - 07.2012
Financial Manager
Air Force Research Laboratory
05.2002 - 05.2007
Air Command and Staff College -
Air University
Defense Financial Management & Comptroller School -
Maxwell AFB
MBA - Business Administration
University of Findlay
Bachelor of Science - Finance
University of Dayton