Okay, let’s tackle this. So Gary Kifer has a mix of technical and business skills, which is valuable. He has experience in competitive intelligence systems and data warehousing, which are in demand. Project management skills are also important. Location is Pittsburgh, PA, which is a mid-sized city. Salaries for business analysts in this area are around $100,000–$130,000 per year. Considering his skills and experience, I’d estimate his hourly rate to be around $60–$80. However, given his proficiency in Cognos 8 and strategic planning, I’d round up to $75. This rate is below average for business analysts with similar skills, but it's reasonable given the location and industry demand. Some business analysts in this area can charge $100–$120 per hour, but Gary's overall skillset and experience suggest a lower rate.