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18 September 1998, Volume 21, Number 17 |
When people think of disasters, they usually think of natural events such as floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Now there are additional threats involving weapons of mass destruction that include biological and chemical threats caused by terrorist activity. The nation is developing ways to strengthen the critical infrastructure. The Department of Defense (DoD) mission now addresses this national issue and requirements are being formulated.SSC San Diego's expertise as an organization whose mission is to integrate information systems that provide collaborative planning tools for use by its personnel can assist the new DoD mission. The proven expertise in different information systems that provide data, maps, listings of national resources, sensor technologies, computer security, wireless communications, and the knowledge of local and national military and civilian communities is valuable to supporting this mission area. To address this opportunity a cross-departmental team managed out of the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Science, Technology and Engineering (D10), was formed to present one voice to the potential sponsors, many of whom have not worked with SSC San Diego before.
Dr. Brenda-Lee Karasik, D10, is the team leader for the Crisis/Consequence Management Cross-Departmental Team. Representatives for all of the departments form the core team but are supplemented by other representatives as needed. They include: facilitator Aleta Wallace (D10); Navigation and Applied Sciences (D30) representatives Dr. Randy Moore and Bob Haggerty; Command and Control Department (D40) representative Dr. George Seymour; Fleet Engineering (D60) representatives Neil Weinstein and Chris Von-Mueller; Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Department (D70) representatives David Forbes, David Lowenstein, and Abby Westerman; and Communication and Information Systems Department (D80) representatives Hal Holmerud and Terry Sampite.
The Executive Board has been briefed on the concept and status of this effort. They have endorsed the idea strongly as another cross-departmental effort to start work in new technical areas. Major bid and proposal (MBP) funds were provided by the Business Review Board. Since this is a new area, a marketing strategy was developed and approved by the Business Board. The core team conducted a marketing assessment and developed a conceptual plan which was briefed successfully to key agencies. The next stage in the business process, proposal development, is in process.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is key to any effort related to crisis/consequence management. The team used a focused approach resulting in cosponsoring the FEMA/Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) Technology Partnerships Workshop and Exhibit held at Argonne National Laboratory in July 1998. SSC San Diego demonstrated the DAWN (Defense Information System Agency/Defense Information System Network Asynchronous Transfer Mode Wide Area Network) approach to integrating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products to form a wireless video, voice, data, and white board representing an integrated IT- 21 (Information Technology for the 21st Century) solution example targeted to the audience. Participation included two poster sessions highlighting the Perimeter Alert - Soldier 911 and the Disaster Management Anchor Desk (DMAD). A panel presentation on "Technology Solutions for a Disaster Resistant Community" was briefed.
As part of the marketing approach the Corporate Initiatives Group (CIG) developed new targeted materials. Dale Gurley of Code D10 developed an exhibit and additional materials, with assistance of the Technical Information Division, that highlighted the theme "Putting the Pieces Together. " It was used at the FEMA / TSWG Technology Partnerships Workshop and Exhibit.
Following the conference a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FEMA and SSC San Diego was signed that will form the beginning of a working relationship with the national office. The purpose of this MOU is to identify and assess transferable technologies and to provide supporting technological solutions to the emergency management communities.
At the exhibit booth highlighting SSC San Diego's Crises/Consequence Management Team efforts are (l-r) Mark Emer, Lenny Kerbs, Navy Reservist Lt. Cmdr. Donna Fortin, Dr. George Seymour, Dale Gurley, and Dr. Brenda-Lee Karasik.
Demonstrating wireless communications are Steve Kennison (wearing a fire fighter suit), Dr. George Seymour, Hal Holmerud (wearing a hazardous materials suit), and Dr. Brenda-Lee Karasik.
Bob Haggarty explains the Crises/Consequence Management Team concept to a conference attendee.