Science and technology solutions are critical to many national and homeland security problems — when the technology meets the needs of a given challenge, performs well, is used effectively, and is cost-effective.
Systems analysis helps ensure that potential technology solutions achieve these goals by first understanding the application context and then evaluating solutions from the perspective of that context.
Systems analysts support the entire product life cycle, often focusing particularly on future needs and capabilities. And ultimately, the in-depth knowledge gained through technology analyses can provide valuable insight for policy decisions.
Systems analysis can encompass a range of projects:
- Understanding the threat by analyzing case studies and intelligence
- Creating and analyzing complete scenarios — often using advanced modeling and simulation — that describe the threat and its effects in greater detail
- Laying out architectures — or frameworks for technology and operational systems — for defending against the threat or addressing a mission need (e.g., rad/nuc architecture study map to the right »)
- Developing requirements for potential technology solutions
- Conducting tradeoff studies that examine technology performance attributes
- Identifying the key metrics for judging technology performance
- Assessing technology performance against the metrics and examining the cost and benefits of technology tradeoff decisions
Sandia uses systems analysis to help leaders understand if response strategies are robust, even in the face of many unknowns about the attacks. For example, the tornado chart (below) reveals that changing assumptions about the prophylaxis compliance rate can greatly affect the number of mortalities in a bio-attack.
A sampling of systems analysis projects at Sandia follows:
National Nuclear Defense Architecture
We are developing elements of the national nuclear detection architecture designed to reduce the threat of delivery of radiological and nuclear weapons against the U.S. We also execute pilot deployments and test campaigns involving radiation detectors and other technical components of these architectures for the Department of Homeland Security.Facility Protection
We perform studies and support the development of operating systems for protecting key facilities from threats involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). For example, we recently considered chemicals of highest concern in interior attacks and examined the potential impacts of radiological attacks. Operational support includes designing biodetection systems now being used in high-value public facilities and developing systems for protecting key sites from chemical and biological attacks.Next-Generation Biological Defense
The DHS BioWatch program has deployed environmental monitoring equipment across the country to provide early warning of a bioterrorist attack. Sandia has analyzed detector requirements and investments for the next-generation (Gen3) BioWatch system.Open Border Enforcement
Sandia has developed a systems view for securing the thousands of border miles between official ports of entry and has examined the deterrence effects of a range of technologies and operations. This work has led to recommendations for a layered deployment of resources and a phased approach for introducing improvements.Advanced Decision Support Tools
We aim to lower the probability and minimize the impact of attacks using WMD by developing decision support tools — based on sophisticated modeling and simulation — for planning, training, and response. These tools include detailed threat, detection, and response models. Air Safety
Working for DHS, Sandia is exploring the use of radiation detection equipment to detect the smuggling of illicit nuclear materials aboard various types of commercial and private aircraft.
For more information, contact Pat Falcone at (925) 294-2524.
