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Client:
The
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office for Domestic
Preparedness (ODP). ODP provides state and local emergency responders
the resources they need to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
incidents of terrorism.
Challenge:
In Phase I of ThoughtLink's work for ODP
we determined how technology can help expand the reach, increase the
frequency, and lower the cost of Training & Exercising (T&E).
We also analyzed counter-terrorism training and exercises and evaluated
models, simulations, and games that could augment the current training
and exercise programs.
We found that many MS&G exist. The questions then became: 1) What is the best way to choose among myriad alternative T&E tools? and 2) How can one ensure that training requirements are met using any given tool?
Objective:
1)
To teach: about the types of technologies currently available for
all-hazards exercising; of ongoing and related initiatives utilizing
technologies for exercising; how to select these technologies to
conduct exercises.
2) To: guide users through the selection process and create a community of users.
ThoughtLink Solution:
Build two online tools, an MS&G Tutorial and an MS&G Decision Support System (DSS).
Value Added:
The DSS is an interactive web-based program that will assist exercise
planners in deciding which tool is most appropriate to use based on the
T&E requirement. It will also provide a collaborative environment
for users to exchange ideas and best practices for using technology
applications in training and exercises. The Tutorial will educate users
about the basics of MS&G, other related initiatives, and ODP grant
funding available for these tools. A trial period of both these tools
can now be accessed by registering here.
