Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency

Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency. It is a University Affiliated Research Center established by the United States Department of Homeland Security and hosted by Arizona State University. The center conducts applied research to enhance decision-making and resource allocation in complex homeland security environments. Its work leverages advanced data analytics, modeling and simulation, and artificial intelligence to address critical national challenges.

Overview

The center was founded in 2018 under a contract with the Science and Technology Directorate of the DHS. It is one of a network of UARCs across the nation, including counterparts like the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism at the University of Maryland, College Park. Housed within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, it operates as a cross-disciplinary hub, drawing expertise from fields such as computer science, industrial engineering, and public policy. The center's leadership, including Director Dr. Stephen C. Yoder, works closely with federal sponsors like the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Research Focus

Primary research thrusts are organized around enhancing preparedness and response for homeland security missions. A core focus is on emergency management, developing tools for more effective disaster response and recovery operations, often in coordination with agencies like the FEMA. Another major area is aviation security, where research aims to optimize passenger screening and checkpoint operations for the TSA. The center also dedicates significant effort to border security, creating models to improve the flow of legitimate travel and trade while enhancing security. Additionally, it pursues advanced work in cybersecurity, applying data science and machine learning to protect critical infrastructure from threats.

Key Projects

Notable initiatives include the development of the "Virtual Table Top" exercise platform, used for training and planning by agencies such as the United States Coast Guard. Another significant project involves creating predictive models for airport wait times, directly supporting the Transportation Security Administration's operations at facilities like Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The center has also worked on projects analyzing supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly for critical items like personal protective equipment, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services. Research into countering unmanned aerial systems threats at venues like Super Bowl events represents another applied project area.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Collaboration is central to the center's model, extending beyond its primary relationship with the DHS. It works with other federal entities, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Institutes of Health. The center partners with industry leaders in technology and defense, such as Raytheon Technologies and Intel. Academic collaborations include other UARCs, like the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events at the University of Southern California, and various colleges within Arizona State University, including the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Impact and Applications

The center's research has led to tangible operational improvements within the homeland security enterprise. Its tools and models have been deployed to enhance security screening at airports across the United States, including Los Angeles International Airport and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Work in disaster response has informed planning for complex scenarios involving hurricanes and wildfires, aiding organizations like the American Red Cross. The center's contributions to data-driven decision making have been recognized through continued funding and expansion of its research portfolio, influencing policy and practice at the intersection of security, technology, and public safety.

Category:Research institutes in Arizona Category:Arizona State University Category:Homeland security in the United States Category:University Affiliated Research Centers