Data to Decisions Applied Research

Abstract

The DoD response to a changing threat environment includes an expansion of the types of sensors deployed, new types of information collected, and different features used to classify these new threats. As the DoD increases the capability and capacity to generate increasing amounts of data from numerous sensors in the battlespace, the issue of handling very large data sets has become more challenging. From a technical perspective, data creation speeds have outpaced the speed and ability to transport, store, and process the data created. S&T investigation into new and novel ways to manage and exploit this data is required to more efficiently use sensor assets and effectively use information in a timely fashion. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Data to Decisions program (PEs 0602663D8Z and 0603663D8Z) uniquely addresses three specific gap areas not addressed by Component S&T: minimal dedicated Data to Decisions research to support Joint and emerging mission areas; DoD needs a mechanism to increase responsiveness of Component Data to Decisions research and lower the time-to-solution across a broad DoD-wide user base; and limited investment in multi-disciplinary research investigations of Data to Decisions issues and solutions. The OSD Data to Decisions program pulls together research efforts to address shortfalls within the context of Joint and emerging missions to ensure that the distinctive needs of these joint analysts and decision makers are addressed by DoD science and technology. As an example, irregular warfare, non-state terrorism movements, and uncertain environmental patterns that trigger major weather disasters are producing a reality for military and government leaders where traditional physics-based sensors alone are insufficient to plan current and future actions in a region of interest or need. Component Data to Decisions efforts focus on developing technology to overcome a particular challenge within a mission or to advance a particular priority area of that Component. As a result, the R&E Database has over 388 references to Decision Support programs; all of which are designed to address a specific need over the course of several years. However, there exists no other program in the DoD that focuses on technology development efforts to speed the delivery of the Component solutions and lessons learned to a DoD-wide user base. The OSD Data to Decisions program provides the common platform (access to datasets, infrastructure, and metrics) to integrate and evaluate the technology development and research methods to support various missions driven by the challenge problems. This ability to rapidly evaluate technology development and research methods will allow technology transfer for mission analysis not previously foreseen and lower the time-to solution across DoD by rigorously analyzing technical performance for more immediate use. Traditional approaches within research seek to advance machine systems for a specific mission effect resulting in large complex data sets. While necessary for sensor system improvements, potential Data to Decisions solutions require a coupling of automated data analysis with human analysts, operators, and decision makers in order to reduce time and limit the number of people required. Many research studies, workshops, and analysis have stated that solutions to data issues are multi-disciplinary. The OSD Data to Decisions program is in the unique position to reach across Components and research disciplines to blend promising research in new ways in response to cross-service Challenge Problem statements. For Challenge Problems, contextual understanding will result from research combining human sciences with computer processing techniques to take advantage of a person’s cognitive ability to fuse and assimilate multiple sources and types of information for new insights.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2015
Source ID
0602663D8Z_2_0400_PB_2015
Change Summary Explanation
Service Agency Name
Office of Secretary Of Defense

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Asymmetric Warfare
  • Communications Intelligence
  • Computers
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Management
  • Data Sets
  • Detectors
  • Human Intelligence
  • Joints
  • Lessons Learned
  • Open Source Intelligence
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Software Prototyping
  • Technology Transfer
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Text Analytics

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.

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