Evaluation of DoD Information Analysis Centers Program: Representative Sample Study - Benefits to DoD from Use of DoD Information Analysis Centers
Abstract
The following IDA paper summarizes the results of an assessment of benefits to DoD resulting from the use of three DoD Information Analysis Centers (IACs) by DoD components and DoD contractors. The IACs examined in this report include the Chemical Warfare/Biological Defense Information Analysis Center (CBIAC), the Tactical Weapon Guidance and Control Information Analysis Center (GACIAC), and the Reliability Analysis Center (RAC). The study found that it was possible to quantify some of the benefits reported by IAC users. However, most users interviewed by the IDA team did not conceive of their information requests in terms that lent themselves to quantification. They did not, for example, consider the costs of obtaining similar information from alternative sources, nor did they consider the costs of obtaining information had they undertaken the information search and analyses themselves. It was possible to categorize qualitative benefits provided by IACs as follows: verification and/or substantiation of existing information; verification or substantiation of information from a neutral, unbiased authoritative source; enhanced productivity; promotion and/or implementation of standards and standardization; enhanced communication among scientists and engineers; enhanced competitiveness within the industrial base; and improved military capability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226983
Entities
People
- Edwin S. Townsley
- Forrest R. Frank
- Linda K. Berkhouse
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses