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PUBLICATIONS |
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Immersive Simulation of Complex Social Environments
By Paul Cummings and Arnold Leonard of ICF International and published in the proceedings for the Army Sciences Conference, December 2008. This paper describes the development of an immersive multi-agent training simulation system that applies culturally realistic and variable behavior modeling in complex and critical decision-oriented social scenarios patterned after actual critical incidents gathered from the field. The simulation employs an experiential model of cultural and cognitive behavior to drive the actions of agents (e.g., simulated members of the civilian population) that interact, producing variable group behavior.
Homeland Security, Emergency Management and the Economy
In the December 2008 edition of Emergency Management Magazine, Eric Holdeman of ICF International provides insights into what the downturn in the economy might mean for emergency management and homeland security programs. In the article he looks at near, mid, and long term impacts concerning funding, preparedness, and disaster resiliency for our nation’s communities
Project Impact Initiative to Create Disaster-Resistant Communities Demonstrates Worth in Kansas Years Later
Published in the November 2008 edition of Emergency Management Magazine, by Eric Holdeman of ICF International and Ann Patton, both of whom had active Project Impact programs in their communities. Project Impact was a relatively short-lived federal program that promoted disaster mitigation. While the program no longer exists as a federally sponsored entity, there are jurisdictions that are continuing to promote the disaster mitigation message that has protected people and property from many different types of disasters.
EOC Design Considerations
Published in the 2009-09 Disaster Resource Guide, by Eric Holdeman of ICF International. Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) are utilized to coordinate disaster response efforts. These facilities have evolved overtime to become much more complex operations and facilities due to the integration of technology and the expanding numbers and types of disasters for which planning must be done. This article provides information and design concepts for organizations that are contemplating either remodeling an existing EOC or building an entirely new facility.
Interoperability: What's Impeding a National Communications System?
Published in the Summer 2008 issue of Emergency Management Magazine, by Eric Holdeman of ICF International. Communications interoperability has been a hot topic in government and as a target for homeland security funding following the events of 9/11. Eric Holdeman discusses the issues of governance, and the challenges of getting communities of different sizes to collaborate on communications systems. The bottom line is that most of the time the issue with communications interoperability is not equipment, but people and the lack of relationships and cooperation between jurisdictions and agencies.
…And Not a Drop to Drink. Water, a Test for Emergency Managers
Published in the June 2008 issue (Volume IV, Issue 2) of Homeland Security Affairs, by Michael Byrne of ICF International. Formerly in roles including FEMA operations chief and as a federal coordinating officer in multiple disaster responses, Byrne proposes that water delivery to disaster victims be a litmus test of overall success of a disaster response. The article examines the complex emergency management process by viewing it next to the process of water delivery and points out areas for improvement.
Regional Response Demands Joint Command and Control
By Eric Holdeman of ICF International and published in the Spring 2008 issue of Emergency Management Magazine. The nation has been working to implement a National Incident Management System (NIMS). While much progress has been made on training people, the issue still remains as to how we respond in multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional events. While there is a template available, it does not address the complexities of the American proliferation of local governments, each having authorities over a portion of the public landscape. Only by learning to work together as regions in collaboration with one another and with the private and non-profit sectors will we be able to address the "Who's in Charge?" question.
Fusion Centers Face Staffing and Data Sharing Hurdles
By Eric Holdeman of ICF International and published in his column, "Eric's Corner," in the Spring 2008 issue of Emergency Management Magazine. Fusion Centers have been established in states and large metropolitan areas to better coordinate the sharing of intelligence information so as to perhaps prevent another terrorist attack on the United States. These Fusion Centers have representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. While they sit together in the same building, they still need to learn to share more than the same coffee pot. Progress has been made, but much more needs to be done to eliminate the turf war that exists between agencies and levels of government.
Grid Reliability
By Jim Stanton of ICF International and published in the March 2008 issue of POWER magazine. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards will be fully in the spotlight in 2008. These newly approved measures have the potential to impose substantial compliance associated costs on Responsible Entities under the standards, and also seek to mitigate what are perhaps the most significant risks to the nation's electric infrastructure.
In for the Long Haul
Published in PM Network magazine, February 2008, by Sarah Fister Gale. This article focuses on post-disaster recovery efforts, including the massive and ongoing rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Andrew Robinson, who spent six months as the program manager for the state of Louisiana’s The Road Home program, the largest recovery program ever undertaken in the United States, was interviewed extensively for the article. Douglas Beck, who oversees communications for the program, and David Fukutomi, who provides consulting services on response recovery and crisis communications for ICF were also interviewed.
NERC/CIP Cyber Security: Leveraging Existing Controls to Secure the Enterprise
Published in the February 28, 2008, issue of Energy Central's EnergyPulse, by Kevin T. McDonald, Senior NERC Cyber Security Analyst at ICF International. The electric utility industry is facing the daunting task of compliance with the rigorous North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) critical infrastructure protection (CIP) physical and electronic security standards. Formulated to mitigate the threat of damage or disruption to the U.S. and Canadian Power Grid, these standards were formally adopted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in early 2008 and are now mandatory. This article demonstrates methods to reduce the impact of compliance by identifying and incorporating existing controls into the NERC CIP Framework.
Crisis Informatics
By Mike Byrne and Colin Whitmore of ICF International, published in the February 2008 issue of IAEM Bulletin. Understanding how people communicate surrounding a disaster is crucial to ensuring the timely distribution of information for preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. In the technology-driven society we live in, we are beginning to rely less on traditional forms of media and more on self-policing communities of information gatherers. Look no further than Facebook or Wikipedia for proof. Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder have named this science "Crisis Informatics," and it is actively changing how we think of disaster communications. This article sheds some light on the subject and encourages emergency management professionals to adapt to these changes sooner rather than later.
Implications of Cyber Security Standards for Electric Power Grid
ICF International examines the implications of the cyber security and critical infrastructure protection (CIP) standards set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The Commission has implemented eight mandatory security standards that apply to all bulk power system users, owners, and operators. Developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), these critical infrastructure protection standards attempt to protect the nation’s electric power grid from cyber attacks. Register to download this special report.
Lean Metrics: Red is Good, Green is Worthless
Published in the Logistics Officer Association's Exceptional Release, Fall 2007, by Russell Rhea of ICF International. The article compares how a traditionally managed company uses metrics to manage its business to how a lean Toyota-management style company operates. The author proposes that a company or organization has much more to gain from a lean management style, where metrics against aggressive goals are often "red" to help focus company efforts to improve.
Parents and Students Should Question Colleges
Published in The Richmond Times-Dispatch on August 20, 2007, ICF's Robert Blitzer advises parents and students to ask their college how they would deal with their own version of the Virgina Tech shootings. He suggests questions such as: (1) Has the school done a full assessment of potential catastrophic risks? (2) Does the school have an appropriate emergency team in place? (3) Does the school have multiple means to communicate with students, faculty, staff, and visitors in the event of an immediate, ongoing emergency situation? (4) What communication and coordination networks exist among campus security leadership, local law enforcement, political officials, first responders, and health officials, both on an ongoing basis and in case of emergency? (5) Is the training of campus security personnel appropriate to potential risks?
Cyber Security Under the NERC Reliability Standards
By James R. Stanton of ICF International and published in IT Compliance Magazine, Spring 2007. The interconnected nature and electronic control systems of the nation’s high voltage electrical system renders it susceptible to coordinated cyber attacks. Critical infrastructure protection (CIP) requirements are key components in the newly enforceable set of NERC Reliability Standards. Perhaps more than any other set of standards, the CIP group holds the potential to deflect and address the most potentially devastating contingencies on the interconnected systems. Cyber security has a wider meaning in the context of large system disruptions and interrupted service to broad areas of users than the previous concerns about data and file server corruption.
Pandemic
Events Are a Poor Fit in Traditional Disaster Planning
Published in ICF International's Perspectives, a
quarterly report that provides executive briefs on key insights
and perspectives, Fall 2006.
The
Role of Strategic Communication in Pandemic Event Planning
Published in ICF International's Perspectives, a
quarterly report that provides executive briefs on key
insights and perspectives, Fall 2006.
Partners
in Preparedness
Published in ICF International's Perspectives, a
quarterly report that provides executive briefs on key
insights and perspectives, Fall 2006.
Planning
for a Pandemic
Published in ICF International's Perspectives, a
quarterly report that provides executive briefs on key
insights and perspectives, Fall 2006.
Approach to Mass Transit Security in the United States
July 8, 2005 - The recent bombings in London have put the
spotlight on the vulnerabilities of mass transit systems.
However, the United States has already ramped up its efforts
to make all modes of transportation (including trains and
buses) safer as a result of previous attacks and a desire
to implement best practices. In addition to the state, local,
and industry efforts in mass transit security, two key federal
efforts are supporting the nationwide approach to transportation
security protection and response.
Continuity
Planning Emphasizes Comprehensive, All-Hazards Approach
Published
in ICF International's Perspectives, a quarterly
report that provides executive briefs on key insights
and perspectives, Winter 2005.
Homeland
Security Strategic Planning for Urban Areas
Published in ICF International's Perspectives,
a quarterly report that provides executive briefs on
key insights and perspectives, Winter 2005.
Presidential
Directive Pushes Homeland Security Preparedness
Published in ICF International's Perspectives,
a quarterly report that provides executive briefs on
key insights and perspectives, Winter 2005.
A
Single Response Framework for Managing Emergencies
Published in ICF International's Perspectives, a quarterly
report that provides executive briefs on key insights and
perspectives, Winter 2005.
International
Oil Facilities Are a Top Infrastructure Target of Terrorists:
Protecting U.S. Oil Facilities
Published in ICF International's Perspectives, a quarterly
report that provides executive briefs on key insights and
perspectives, Summer 2004.
Effect
of Coast Guard Maritime Security Rules on EPA-Regulated
Facilities
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) published final rules on October
22, 2003, to implement the security requirements of the Maritime
Transportation Security Act of 2002 in regard to oil spill
prevention and marine safety. The rules include provisions
addressing Area Maritime Security (ports), vessels, and facilities.
Some of these entities contain transportation-related
and non-transportation-related components that are regulated
by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
the USCG, such as a marine transfer facility (under USCG
jurisdiction) with aboveground storage tanks (under EPA jurisdiction).
This white paper introduces approaches that EPA can take
to continue coordination with USCG and to assist regulated
facilities in complying with these new requirements.
Assessing
the Economic Impacts of Port Security Regulations
Published in ICF International's Perspectives, a quarterly
report that provides executive briefs on key insights and
perspectives, Fall 2003.
The
Economic Cost of the Blackout—An issue paper on the U.S.
Northeastern Blackout of August 2003
August 21, 2003 - The recent power blackout has revived the
discussion on the need to upgrade the transmission infrastructure.
While that debate has its own merit, a related and potentially
scaier questions that needs to be addressed is the vulnerability
of our electrical grid to terrorist attacks. ICF International
recently raised similar concerns in a hypothetical scenario
of a terrorist attack on the transmission grid
in California. In this issue paper, we use some of the insights
gained from the California simulation to measure the economic
costs of the recent blackout and reiterate some of the lessons
learned from the exercise. To learn more about the competing
pressures of grid operations, why containment failed, and
recommendations on preventing future cascade occurrences,
visit ICF International's special section on Understanding
the 2003 Northeast Power Outage, Cascading Blackouts, &
the Transmission Grid.
Measuring
the Economic Costs of Terrorist Attacks
Published in ICF International's Perspectives, a quarterly
report that provides executive briefs on key insights and
perspectives, Summer 2003. ICF International and Regional Economic Models, Inc., (REMI) have
been exploring methodologies and models to better understand
the near- and long-term economic effects of terrorist attacks.
This report, which uses data collected from two hypothetical
scenarios, highlights the temporal and cross-sector complexities
of modeling such damages, because the ripple effects across
sectors and geographies may be significant but difficult to
predict. The analysis estimates the direct costs related to
an attack on the California electricity transmission grid
and a deliberate spreading of Foot and Mouth disease in an
agricultural state.
Terrorist
Threats Against Energy Transmission Systems
Published in ICF International's Perspectives, a quarterly
report that provides executive briefs on key insights and
perspectives, Winter 2003.
Urban
Hazard Mitigation: Increasing Human Security through Re-Assessing
the Steps Toward Livable Communities
By Michael Armstrong, 2002. This paper addresses the ideas
and approaches that might empower those who influence the
built environment to assess the types of land use, building
design, and other practices in the urban environment that
have increased the public's risks to death, injury, and property
damage. The basic tenets of hazard mitigation have been admirably
discussed in the past, and they will be restated here as part
of the fundamentals of any hazard mitigation strategy. However,
as we discuss the approaches and implementation of an urban
application to hazard mitigation in the context of 2002, this
discussion will require reassessment of how we govern and
how we direct policy, from a national, state, and local level.
Consulting
Insights—FEMA's Growing Role in Supporting Terrorism
Preparedness
Published in ICF International's Consult, a quarterly
report that provides executive briefs on key insights and
perspectives, Spring 2002.
Recommendations
for U.S. Homeland Security
Published in ICF International's Consult, a quarterly
report that provides executive briefs on key insights and
perspectives, Winter 2001/2002.
The
Changing Face of Emergency Management
Published in ICF International's Consult, a quarterly
report that provides executive briefs on key insights and
perspectives, Winter 2001/2002.
A
New Approach to International Terrorism
Published in the International Affairs Review, Summer/Autumn
2001, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 80-95 by Martin Kalis. The article
discusses how a set of uniform terrorism standards could encourage
nations to work cooperatively to develop an effective international
counterterrorism strategy.
Evaluation of Implementation of a New Emergency Management
System for Public Health in the State of Georgia
by Lora Werner, Matt Naud, and Anita T. Kellogg (1998). This
report presents a qualitative evaluation of the effectiveness
of preparedness efforts in the State of Georgia public health
system during two subsequent disasters in 1998.
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