HSOAC Publications

The Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC) conducts research and analysis for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in two program areas, the Acquisition and Development Program, and the Strategy, Policy, and Operations Program.

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  A Scoping Literature Review on Indicators and Metrics for Assessing Racial Equity in Disaster Preparation, Response, and Recovery July 15, 2021

  Melissa L. Finucane, Linnea Warren May, Joan Chang

  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency have committed to reduce social inequities but lack frameworks, indicators, and metrics for tracking progress. In this report, researchers describe the results of a literature review, the key themes related to conceptual frameworks, and indicators and metrics. They also identify knowledge gaps and provide recommendations for assessing racial equity in these programs.

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  A Systems Approach to Physical Security in K–12 Schools June 3, 2021

  Pauline Moore, Brian A. Jackson, Catherine H. Augustine, Elizabeth D. Steiner, Andrea Phillips

  School leaders across the United States face the challenge of creating safe and secure environments across their campuses in a way that helps promote the achievement of schools' educational objectives. In this report, Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center researchers define and present a systems approach to school physical security in which protection and mitigation elements work together to provide layered security benefits.

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  Challenges in Implementing Physical Security Measures in K–12 Schools June 3, 2021

  Elizabeth D. Steiner, Andrea Phillips, Pauline Moore, Brian A. Jackson, Catherine H. Augustine

  Researchers synthesized the literature on physical security planning from school-specific sources and related disciplines to discuss the policy and other challenges that local education agencies (LEAs) face in developing and implementing protection and mitigation measures for kindergarten-through–12th grade (K–12) school campuses. In this report, the authors conclude with implications for policymakers and LEAs.

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  America's 5G Era: Gaining Competitive Advantages While Securing the Country and Its People May 24, 2021

  Timothy M. Bonds, James Bonomo, Daniel Gonzales, C. Richard Neu, Samuel Absher, Edward Parker, Spencer Pfeifer, Jennifer Brookes, Julia Brackup, Jordan Willcox, et al.

  Researchers assessing the fifth-generation (5G) wireless ecosystem found that, although the United States dominates some portions of the 5G ecosystem, it has abandoned others. Furthermore, past technical or market leadership does not guarantee a lasting advantage. They also found important implications of 5G-era devices, networks, and algorithms for securing data and protecting individual privacy.

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  Analyzing a More Resilient National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capability May 17, 2021

  Richard Mason, James Bonomo, Tim Conley, Ryan Consaul, David R. Frelinger, David A. Galvan, Dahlia Anne Goldfeld, Scott A. Grossman, Brian A. Jackson, Michael Kennedy, et al.

  Because of the widespread use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), concerns have been expressed that a disruption of GPS might require a national investment in backup capabilities. The authors assess the costs associated with realistic threats to domestic, nonmilitary uses of GPS, and review possible additions to the PNT ecosystem in light of those costs.

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  Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Community Engagement and Data Collection Strategies in Post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico April 27, 2021

  Lisa Saum-Manning

  This paper examines community engagement and data collection strategies conducted in post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico, to assess how outreach approaches elicit different perceptions about disaster recovery and to identify best practices.

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  Developing Metrics and Scoring Procedures to Support Mitigation Grant Program Decisionmaking March 31, 2021

  Joshua Mendelsohn, Grant Johnson, Kelly Klima, Rachel Steratore, Samantha Cohen, Geoffrey Kirkwood, Lloyd Dixon, Jaime L. Hastings, Paul S. Steinberg

  The Federal Emergency Management Agency commissioned development of metrics that can inform decisionmaking for awarding predisaster mitigation grants. The authors established three lines of effort (LoEs) for analysis: indirect benefits, applicant institutional capability, and community resilience. Each LoE produced a metric or framework that could support grant decisionmaking and program performance evaluation.

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  Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center: 2019–2020 Annual Report March 22, 2021

  To support the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) across its missions, the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC). This is the center's 2019–2020 annual report.

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  Public-private Partnership for Building a Resilient Broadband Infrastructure in Puerto Rico January 26, 2021

  Amado Cordova, Karlyn D. Stanley

  This article will explore the use of an innovative approach to a public-private partnership to spur the deployment of broadband and create more resilient telecommunications networks in Puerto Rico.

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  Identifying Systemic Bias in the Acquisition of Machine Learning Decision Aids for Law Enforcement Applications January 21, 2021

  Douglas Yeung, Inez Khan, Nidhi Kalra, Osonde A. Osoba

  Bias in law enforcement systems that use machine learning can cause or exacerbate inequity. This Perspective describes ways the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can prevent or reduce, identify, and address such bias at various points in the process of acquiring these systems.

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  The U.S. Coast Guard Is Building an Icebreaker Fleet: What Comes Next? Issues and Challenges December 8, 2020

  Abbie Tingstad, Scott Savitz, Dulani Woods, Jeffrey A. Drezner

  Icebreaking has long been an important capability gap in U.S. polar operations. The authors of this Perspective recommend that the U.S. Coast Guard (1) assess needs for additional icebreaking capacity; (2) ensure that new vessels are built for a changing, multimission operating environment; and (3) consider other, related capability investments when planning. The Perspective includes short scenarios to illustrate potential needs for icebreakers.

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  Harassment and Discrimination on the Basis of Gender and Race/Ethnicity in the FEMA Workforce December 2, 2020

  Coreen Farris, Carra S. Sims, Terry L. Schell, Miriam Matthews, Sierra Smucker, Samantha Cohen, Owen Hall

  Researchers assessed the prevalence and characteristics of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, racial/ethnic harassment, and racial/ethnic discrimination at FEMA. They surveyed FEMA employees about these civil rights violations and about workplace climate. This report documents the survey results.

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  Harassment and Discrimination in the FEMA Workplace: Topline Results from the Workplace Survey Support Study December 2, 2020

  Coreen Farris, Carra S. Sims, Terry L. Schell, Miriam Matthews, Sierra Smucker, Samantha Cohen, Owen Hall

  This brief summarizes findings and recommendations from a study of the prevalence and characteristics of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, racial/ethnic harassment, and racial/ethnic discrimination at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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  Recovery in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Progress, Challenges, and Options for the Future November 11, 2020

  Shelly Culbertson, Blas Nunez-Neto, Joie D. Acosta, Cynthia R. Cook, Andrew Lauland, Kristin J. Leuschner, Shanthi Nataraj, Benjamin Lee Preston, Susan A. Resetar, Adam C. Resnick, et al.

  This report provides analysis to help the U.S. Virgin Islands accelerate its recovery from 2017's Hurricanes Irma and Maria by identifying recovery goals, recovery accomplishments, and challenges. The authors focused on crosscutting capacities needed for implementation, infrastructure, and the economy and public services and provide 76 recommendations to enhance recovery efforts, including steps to support implementation.

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  Insuring Public Buildings, Contents, Vehicles, and Equipment Against Disasters: Current Practices of State and Local Government and Options for Closing the Insurance Gap October 9, 2020

  Lloyd Dixon, Jason Thomas Barnosky, Noreen Clancy

  Researchers worked to improve the understanding of state and local financial risk management practices and the role that the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance program plays in them. They also examined several approaches for state and local governments to increase insurance coverage and the trade-offs associated with those approaches. This report documents the authors' methods, findings, and recommendations.

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  Recovery Planning for Natural Resources and Parks in Puerto Rico: Natural and Cultural Resources Sector Report, Volume I September 30, 2020

  Susan A. Resetar, Abbie Tingstad, Joshua Mendelsohn, Miriam E. Marlier, Beth E. Lachman, Katherine Anania, Chandra Garber, David M. Adamson

  Hurricanes Irma and Maria stressed and destroyed significant areas of Puerto Rico's natural resources, many of which were already strained by anthropogenic effects. This report presents information on the benefits of these resources, hurricane damage, and 25 recommended courses of action for restoring natural resources, managing solid waste, renewing parks, and improving economic opportunities.

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  Developing Recovery Options for Puerto Rico's Economic and Disaster Recovery Plan: Process and Methodology September 30, 2020

  Nicholas Burger, Cynthia R. Cook, Melissa L. Finucane, David G. Groves, Justin Hannah Hodiak, Anu Narayanan, Karishma Patel, Lara Schmidt, Aaron Strong, Katie Whipkey

  This report summarizes the strategic planning process in support of the government of Puerto Rico in its development of a congressionally mandated recovery plan. Nearly 300 potential recovery actions were developed that Puerto Rico could take to repair damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and address longer-term economic recovery needs.

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  Modernizing Puerto Rico's Housing Sector Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria: Post-Storm Challenges and Potential Courses of Action September 30, 2020

  Noreen Clancy, Lloyd Dixon, Daniel Elinoff, Kathryn Kuznitsky, Sean McKenna

  Puerto Rico's housing sector was hit hard by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and needs a big fix. In this detailed and comprehensive analysis of the housing damage caused by the 2017 hurricanes, the authors make informed recovery recommendations for policymakers so they can repair and rebuild safe and affordable housing in Puerto Rico and create a modernized housing infrastructure that is more resilient to future natural hazards and code-compliant.

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  After Hurricane Maria: Predisaster Conditions, Hurricane Damage, and Recovery Needs in Puerto Rico September 30, 2020

  Jordan R. Fischbach, Linnea Warren May, Katie Whipkey, Shoshana R. Shelton, Christine Anne Vaughan, Devin Tierney, Kristin J. Leuschner, Lisa S. Meredith, Hilary J. Peterson

  To support development of Puerto Rico's short- and long-term recovery and resilience plan, experts conducted a comprehensive assessment of the commonwealth's challenges and the damage caused by the 2017 hurricanes. They identified short- and longer-term needs for Puerto Rico to recover and to build resilience to future storms; economic, social, and environmental trends; and ongoing governance challenges. This report summarizes their work.

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  Public Buildings in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria: Prestorm Challenges, Hurricane Damage, and Suggested Courses of Action for Recovery September 30, 2020

  Tom LaTourrette, Benjamin M. Miller, Teddy Ulin, Kristin Van Abel, Krista Langeland, Nupur Nanda

  The government of Puerto Rico submitted a recovery plan to Congress in 2018 describing a strategic approach to recover from the 2017 hurricane destruction. HSOAC input provides a summary of damage to public buildings and the basis for 12 courses of action to repair hurricane damage and modernize the public building infrastructure to increase resilience to natural hazards, improve energy efficiency, and improve functionality and user experience.

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  Building Back Locally: Supporting Puerto Rico's Municipalities in Post-Hurricane Reconstruction September 30, 2020

  Shelly Culbertson, John Bordeaux, Italo A. Gutierrez, Andrew Lauland, Kristin J. Leuschner, Blas Nunez-Neto, Lisa Saum-Manning

  In Puerto Rico's post-hurricane reconstruction, the 78 municipal governments will be responsible for an estimated $4 billion in reconstruction funds and will need to manage complex projects while coordinating with the government of Puerto Rico and federal government. The authors recommend ways to target federal and Puerto Rico government technical assistance where it is needed most to help the municipalities in their reconstruction efforts.

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  International Postdisaster Recoveries: Lessons for Puerto Rico on Supply-Chain Management and Recovery Governance September 30, 2020

  Jennifer D. P. Moroney, James A. Schear, Joie D. Acosta, Chandra Garber, Sarah Heintz, Jeffrey W. Hornung, Yun Kang, Samantha McBirney, Richard E. Neiman, Jr, Stephanie Pezard, et al.

  The authors analyze how effective supply-chain management and recovery governance have worked in postdisaster settings in four countries, providing positive and cautionary lessons and good practices that may be applied to Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Field research was conducted to assess recovery challenges and recommend measures to restore lives and livelihoods, while also improving resilience to future disasters.

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  Beyond Recovery: Transforming Puerto Rico's Water Sector in the Wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria September 30, 2020

  Benjamin Lee Preston, Michelle E. Miro, Paul Brenner, Christopher K. Gilmore, John F. Raffensperger, Jaime Madrigano, Alexandra Huttinger, Michael Blackhurst, David Catt

  The 2017 hurricanes damaged Puerto Rico's water infrastructure and its water resources. This damage was attributed to existing vulnerability of infrastructure, direct hurricane damage, and indirect disruption stemming from damage in other sectors. The water sector recovery plan involves not only repairing hurricane-damaged structures and systems but also fixing the many legacy challenges in the water sector's operations and governance.

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  Logistics Analysis of Puerto Rico: Will the Seaborne Supply Chain of Puerto Rico Support Hurricane Recovery Projects? September 30, 2020

  Adam C. Resnick, Anthony DeCicco, Vikram Kilambi, Keenan D. Yoho, Raffaele Vardavas, Aaron C. Davenport

  Puerto Rico's seaborne logistics capacity is assessed in the context of the anticipated increase in imported materials used in recovery projects following Hurricane Maria. Key constraints at ports and on roads are identified. This analysis shows that the increased traffic from implementing the recovery plan can be supported with existing infrastructure using modest mitigation actions.

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  Assessing the Cost of Disaster Recovery and Identifying Funding Sources in the HSOAC Puerto Rico Economic and Disaster Recovery Plan Project September 30, 2020

  Michael Kennedy, David Metz, Elaine K. Dezenski, Joshua Birenbaum, Cedric Kenney

  This report describes the work done on estimating the costs of, and identifying potential funding sources for, Puerto Rico's economic and disaster recovery plan. Total estimated cost is $139 billion. Up to $94 billion of funding from the federal government and private insurance claims is estimated to be available. Sources to fill the gap include the Puerto Rico government, the private sector, public-private partnerships, and philanthropies.

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