Analysis Techniques for Improvement

From logistics networks to operational analysis to ammunition procurement, Vector Research Center integrates proven statistical analysis techniques with modeling, simulation and decision support to help agencies with military, homeland security and emergency response missions achieve optimal agility. Vector Research Center traces its heritage to VRI, formed in 1969 by members of the Systems Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan to apply new concepts in systems analysis to real-world military affairs. In the intervening 30 years, we have helped the federal government solve some of its most intractable analysis and information management problems.

Delivering Results through Transformational Change

Vector Research Center combines established leadership in modeling and simulation with knowledge of acquisition, logistics, and systems engineering to enable complex enterprises to achieve the promise of transformational change. We understand the rapidly evolving demands facing program managers and agency leaders. We analyze all facets of a problem to define realistic alternatives for action while managing unintended consequences and hidden risks. We can bring to bear an unmatched range of subject matter experts, knowledge of business best practices, combat modeling, and automated decision support tools. We have developed robust tools and methodologies including force effectiveness, requirements & systems analysis, and operational logistics decision-making. We bring all these elements together in a repeatable process to produce better, more reliable results.

The Vector Research Center Approach

At Vector Research Center, we believe that consistent application of business best practice methodologies and leading-edge tools helps our customers solve their most complex problems. Our continuously improving portfolio of Modeling, Simulation and Optimization Decision Aids includes:

• RAPTOR—Rapid Acquisition Planning Tool and Optimization Routine, an automated non-linear resource optimization program used to develop procurement plans based upon user-defined constraints, rules, and priorities.
• STAR-ARM—Statistical Trend And Rate-Anomaly Recognition Methods, an automated statistical process control algorithm used to determine when a trend exists in a set of data and automatically notify stakeholders
• LOCSS—Logistical and Combat Support Systems model, an operational logistics model used to determine the ability of a planned system to support a defined operation
• NINJA—Network Infrastructure Joint Analysis tool, used to model the internal and external infrastructure supporting a facility or area to determine the operational impacts of the loss of some or all of that infrastructure
• Vector-3—a time-proven campaign level combat modeling tool
  BLDM—Battalion Level Differential Model, a high-resolution combat model

Spotlight on RAPTOR

Vector Research Center developed Rapid Acquisition Planning Tool and Optimization Routine (RAPTOR) for the Army and the Marine Corps to help the Combat Ammunitions Systems program manager make strategic purchasing decisions within Department funding constraints. RAPTOR allows the Services to weigh the goals for each DOD Acquisition Code (DODAC) or stockpile requirement against the levels that are actually achievable, given all budgetary, technological, and other constraints. The RAPTOR tool can be adapted to any resource optimization or funding issue.

Vector Research Center Models

We build the models that decision makers use, including:

• Logistics and Combat System Simulation (LOCSS)
• Network and Infrastructure Joint Analysis tool (NINJA)
• Resource Allocation Planning Tool and Optimization Routine (RAPTOR)

Vector Research Center applies mathematical and scientific processes to aid military decision makers in finding the optimal solution(s) to complex problems. This analysis considers all aspects of the decision relevant to the decision maker and accounts for unintended consequences and hidden factors affecting the decision. The process is repeatable and explainable. This capability is critical when significant decisions must be made. While some answers are straightforward engineering decisions, others are less obvious and have operational impacts that may not be easily discernable. Even if the optimal solution appears obvious, second and third order effects are not. These may be detrimental to operational effectiveness of decisions, and the underlying dynamics may not be obvious and may be detrimental to the force as a whole.