TOME: Tools for Objective Measurement and Evaluation

The introduction of new systems and technologies is critical for maintaining superiority, yet this brings with it uncertainty regarding the impact on users, teams, and organizations. Rigorous test and evaluation (T&E) practices are essential prior to acquiring and instituting new technologies, particularly to objectively assess the workload imposed on end users. Aptima, Inc. and its partners – Syracuse University and Mike “Sting” Wallace – are supporting this need by developing TOME (Tools for Objective Measurement and Evaluation), a diagnostic toolset for cost-effectively supporting T&E practitioners and augmenting system acquisition decisions through advanced workload measurement and performance assessment strategies. TOME will consist of three main innovations: an ensemble modeling framework for real-time workload measurement; a predictive modeling framework for off-line forecasting; and a decision tool that integrates the two to support acquisitions of new technologies. TOME will help guide NAVAIR T&E personnel and acquisition decision-makers to accurate and more thorough assessments than currently available, leading to more valid conclusions, improved warfighter performance, and enhanced safety.