Using Semantic Recommendation, End-User Programming, and an Ecosystem to Radically Shorten DHS Adoption Time

This work contributes to the transition from visualization tools to the integrated environment envisioned in DHS S&T`s Precision Information Environment (PIE). We seek to enable DHS operating components and first responders to rapidly access and deploy new products from DHS Centers of Excellence (COEs) or other sources of countless visual and data analytics capabilities. In partnership with the VACCINE COE and with small business support from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, we propose a system called DECIDE Discover, Educate, Compose, Integrate, and Distribute Ecosystem. Users often know what they want to do, but not how. Discover provides helps users pinpoint visual and analytic modules to answer how. Ideally users can find pre-built apps they can simply download from a DHS Apps Store. Otherwise Educate, Compose and Integrate allow users mash up modules with each other and to data to fill their needs. Distribute allows users to help other users by publishing their compositions back and annotating any module with the questions it helps answer. DECIDE addresses gap areas in the PIE vision by making analysis, decision support, and situational awareness software much more accessible to federal, state, local and tribal first responders.