Human Performance Modeling in the Naval Capabilities Development Process

As the Department of Defense continues to emphasize the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System for evaluating material and non-material solutions, the importance of robust modeling tools continues to increase. The objective of this Phase I SBIR is to provide US Navy analysts with more comprehensive insight into the human-to-machine interface by developing a C4 behavior model. The model will support the assessment of multi-step decisions associated with command and control systems to include attributes such as process time, data uncertainty, human error and decision dependencies. The resulting performance metrics will be incorporated into a decision support environment to facilitate the evaluation of concept cost versus benefit. The data fusion framework linking the behavior model metrics and integrating multiple data sources will be built on an infrastructure initiated by investments from the Missile Defense, Air Force and Navy offices to provide robust decision traceability during acquisition decisions. The Phase I program will solidify the Phase II requirements by having selected Navy analysts and OPNAV stakeholders interact with the proof-of-concept graphical user interface (GUI) and supporting database structure to conduct actual human performance assessments. The Phase II program will fully develop a prototype tool and validate its operation and use concept.