MCDS: A Distributed Multi-organizational Collaborative Decision Support System for Emergency Preparedness

This proposal suggests the development of a distributed Multi-organizational Collaborative Decision Support (MCDS) system for emergency preparedness, counter-terrorism, and homeland defense. The proposed MCDS system works using a collection of novel technology for distributed threat detection in a collaborative fashion. The Phase I research explored and successfully demonstrated the feasibility of this approach. The Phase II research will focus on developing a working prototype of the MCDS system which will offer the following functionalities: 1. distributed tree-based asset and dynamic threat structure management; 2. advanced human-centered collaborative problem solving techniques supported by visual language-based representation of threat structures; 3. a diverse collection of data management and mining systems: a. data stream mining system for monitoring continuous stream of data; b. un/semi-structured data analysis, DAML/OWL-based ontology management; c. privacy-preserving data analysis; d. distributed data mining for developing global perspectives by combining patterns detected from different data sources; 4. support for introducing domain knowledge and psychological/social profiles; 5. real-time data and collaboration management using light-weight mobile devices. The developed system will be rigorously tested and evaluated using relevant data and a realistic environment. The proposed project will deliver a working prototype of the MCDS system along with proper documentation, and the reports.