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• Maritime Bulk Liquids Transfer Cybersecurity Framework Profile

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  "The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is working with industry to develop voluntary Cybersecurity Framework Profiles (CFP) to mitigate risks in their joint mission areas. The USCG selected the Maritime Bulk Liquids Transfer (MBLT) mission area to complete the first Profile. The MBLT CFP identifies and prioritizes the minimum subset of Cybersecurity Framework Subcategories required to conduct BLT operations in a more secure manner, while giving organizations the flexibility to address Subcategories in whatever way makes the most sense for their unique risk posture."

  United States. Coast Guard
• Update, Fiscal Year 2016: Body-Worn Camera Program

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  "The Department of Justice (DOJ) recognizes body-worn cameras as a law enforcement strategy aimed at improving public safety, reducing crime, and improving public trust between police and the citizens they serve. DOJ provides numerous resources to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in developing and enhancing their body-worn camera programs. In addition to the resources listed below, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is a valuable resource for agencies when seeking funds to implement body-worn camera programs."

  United States. Bureau of Justice Assistance
• Summary of Federal Citations for the National Insider Threat Task Force

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  This document provides a compilation of all documents relating to Federal Citations at the disposal of the National Insider Threat Task Force. This compilation includes United States Code, Executive Orders, Presidential National Security Directives and Homeland Security Presidential Directives, Intelligence Community Directives, Intelligence Community Standards, Miscellaneous References, and Forms.

  United States. Office of the Director of National Intelligence
• Cybersecurity for Executives

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  "In the era of continuous compromises, business executives are faced with the growing threat of malicious actors targeting and successfully penetrating their defenses at an alarming rate. Cyber-attacks are making the news daily, especially when they target major retailers, banks, and government agencies. Increasingly, businesses are relying on the connectivity (always online) and productivity (customization/remote access) of their information systems. Businesses are challenged with trying to deliver services to an expanding consumer base while trying to balance security with the convenience of usability. Connectivity, productivity and convenience are critical in the 21st century, but if not implemented properly, they can have devastating effects to security. Striking a balance between security and usability is not easy and is a constantly evolving process."

  United States. Secret Service
• What is WannaCry/WanaCryptor?

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  "WannaCry is ransomware that contains a worm component. It attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in the Windows SMBv1 server to remotely compromise systems, encrypt files, and spread to other hosts. Systems that have installed the MS17-010 patch are not vulnerable to the exploits used. Patches to address the vulnerabilities identified in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS17-010 are available for all versions of Windows from XP onward."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center
• Role of Environment in One Health security and National Health Security

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  "Across the world, ministries of environment and natural resources and/or environmental protection agencies have different mandates and missions, but many of them focus on the protection of the environment with the goal of protecting public health. Environmental health practitioners monitor food safety from farm to table: are responsible for vector and vermin monitoring and control; and monitor microbial and chemical pollution of the land, water, and air. Natural resource mangers monitor ecosystems and landscapes and the creatures that occupy them. They often see trends in the natural world before they are seen in the urban world. For example, unusual wildlife morbidity and mortality can indicate presence of pathogenic or toxic agents that could potentially be detrimental to human health. The environment sector is a valuable contributor in the promotion of population health and well-being, particularly in 'health security' efforts to prevent and prepare for endemic, epidemic, and pandemic threats."

  United States. Agency for International Development
• [FY 2016 Incident Response Pie Charts]

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  This document is an addendum to the 2016 Year-in-Review and provides charts related to incident response during the 2016 fiscal year. Incidents are categorized by sector, level of intrusion, threat vector, and functional impact.

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center
• Flying Under the Radar: Wildlife Trafficking in the Air Transport Sector

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  "Environmental crime is estimated to be worth between $91 and 258 billion, with wildlife crime making up $7 to 23 billion of the total, and is currently estimated to be growing at two to three times the speed of the global economy. Over the past few years, myriad studies and reports have examined the economic and environmental devastation wreaked by wildlife crime, as well as its intertwining links to transnational criminal networks. Few studies, however, have focused on the transport systems used by wildlife traffickers, despite the large benefits that traffickers have gained from the increasing interconnectedness of global infrastructure and transport systems. Flying Under the Radar examines wildlife trafficking through the air transport sector, and is designed to support law enforcement and the private sector's efforts to stem the hidden flow of illegal wildlife through their jurisdictions and supply chains."

  United States. Agency for International Development; United States. Department of Homeland Security

  Utermohlen, Mary; Baine, Patrick
• Federal Plan for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research: Fiscal Year 2017

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  "This year has seen several significant changes in OFCM's [Office of Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research's] approach to interagency coordination. For the first time in over a decade, the Federal Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (FCMSSR) held both of its expected semiannual meetings and the Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (ICMSSR) held all four quarterly meetings. This increased interest and participation in interagency coordination led to progress in several key areas, including: [1] Integrating the Executive Steering group of the National Earth Systems Prediction Capability into the Federal meteorological services coordination structure. [2] Establishing a team to improve the Federal Plan. [3] Providing increased support to the Office of Science and Technology Policy in their efforts to coordinate space weather services and research. [4] Culminating long term efforts to establish a back-up data pathway among the five Federal numerical weather and ocean modeling production centers, increasing the resilience of the Federal Weather Enterprise's capability to provide this critical service. [5] Coordinating disaster assessment and measurement efforts, exemplified in efforts following Hurricane Matthew and in executing Civil Air Patrol flights over severe-storm impacted areas and potential glacier dammed lake flood regions."

  United States. Office of Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research
• U.S. Response to Disasters and Public Health Emergencies

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  "This class provides an introduction to disaster/emergency planning and response as conducted in the United States, with an emphasis on medical response. To determine where disaster information specialists might best fit into the U.S. framework for disaster/emergency response, it is necessary to start with shared understanding of terminology, concepts, legislation, organizations, and lessons learned from previous incidents. The class describes efforts to provide structure and order before, during, and after emergencies and disasters. Changes over time in legislation and the U.S. framework for disaster/emergency response are discussed. This self-paced course fulfills one of the requirements of the Medical Library Association (MLA) Disaster Information Specialization, Basic Level. Students will earn three MLA Continuing Education (CE) credits. This program provides the opportunity for participants to expand their roles in providing information for disaster and emergency preparedness, response, and recovery."

  National Institutes of Health (U.S.); National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
• Seat at the Table: Working with the Disaster Workforce

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  "This course prepares librarians on how to work with first responders, including public safety, fire/rescue, public health department, local health care facilities, and emergency planners. Libraries have a critical role to play in disaster preparation and recovery, but they need a seat at the table with the right people, and they need to have something to offer. During and after a disaster are not the times for libraries to learn how to work with local, state, and federal responders. The time to build and develop these relationships is before a disaster strikes. It is critical to have a seat at the table before, during, and after a disaster. This course will cover the basics of initiating and developing relationships with all relevant local, state, and federal officials and agencies, as well as with emergency responders. This self-paced course fulfills one of the requirements of the Medical Library Association (MLA) Disaster Information Specialization, Advanced Level. Students will earn four MLA Continuing Education (CE) credits."

  National Institutes of Health (U.S.); National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
• Disaster Health Information Sources: The Basics

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  "This course provides a comprehensive overview of the essential resources needed to provide health-related information services for supporting disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We will cover key sources from the U.S. National Library of Medicine® (NLM), federal and nonfederal agencies, and international organizations. Tools for locating, organizing, and disseminating disaster health information will also be covered. This self-paced course fulfills one of the requirements of the Medical Library Association (MLA) Disaster Information Specialization, Basic Level. Students will earn three MLA continuing education (CE) credits."

  National Institutes of Health (U.S.); National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
• Information Roles in Disaster Management

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  "This course introduces potential roles for individuals interested in participating in disaster management activities as they relate to health information. The information needs of first responders, emergency managers, and others working in the areas of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery are discussed to provide a framework for the kinds of roles that librarians, information specialists, and others can fill. Basic vocabulary and concepts of disaster management are also reviewed. This self-paced course fulfills one of the requirements of the Medical Library Association (MLA) Disaster Information Specialization, Basic Level. Students will earn three MLA Continuing Education (CE) credits. This program provides the opportunity for participants to expand their roles in providing information for disaster and emergency preparedness, response, and recovery."

  National Institutes of Health (U.S.); National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
• Fentanyl: A Briefing Guide for First Responders

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  "In the last several years, U.S. Law Enforcement has seen a dramatic increase in the availability of dangerous synthetic opioids. A large majority of these synthetic opioids are structural derivatives of the synthetic drug 'fentanyl.' Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid currently listed as a Schedule II prescription drug that mimics the effects of morphine in the human body, but has potency 50--100 times that of morphine. Due to the high potency and availability of fentanyl, both transnational and domestic criminal organizations are increasingly utilizing these dangerous synthetic opioids as an adulterant in heroin and other controlled substances. The presence of these synthetic opioids in the illicit U.S. drug market is extremely concerning as the potency of these drugs has led to a significant increase in overdose incidents and overdose‐ related deaths throughout the nation."

  United States. Drug Enforcement Administration
• Rethinking the Battlefield: The World Has Changed. It's Time for the U.S. Foreign Affairs Budget to Keep Up.

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  "At the turn of the 21st Century, America seemed to be reaping the fruits of a 'peace dividend' that helped create record economic growth, budget surpluses, and an unchallenged global leadership role. As the risk of armed conflict seemed to recede, many expected a relatively uneventful Bush presidency focused primarily on domestic issues. But the attacks of 9/11 shocked us out of that complacency, and we have since poured hundreds of billions -- trillions -- of dollars, during both Republican and Democratic administrations, into trying to protect America and make the world a safer place. From 2001 to 2010, annual U.S. military spending more than doubled, a massive increase of hundreds of billions of dollars in a few short years. Much of that increase was of course caused by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, but even after the end of major combat operations in both countries, military budgets have remained at historically high levels. So, what have we reaped from this massive military investment since 2001? A world that is more dangerous, full of greater threats, than ever before in our lifetime. Clearly, there is not a direct relationship between increases in military spending and global stability. In fact, over the last decade and a half, the evidence suggests the contrary."

  Murphy, Chris (Christopher Scott), 1973-
• FDA's Role in Medical Device Cybersecurity: Dispelling Myths and Understanding Facts

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  "As medical devices become more digitally interconnected and interoperable, they can improve the care patients receive and create efficiencies in the health care system. Medical devices, like computer systems, can be vulnerable to security breaches, potentially impacting the safety and effectiveness of the device. By carefully considering possible cybersecurity risks while designing medical devices, and having a plan to manage emerging cybersecurity risks, manufacturers can reduce cybersecurity risks posed to devices and patients. The FDA has published premarket and postmarket guidances that offer recommendations for comprehensive management of medical device cybersecurity risks, continuous improvement throughout the total product life-cycle, and incentivize changing marketed and distributed medical devices to reduce risk. Even with these guidances, the FDA continues to address myths about medical device cybersecurity."

  United States. Food and Drug Administration
• Women and Transit Security: A New Look at an Old Issue

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  "The research from which this paper is drawn was supported by the United States Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP), Project F-6, 'Guidelines for the Effective Use of Uniformed Transit Police and Security Personnel.' The TCRP was established in 1992 to provide a continuing program of applied research on transit issues. It is sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and is carried out under a three-way agreement among the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), acting through its Transportation Research Board (TRB); the Transit Development Corporation, an educational arm of the American Public Transit Association (APTA); and the FTA. There is no better way to introduce the topic of women and transit security than with the experiences of one rapid transit system in attacking head-on the issues of women's fears of using public transit. Only three years after its initial opening, this transit system was forced to organize a special police force to deal with the problem of crowding. Within eight years of its opening, the transit system was being criticized for the sexual harassment of women and girls, who, although they accounted for only about a quarter of all peak hour passengers, were forced to endure jostling and unwelcome sexual contact. The cross-class nature of these incidents was viewed as 'a violation of the laws of decency.' One solution the transit system rejected was cars solely for women, although years later the system would embrace the idea of cars for students travelling between school and home in the afternoon hours. The transit system, though, continued to receive criticism about the safety of women riders. A few years later, women police officers worked as decoys to contain the behavior of men who made it 'their business to insult and annoy women and girls.' More than fifteen new mass transit systems have opened during the last 20 years. Would anyone like to guess which system we are describing? Good guesses all, but none are correct. In fact, we are describing New York City's first subway, the Interborough Rapid Transit, which opened in 1904, and was viewed as a sensation for its underground travel, its extremely high speeds, and its unprecedented crowding. It was this last attribute that led to concerns about women's safety on the system. This contrasts sharply with today's concern about women's safety, which more often revolves around dark and deserted stations and parking lots, rather than problems of too many people in too little space."

  United States. Federal Highway Administration

  Schulz, Dorthy Moses; Gilbert, Susan
• Marine Transportation System Fact Sheet

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  "Marine transportation touches virtually every aspect of American life--from the clothes we wear, to the cars we drive, to the oil and natural gas used to heat and cool our homes. The MTS [Marine Transportation System] also supplies daily the food and materials that American citizens expect to find on the shelves of their supermarkets and shopping centers. The U.S. Census Bureau has predicted that the U.S. population will increase by 98.1 million people between 2014 and 2060--and the MTS will need to be able to accommodate a corresponding port calls to support our way of life. The MTS annually serves 106 million ferry passengers, 32.2 million recreational boating households, and almost 11 million cruise ship passengers. Moreover, in 2015, deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes water transportation generated over $4 billion in annual wages. Port -related activities generated 23.1 million jobs. When compared with other transportation modes, marine transportation is a safe, competitive, efficient and environmentally sound means of moving people and cargo. For example, a typical top of 15 barges can take over 1,000 trucks off of the roads, and move a ton of freight almost 600 miles on a gallon of fuel. Use of the MTS by ships also alleviates road maintenance, repair, and traffic congestion, all having environmental benefits. The MTS is vital to national security and military mobility. The MTS enables most U.S. military power to move around the world by ship, providing logistical support for the rapid deployment of American forces and materials. The MTS is also vital to the re-opening of ports, channels, and supply chains following extreme weather events."

  Marine Transportation System
• Meeting the Needs of the Community: Exploring Employment Opportunities for People with Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities at South Metro Fire Rescue Authority

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  "Current figures estimate there are 7 to 8 million individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in the United States and nearly 80-85% are unemployed. The problem is South Metro Fire Rescue Authority wishes to partner with social service agencies to explore employment opportunities for people with ID, but has no experience in this area. The purpose of this research was to explore employment opportunities at South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA) that meet the needs of the department and the skill set(s) of the intellectually disabled community. The descriptive research method was used. The research questions examined (a) the primary skill set(s) of the ID population, (b) what employment opportunities are available at SMFRA which matched their skillset(s), (c) What support services were available from the ID community, and (d) what employment opportunities in other organizations were available for this population. Procedures included a survey of staff employees of SMFRA to determine needs of the organization that could become potential job opportunities and a pilot study was primarily used to determine receptiveness of the organization to the program. The employee survey suggested many needs from multiple departments/bureaus with an overwhelming need for administrative work. The pilot study results were overall very positive in terms of organizational receptiveness and receptiveness to continuing and expanding the program to other parts of the organization."

  National Fire Academy

  Bloomquist, Doug
• Upgrading to Advanced Life Support: Fact or Fiction

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  "The Burlington Fire Department has provided a basic life support (BLS) service to our community for the past 40 years. The problem is that the Burlington Fire Department has yet to determine the feasibility of upgrading to an advanced life support (ALS) service. The purpose of this research project is to determine if it would be feasible for the Burlington Fire Department to upgrade its current BLS service to an ALS service. The descriptive research method was used for this project because the data collected will reflect current information related to the subject matter. The following questions were researched in order to determining the feasibility of upgrading from a BLS service to an ALS service: (a) what is the primary reasons for fire departments to upgrade their BLS service to an ALS service; (b) what operational models are currently used by fire departments in order to provide an ALS service to their community; (c) what are the costs associated with implementing a fire department ALS service; (d) what roadblocks do fire departments commonly encounter when attempting to upgrade from a B LS service to an ALS service; (e) what approaches have been used by fire departments in order to gain the support of elected officials and the community during the implementation of an ALS program. In order to obtain results for the above research questions, personal interviews were conducted, a survey was sent to Massachusetts fire departments that provide an ALS service, and a survey was sent to members of the Burlington Fire Department."

  National Fire Academy

  Patterson, Michael
• Potential Reduction of Firefighter Exposure to Carbon-Based Carcinogens in Structure Fires Through the Use of Class A Compressed Air Foam Systems

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  "The Amboy Fire Protection District (AFPD) has policies in place to help reduce the exposure effects of toxic byproducts of combustion on its fire-suppression personnel. These policies are all post fire-suppression/loss-control operation efforts. The washing of Personal Protective Equipment and personal clothing upon returning to the station provides a reduced exposure to known or suspected carcinogenic hydrocarbons. The problem is that these policies have limitations in their effectiveness. The need is to explore an alternative way 10 potentially reduce the carcinogenic byproduct levels during fire-suppression operations as compared to water only. The purpose of this research was to determine whether Class A Compressed Air Foam System could potentially reduce the presence of carcinogens in residential-structure lire atmospheres. The descriptive research methodology was followed to answer five research questions: (a) what arc the cancer-causing carbon-based byproducts of combustion?, (b) what arc the chemical and/or physical properties of Class A foam when used in conjunction with CAFS operations which could potentially reduce the presence of cancer-causing byproducts of combustion?, (c) do Class A CAFS operations reduce the presence of carcinogenic byproducts of combustion?, (d) what arc the results of using different brands of Class A foam through CAFS application in the reduction of the presence of cancer-causing carbon-based byproducts of combustion?, ( e) what estimated cost would be incurred by the AFPD to retrofit the department's two lire engines with a CAFS, in comparison to the estimated cost associated with the treatment of firelighters with duty-related cancer?"

  National Fire Academy

  Baum, Gary
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 715: 'Equal Employment Opportunity Program Status Report', Fiscal year 2014

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  "This Equal Employment Opportunity Program Status Report for Fiscal Year 2014 (FY14) outlines the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Equal Employment Opportunity Program activities, as required by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) Management Directive 715. This report highlights DHS's accomplishments in establishing and maintaining a model program by promoting equal employment opportunity and identifying areas for improvement for all of its employees and applicants. The report also provides the FY15 plan to address any programmatic deficiencies. In addition to this Departmental Management Directive 715 report, each DHS Component submits its own report to the EEOC. Directorates and headquarters programs reports are accumulated and included in this report."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security
• Understanding Terrorism: A Social Science View on Terrorism [Self-Study Course]

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  This self-study course was developed by the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security. "Over the last 25 years, much of the research on terrorism has been accomplished without rigorous adherence to analytical frameworks. This series of three modules will trace the history of religious terrorism scholarship, introducing you to Social Identity Theory (SIT) and demonstrating how this particular scholarly approach within social psychology can provide nuance, depth, and rigor to your studies of religious terrorism. The first two modules will focus on explaining and exploring SIT itself, while the final modules take a closer look at the phenomenon we refer to as 'religious terrorism.' By applying the analytical framework of SIT to different historical and contemporary religious terrorist groups, this course offers students of homeland security and terrorism studies a new understanding of group and individual dynamics within a covert environment." The course includes the following modules: Module 1: A Brief Overview of Terrorism Studies; Module 2: What is Social Identity Theory?; and Module 3: Religious and Theologically Motivated Terrorism.

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Brannan, David W.
• Crime Data Explorer [website]

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  "The Crime Data Explorer is part of the FBI's broader effort to modernize the reporting of national crime data. It allows you to view trends, download bulk data, and access the Crime Data API [application programming interface] for reported crime at the national, state, and agency levels."

  United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Workplace Radiation Incidents [infographic]

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  An infographic detailing possible radiation exposures at certain workplaces, possible health effects from those exposures, and how to protect yourself if you are exposed to radiation in the workplace. From the document: "If your workplace uses radiation sources, use required personal protective and monitoring equipment, be familiar with safety precautions and procedures, and complete required radiation safety trainings. Report any incidents involving radiation to safety officials immediately. Stay as far away from the site of the incident as possible. The health effects from a workplace incident involving radiation sources could range from no health effects to very serious health effects based on several factors: the type and amount of radioactive material how long people were near the radioactive material or how long the radioactive material was in or on the body how close people were to the radioactive material what parts of the body were exposed. If you are involved in a workplace radiation incident, follow instructions from safety officials and contact your doctor."

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
• Where to Go in a Radiation Emergency [infographic]

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  An infographic detailing where to go in a radiation emergency. From the document: "If a radiation emergency happens in your area, you should get inside immediately. No matter where you are, the safest action to take is to: GET INSIDE. STAY INSIDE. STAY TUNED."

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
• State of the National Pipeline Infrastructure

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  "Over the past 70 plus years, a nationwide system of pipelines has been constructed to transport almost 100 percent of the natural gas and about 71 percent of the oil and refined petroleum products consumed in the United States. Three industry segments are involved in transporting these energy materials by pipelines: hazardous liquid pipeline operators, gas transmission pipeline operators and gas distribution utilities. The first two industry segments transport energy materials from producers, refiners, and processors to industrial and commercial end users, as well as to terminals and to local gas distribution utilities. Local gas utilities distribute natural gas to residential customers and smaller commercial users. The majority of the materials transported by the hazardous liquid and gas transportation operators are moved via large diameter steel pipelines from wells and refineries to where they are used or distributed further. Approximately 299,000 miles of onshore gas transmission pipelines and 171,000 miles of onshore hazardous liquid pipelines move natural gas, crude oil, and petroleum products throughout the U.S. every day."

  United States. Department of Transportation
• Sustainable Water Infrastructure [website]

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  This website provides various resources regarding sustainable water practices, water infrastructure, and sustainable communities. The available resources include information regarding policies on water infrastructure sustainability, infrastructure needs, asset management, alternative technologies, effective utility management, and financing.

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency
• Analysis of Response Times for the Colerain Township Department of Fire & EMS

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  "The problem for the Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS [Emergency Medical Services] (Colerain Fire & EMS) was no quantifiable comparison for response time data, as compared to other standards or benchmarks, had been undertaken. The purpose of the Applied Research Project (ARP), using descriptive research, was to conduct a comparison against other standards or benchmarks in order to measure the potential impact of staffing reductions or station closures. The research focused on five questions: (a) what nationally recognized or locally adopted definitions exist for response time? (b) what nationally recognized standards or locally adopted performance measures exist for response time? (c) what current trends exist for Colerain Fire & EMS response times? (d) what factors signilicantly influence response times for Colerain Fire & EMS?, and (c) what impact may be realized for response times if staffing reductions or station closures became a reality? Principle procedures used included a review of the literature, analysis of data, a focus group, structured interviews, and three survey instruments. Results found Colerain Fire & EMS was under tremendous operational pressure and a reduction in resources would further erode the ability to provide emergency services according to long-standing, operationally tested benchmarks. Recommendations included redefining response time and adopting attainable benchmarks. placing mobile data computers (MDC's) in the transport units, using status buttons on the MDC's, ensuring accuracy of reporting, evaluating response time distribution for scheduling training activities, incorporating of Geographical Information System (GLS) capabilities, enhancing the current deployment and staffing model, and completing the accreditation process."

  National Fire Academy

  Walls, M. Allen
• Is Benefit Cost Analysis a Plausible Tool for the Fayetteville Fire Department?

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  "The problem was the Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD) did not utilize a benefit cost analysis when it appraised the services provided by the department. The purpose of this research was to determine why the FFD did not utilize benefit cost analysis (BCA) when it appraised the services provided by the department. The action research method was utilized to complete this research. The research questions were as follows: a) Why did the FFD not utilize a benefit cost analysis for the services provided? b) Were there any benefit cost analysis models that could be applied to the fire service? c) Was benefit cost analysis even plausible for the Fayetteville Fire Department? The procedures utilized to complete this project were two surveys, one external and one internal, and a literature review. The surveys were intended to determine the knowledge within the FFD and the fire service, and to determine the attitude of the leaders of the FFD towards BCA. The literature review was utilized to search for any available BCA tool and any challenges that might prohibit its use within the FFD. The results showed there was wide spread use of BCA among federal agencies. The literature provided very little research on the subject within the fire service. It also failed to yield a BCA tool that could be used by the FFD. The survey on the other hand showed that fire departments do utilize BCA in at least some capacity. The survey showed good results on the attitude towards BCA with the leaders of the FFD. The recommendation made was to start the utilizing BCA on small decisions and to partner with the University of Arkansas for the creation of a more comprehensive BCA tool."

  National Fire Academy

  Hardin, Brad