Summer 2005 Assessing Risks/Ensuring Security

In this issue... Download the Summer 2005 Issue    Underwater Maritime Security by Local Emergency Responders:  Analysis of a Low Cost Technology and Concept of Operations 4  Verification and Validation Methodology Applied to the Initial Joint Polar-orbiting Operational Satellite System 13   Integrated Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Self-Assessment 19 The Plausibility of Incorporating Beneficial Effects of Low Dose Exposures into Risk Assessments 30 Converting Classroom-based Courses into Online Training Programs:   Illustrations from a Biological Threat Agent Course 35  Multi-biometric Fusion: From Research to Operations 39

Introduction

Actions that we take as individuals, as organizations, and as societies are fraught with risks.
While the analysis of some risks is simple, intuitive, and time-tested, the analysis of other
risks is complex, non-intuitive, and novel. How we address these risks is critical to our future
success and well being.

At Noblis, risk analysis is a critical component of our work to help public interest
clients acquire and implement new science and technology. As we measure the performance
and assess the potential impacts of these new technologies, we are continually challenged
to address risks on a variety of fronts from natural to human-caused, from immediate to long term, from local to global, and from individual to societal.

In this edition of Sigma, editor John DeSesso and his assembled authors consider how
best to characterize, assess, and manage risk in a number of domains. While the range of
risk techniques, technologies, and applications is extensive, this diversity encourages the
application of new approaches and concepts into new problem areas. Regardless of your
focus, we expect you will find new insight and utility in this edition of Sigma.

H. Gilbert Miller, Ph.D.
Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
hgmiller@noblis.org