Studies and Analysis

Find the Answers to Tough Questions through Studies & Analysis

Extraordinary circumstances, gaps in knowledge domains, or urgent timelines often require the Government to seek assistance from a trusted source who can gather, study, assess, and report on special—even secret— subject matter and information. IEM has a long, successful track record of providing this type of work, as well as technical and analytical reviews covering a broad spectrum of topics, conducted by seasoned researchers.

IEM maintains an extensive professional research library, giving us the ability to rapidly collect, disseminate, and review specialized subject matter. We use both internal and external assets and procedures for rapidly assembling and absorbing information provided by functional, operational, and materiel requirements documents. Through our expanding body of work, IEM research analysts also leverage new data, tactics, methods, and innovations derived from the experience of ongoing operations.

Capabilities

After Action Reports (AARs) and Data Collection/Analysis

IEM’s sophisticated survey and data mining capabilities allow us to rapidly collect, review, and collate information, then conduct required analysis on a scientific, quantitative basis geared to each client's needs. These finely sharpened research methods can be similarly applied to government electronic libraries and databanks. After research is complete, IEM’s subject matter experts develop appropriate courses of action and recommendations with supporting rationale.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Organizations—public and private—struggle with accurately measuring and reporting individual and organizational performance, as well as returns on investment.  IEM helps clients identify and articulate the relationship between business/program activities, the outputs that are measured, and the impact these outputs have on services and business.

Mitigation Action Prioritization

IEM’s extended mitigation support team is well-versed in current planning guidance and programs at all levels, and is up to date on the latest hazard research findings and emerging technologies. Relying on more than two decades of emergency management experience and in-depth knowledge of Federal grant programs, IEM’s efforts help insure that reporting data is accurate, verifiable, and complies with HMGP regulations, in order to achieve maximum reimbursement.

Decision Support

IEM decision support solutions help emergency management leaders chart the best course of action based on a large and ever-changing set of circumstances. Customers use our robust systems—sometimes on a daily basis—to produce scientifically defensible recommendations for courses of action. These solutions are particularly valuable to military field commanders who need to take real-time data and quickly make what could be life or death decisions.

Economic Recovery Planning and Assessments

IEM has substantial experience in performing objective, reliable post-disaster research and analysis. We use a full range of economic analysis tools to produce accurate and timely impact estimates for jobs, sales, property values, and tax revenues.  Our broad base of technical expertise and highly efficient project management systems give us the ability to accomplish complex information gathering and analytic tasks in a time-sensitive manner.

Risk & Vulnerability Assessments and Gap Analysis

IEM’s disaster risk and vulnerability assessments provide a foundation for determining the options and countermeasures available for mitigating a variety of threats.  Analyses include assessing and prioritizing assets and threat events in order to make informed decisions on the implementation of protection initiatives and projects.

HazMat/Commodity Flow Studies

Armed with IEM hazmat transportation and commodity flow studies—which map chemical shipments across designated regions— government officials better understand where freight shipments are concentrated.  By increasing the awareness of vulnerabilities and safety needs, decision makers can ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the network—or they can make necessary adjustments in shipping routes to improve safety.

Individual Assistance (IA) Planning and Analysis

IEM is staffed with experienced emergency management professionals who understand firsthand Individual Assistance programs and the inner-workings of entities that support them—such as non-profit organizations, volunteer  and faith-based organizations, and, of course, government.  Our familiarity of program execution and knowledge of best practices positions IEM to help communities jump-start the recovery process.

Natural and Man-Made Hazard Profiling and Assessments

Threat assessment and risk management are complex processes—pressing beyond a linear view of catastrophic progression—and requiring the study of interacting components.  IEM delivers that level of meaningful analysis by providing the capability to construct “what if” scenarios and protection options. Our modeling and visualization tools allow decision makers to observe the full spectrum of issues associated with potential events.

Nuclear Licensing Application Support

IEM offers comprehensive engineering and project management support for the development and submission of operating and new plant licenses. Our services include engineering, economic, environmental, and sociological analyses; emergency plan development and reviews (including web-based tools for automated plan development); Evacuation Time Estimates; and information management.

Performance Analysis and Evaluation

IEM’s performance measurement systems capture both quantitative and qualitative aspects of performance, with a focus on the service outcomes that have real impacts on citizens as program clients. Our expertise is based on the application of rigorous scientific methodologies and experience implementing performance reforms on behalf of our clients.

Research, Development, Technology & Evaluation (RDT&E)

IEM possesses the technological resources, subject matter expertise, and on-the-job experience to deliver high quality RDT&E services. Our professionals—many of whom sit on professional, organizational, and governance boards— arrive equipped to quickly evaluate requirements and provide accurate feedback on standard governmental workflow components, functional areas, needs and solution analyses, organizational capabilities development, organizational planning and documentation production.

Testing & Evaluation

Organizations frequently need the services of an honest broker that can render fair evaluations of performance or acceptance. IEM is frequently called upon to serve in that role, providing unbiased, accurate, and defensible assessments and results. We maintain a separate technical division dedicated to business process analysis and software quality assurance. In conformance with industry best practices, all IEM test activities are overseen by dedicated, experienced testers, who are not programmers or personnel from other disciplines simply wearing a second hat.