TIM 1 was to introduce SME to the analysis team, explain the purpose of the CBA, improve the future scenarios, and expand the first draft of the HTA.
1. Planning TIM 1
Planning for TIM 1 took several weeks. The first TIM was held at WPAFB at the Tec Edge facility and an invitation to TIM 1 was sent to the SME in January 2013. The analysis team was concerned about SME attendance at the TIM due to the travel restrictions and funding cuts for DoD personnel. Most SME were only allowed to travel if it was mission essential. Fortunately, many SME lived close to WPAFB and were able to travel to the TIM at their own expense. The team developed a backup plan using video teleconferencing capabilities for SME who were not able to attend. Other preparation efforts included setting up catering, ordering supplies, printing TIM 1 worksheets, and compiling the folders for each SME. The contents of the folders consisted of the TIM 1 Agenda, SME consent form, definitions document, scenarios document, and capabilities spreadsheet.
2. Attendance
Those attending TIM 1 were the entire analysis team, eighteen SME, and two HSI practitioners from 711th HPW/HP. As shown on Table 6, all CCAT organizations had at least one representative at TIM 1.
Table 6. Attendance for CCAT CBA February 2013 TIM
# Rank Organization
1 O-6 Headquarters AFRC
2 O-6 445th AFRC
3 O-5 AMC
4 O-5 Headquarters ANG
5 O-6 Headquarters ANG
6 E-7 Headquarters ANG
7 O-6 88th Air Base Wing
8 O-4 59th Medical Wing Pilot Unit
9 O-5 C-STARS Cincinnati (USAFSAM)
10 O-5 C-STARS Cincinnati (USAFSAM)
11 O-5 C-STARS Cincinnati (USAFSAM)
12 O-4 C-STARS Cincinnati (USAFSAM)
13 E-7 USAFSAM
14 O-4 USAFSAM
15 O-3 USAFSAM
16 O-6 USAFSAM
17 O-4 711th HPW/XPH
18 O-5 AFMSA
3. Activities
Before TIM 1 started, each SME was asked to sign a consent form and given a folder containing handouts. The consent form is located in Appendix H. TIM 1 started with formal introductions of the analysis team and SME. The format of the TIM 1 was similar to that of a focus group where participants were encouraged to speak freely. After formal introductions, the Team Lead gave a presentation that provided an overview of the CBA process, defined HSI, discussed how HSI is used during the CCAT CBA, summarized the AE/CCAT FEA findings, and showed the first draft of the CBA.
After the presentation, the Team Lead discussed each handout. The first handout was the TIM agenda. The second handout, found in Appendix I, consisted of several terms commonly used during the CBA process. Since there were many ways to define these terms, it was important for the analysis team to standardize the definitions to create a common baseline for all SME. The Team Lead explained each definition, but
emphasized the term “capability.” As stated in the CBA User’s Guide, a CBA should
“[describe] needs in terms of capabilities, instead of systems of force elements” (Force Structure, Resources, and Assessments Directorate, 2009, p. 5). Therefore, Team Lead emphasized that the SME should not focus specific solutions, but suggested the SME use the phrase “the ability to” to avoid arriving at solutions prematurely.
The third handout, found in Appendix J, was a summary of the key U.S. strategic documents. The analysis team used this handout to help describe the projected strategic environment, and discussed possible geopolitical challenges the CCAT system could face during the next fifteen to twenty years. The purpose of this discussion was to encourage the SME to consider how these global trends could impact the CCAT mission. The fourth handout was the spreadsheet listing the preliminary capabilities. The SME were encouraged to expand on them. The fifth handout, found in Appendix K, was a data collection sheet with the first draft of the concept map.
After reviewing the handouts, the Team Lead discussed the four scenarios. Using a talk-through approach, the Team Lead asked the SME to explain each step needed to conduct a CCAT mission during the irregular scenario. The Team Lead documented the steps and the required capabilities on the white board. The analysis team used this technique during TIM 1 for the remaining three scenarios. Afterward, two SME who were not able to attend in person recommended additional capabilities not mentioned during the TIM.
4. Site Visit
After the first TIM, the analysis team toured two CCAT training facilities. The first visit was to the C-STARS training facility located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The main purpose of the C-STARS training program is to ensure the CCAT members are properly trained prior to deployment. The analysis team interviewed several members of the training staff and were given access to the CCAT equipment. Then the analysis team observed a simulator training sortie with a newly-formed CCAT team and saw how CCAT teams are graded during the validation process.
The second tour took place at the USAFSAM training facility at WPAFB in Dayton, Ohio. The purpose of the basic course is to provide CCAT personnel with initial training. The analysis team saw the training simulator used for CCAT basic training. The purpose of the basic course is to provide CCAT personnel with initial training. Both site visits provided the analysis team with great insight into CCAT training, validation requirements, CCAT member interaction, and the teamwork required to conduct the mission.
5. TIM 1 Notes
After the site visits, the HSI Consultant drafted a report that summarized the progress. The notes, located in Appendix L, were sent to the sponsors to update them on the CCAT CBA progress.