Volpe Center: Transportation Strategic Plans

Cargo Security and In-Transit Visibility - The Military Traffic Management Command’s (MTMC’s) project on in-transit visibility for cargo security in Ft. Hood is an example of DoD efforts to deploy real-time data systems for tracking military cargo location from origin to destination. The project involves the upload of Highway Performance Measurement System (HPMS) data into a GIS linked to the National Bridge Inventory, allowing MTMC to identify security threats and risk levels. A project team at FHWA is working with MTMC to develop a business plan that would spell out the joint DoT/MTMC security objectives, creating measurable milestones and performance criteria.

Worldwide Port System (WPS) - MTMC’s WPS relates to the common-user port operations as they relate to managing, tracking, and documenting the movement of military cargo by water, with in-transit visibility a critical component of it. WPS was initiated in 1989, when the Army asked MTMC to develop a single system to benefit all users, including the Navy. The key features of WPS are ability to support peak wartime workloads, a transportable version for remote site operation, ability for users to design and produce ad-hoc reports, and speedier movement of information for in-transit visibility. The marine terminal automation capability of WPS is essential to support of a rapid force deployment. WPS will be fielded to 66 sites including 27 MTMC active ports, 21 Forces Command (FORSCOM) Active and Reserve units, the US Army Transportation School, and 17 Navy activity centers.

Integrated Booking System (IBS) - IBS is designed to provide MTMC with a single, worldwide, automated booking system to support the movement of unit and non-unit cargo, automate the booking process between DoD shippers and ocean carriers. IBS will be used by U.S. TRANSCOM to replace the current automated shipment processing systems and will incorporate the functionality of two other export/import processing systems, The Automated Cargo Offering System (TACOS) and the Automated Carrier Interface (ACI).

Agile Port Demonstration - This is one of U.S. TRANSCOM/MTMC initiatives conducted at the CCDoTT to identify and demonstrate advanced technologies. In FY 1997 $5 million in R&D funds were provided through the Defense Appropriations bill (plus funding of $1.7 million and $1.1 million in FY96). The project demonstrates the application of advanced technologies for rapid movement of cargo through port, and fast lift to the theater. It will develop a prototype of a high-speed sealift, movement of cargo and personnel, and tracking and in-transit visibility capability.

Advanced Sealift Technologies - This project involves research, development, testing, evaluation, and commercialization of enabling technologies for high-speed marine applications. It evaluates commercial ship designs and initiatives that can be effectively used for military use or adapted to DoD requirements. It also includes design changes to make next-generation lift platforms compatible with the DoD strategic and tactical requirements and its current cargo handling systems.

Rapid Deployment Technologies - This is another CCDoTT program to study the feasibility of leveraging advanced commercial Marine-Rail Interfaces for use in inland ports. The project involves simulation to determine the impact of using marine-rail technology in inland ports. The project also involves the development of Transportation Automated Measuring Systems (TrAMS) to incorporate advanced weigh-in-motion (WIM) technologies for use in military lift operations. TrAMS is designed to further improve port cargo handling efficiency and reduce manpower requirements by incorporating tagging technology and adding the capability to automatically measure center of balance.

Advanced Logistics Program (ALP) - ALP, initiated in 1996 as a 5-year interagency research program, combines the efforts of three initiatives within DARPA that focus on strategic mobility and deployment. The protocols and standards developed by ALP will be compatible with the non-defense equivalents in the civilian logistics system, with direct impact on the intermodal community. For the first time in military practice, operations will be planned through an integrated process of logistics planning and execution. Furthermore, the military staging requirements will be reduced because all loading and item sequencing will be planned ahead of time, load plan changes will be made while material is traveling en-route, and reliable cost estimates will enable strategic evaluation of alternatives in real-time.

A related DARPA technology transfer initiative program is Dual Use Application Program (DUAP) that originated with the insertion of Critical Technology and Industrial Base Initiatives in the Senate Armed Services Authorization Act of 1989. The Act shifted the policy emphasis toward dual-use military and economic programs. Later in the decade, the Critical Technology initiative became instrumental in allocating billions of R&D dollars to dual-use technologies. DUAP is to prototype and demonstrate new approaches for leveraging commercial research, technology, and processes in military systems.