11 Spring 2025 Proceedings honesty, objectivity, and reliability in scientific research and communication. The term is often used to describe a commitment to ethical conduct, accountability, and responsible stewardship of the scientific enterprise. The RDC ensures the integrity of our research by having a well-defined team review all research outcomes from every angle—scientific and technical information, opera- tions security, legal, counterintelligence, human subjects research, and peer review. Experimental Design Sound experimental design helps ensure that the results obtained from a study are valid, reliable and can be generalized to other contexts. A significant part of the RDC’s project planning is centered around field experi- ments and data collection. The experimental design must include well-defined research questions, a proper control group, randomization, replication under differ- ent conditions, use of the proper sample size, and data analysis. Sound conclusions cannot be made without a well-designed experiment or test. Human Subjects Research Human subjects research involves gathering and analyz- ing data through interaction or intervention with people. To protect the rights, welfare, and privacy of individuals participating in research, institutional review boards (IRB) review, approve, modify, or disapprove research studies involving human subjects. The RDC has one of three IRBs in the Coast Guard.1 Research with human sub- jects can involve various methods, like surveys and ques- tionnaires, interviews and focus groups, observational studies, clinical trials, experimental research, and analy- sis of biological samples and/or health records. Potential participants must voluntarily agree to participate in the research after fully understanding its nature and consequences. Prototype Installations/Testing The vast majority of RDC knowledge products are based on field experimentation. RDC test planning includes processes to ensure a multitude of required approvals are obtained before moving forward. Some of those approvals and/or processes include: • Request for forces • Spectrum authorization—communications/data link/command and control/radar • Aviation Configuration Control Board approval • Time compliance technical order/prototype authorization • Electromagnetic compatibility/electromagnetic interference test • Safety of flight test/check • Platform IT assessment, authority to operate, interim authority to test • Universal flight clearance—airworthiness, operator qualifications, and test plan • Department of Homeland Security privacy threshold assessment/privacy impact assessment • Airspace authorization, certificate of authorization update and/or activation • Notice to airmen • Broadcast notice to mariners • Environmental assessment, National Environmental Policy Act compliance • IRB approval for human subjects research Industry Partnerships The RDC leverages the Coast Guard’s authority to enter into Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) with its industry partners. These agreements are created to facilitate collaboration and information sharing on research and development projects, with the aim of advancing scientific knowledge and promoting technology transfer. The RDC uses these no-cost agree- ments as a force multiplier to get capabilities into the hands of Coast Guard operators. At any given time, the RDC has five to 10 CRADAs in place. Conclusion While R&D is important to the organization, a profes- sional R&D organization is also important. The RDC has filled that role since 1972 and plans to be around to sup- port Coast Guard missions in the future. The RDC is characterized by well-established pro- cesses, strong leadership, and a commitment to excel- lence. It provides innovative technologies, premier analysis, and decision support to increase readiness, improve mission effectiveness, and reduce risk across all Coast Guard missions. Our disciplined organiza- tion is centered on clear research goals and objectives, structured R&D processes, strong governance, diver- sity of expertise, collaboration and partnerships, invest- ment in capabilities, and commitment to continuous improvement. About the author: Retired Coast Guard CAPT Al Arsenault served on active duty for 27 years, last serving as the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC). He has served in many capacities including various engineering and major acquisition project management roles. He has been a civilian at the RDC for 10 years. Endnotes: 1. Coast Guard Research and Development Center Instruction 5430: Research and Development Center Institutional Review Board Standard Operating Procedure.
