88 Proceedings Spring 2025 extended to include information technology and net- working, mobile device solutions, data connectivity from all sensors and platforms, crewed or uncrewed, at any latitude and longitude. This also includes next-generation remote command and control and bringing data to decision-makers wher- ever they are, enabling tasking to flow automatically to all assets, and maintaining consistent and reliable com- munication pathways. Defense and Safety Systems: Safety of Coast Guard mem- bers, the MTS, and the public. These systems include nonlethal vessel-stopping technologies, counter-uncrewed systems, cybersecurity and redundancy in operational technology and naviga- tion systems, and improvements to mariner safety. Environmental Evolution and Waterways Resilience: Handling a changing environment and how the Coast Guard and the public interact with our evolving water- ways. This includes evolving missions due to sea-level rise, extreme weather events, offshore energy generation and transport, and threats due to a changing maritime domain. Data, Modeling, and Decision Support: The focus is on enhancing Coast Guard effectiveness through the use of data with research supporting incorporation and devel- opment of advanced methodologies, use of emerging data technologies, and complex analytics. The end goal is to provide decision-support tools to operators, support personnel, and leadership. Research areas include domain awareness and target-of-interest identification, artificial intelligence and natural lan- guage processing, modeling and simulation, and data analytics. Research also supports the investigation of emerging data and decision-support tools, technologies, and capabilities. Benefits of Managing Multiple Research Lines of Effort These strategic research programs have been compared with research focus areas of sister DoD labs, DHS Science and Technology, and other DHS components and should provide strategic direction for years to come. The benefits of managing research lines of effort as larger strategic programs are numerous and include: Impact and Significance Larger research programs often address complex prob- lems that require a multidisciplinary or multifaceted approach. This allows for greater impact and signifi- cance when compared to individual research projects and offers more opportunities to transition results to meet the mission needs of the Coast Guard. Resource Allocation With more enduring research programs, resources such as funding, equipment, and personnel can be allocated more efficiently. This can result in reduced redundancies and improved overall effectiveness. Research programs will also help the RDC align with the Coast Guard plan- ning, programming, budgeting, and execution process to support zero-based budgeting activities and provide addi- tional details in our annual congressional justification. Collaboration Larger research programs promote collaboration among researchers, often from different disciplines, backgrounds, and institutions. This fosters knowledge exchange, inno- vation, and cross-disciplinary learning. External col- laboration and partnerships are key, especially in a resource-constrained environment. Consistency and Uniformity Managing a larger research program allows for the development of consistent methodologies, standards, and protocols. This can lead to more uniform and com- parable results, making analysis and interpretation eas- ier. In addition, project management overhead will be eased by reducing the number of independently man- aged research efforts into five program areas. Stability and Continuity Large-scale research programs provide stability and continuity, often leading to a long-term commitment to addressing the problem at hand. This allows research- ers to plan and build on past results rather than con- stantly starting from scratch. It also allows researchers the opportunity to collaborate with partners in a more sustained manner. Capacity-Building and Career Development Larger research programs offer more opportunities for researchers to gain experience, mentorship, and training. This can help build and sustain the expertise and talent necessary for ongoing research efforts. Influence and Visibility A well-managed, large-scale research program can have greater influence and visibility within an organization. Increased visibility can lead to more funding opportu- nities, research partnerships, and recognition for the researchers involved. Risk Management With larger research programs, the overall risk can be spread over multiple components. If one part of a proj- ect faces difficulties or failure, it may not result in the failure of the entire program. However, it needs to be
