GETTING the RIGHT SUPPLIES to the RIGHT PLACE

	ISG is developing supply chain solutions to help better respond to disasters.

One of the most daunting challenges in the aftermath of a major disaster is getting critically needed supplies to the ones that need them the most as fast as possible. Knowing precisely where the supplies need to go and determining the best means to get them there are also big challenges.

Conversely, the deluge of certain items that quickly outpace the demand for them, or are not a high priority during the initial days following a disaster, also contributes to the problem. Accountability, storage, damage, and spoilage can become major concerns.

To solve these problems ISG is working on a plan to leverage the e-supply functionality it developed in support of the DoD EMALL to provide a highly responsive disaster recovery supply capability. It is called RE-STORE:Regional E-Supply To Optimize Recovery Efforts.

RE-STORE could provide Web-based e-commerce connectivity with retailers, wholesalers, distributors, service providers, and charitable organizations in geographic proximity to the impact area to rapidly acquire the most needed supplies and services. It could also employ GIS mapping capability that rapidly accounts for infrastructure damage to optimize supply delivery routes into the impacted area, as well as determining the best locations for the staging of those supplies when they arrive.

Effective Communications = Lives Saved ISG was at Ground Zero immediately following the horrific events of September 11, 2001, sending an associate from the NLECTC-SE to provide assistance to the NYPD. That individual was able to listen and learn a great deal about what went wrong with the communications on that fateful morning and during the days that followed. It is a story that seems to be repeated whatever the disaster: the numerous Federal, state, and local agencies that are responding simply cannot effectively communicate with one another. That means time is lost while trying to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts, and as a result there is often a needless loss of even more human lives. ISG is significantly contributing to the solution. Once operational, ISG’s DisPRNet system will allow law enforcement officials, fire fighters, EMS technicians, government agencies, the military, and others to immediately and seamlessly communicate with one another.