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Unified Response to Transportation Disruption—March 20 Exploratory Workshop Preliminary Findings

By Ken Anderson , Becca Lehner , Karen Levush, Ph.D. , Claudia Rios-Phelps , Tim Saad, Ph.D. , Sharada Vadali , Matt Hardison

This document details a study led by MITRE examining methods, challenges, and opportunities for managing and recovering from major transportation disruptions. It presents preliminary findings from Phase 1 of the study, focusing on the need for clarifying roles, responsibilities, and authorities, building data-informed decision support, and resolving barriers to effective communication and collaboration.

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This document presents the preliminary findings of a study led by MITRE, with federal sponsors' support, to examine methods, challenges, and opportunities for managing and recovering from major transportation disruptions that require a coordinated, whole-of-nation response. The study, built on in-depth interviews of experts in government and industry, as well as a seven-agency workshop, is designed to advance the understanding of risks stemming from a national-scale disruption and the requirements for a rapid, unified response to minimize operational, economic, and security risks. 

The study identified three primary themes for challenges: Clarifying Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities; Building Data-Informed Decision-Making; and Resolving Barriers to Effective Communication and Collaboration. The document also outlines potential solutions discussed in each of these categories and seeks feedback on these findings and recommendations from participants and other stakeholders.