Capability Based Planning in Humanitarian Operations: A Hybrid Optimization and Simulation Framework for Strategic Acquisition in the Armed Forces

Abstract

This paper describes an innovative Hybrid Optimization and Simulation approach for assessing acquisition strategies in the Armed Forces. This work has been conceptualized and is currently being developed with and for experts in the field of disaster and emergency management in order to tackle the real issues arising during such crises. As the overarching framework, we operate under the umbrella of Capability Based Planning (CBP), a methodology widely used by the defense community and referred to by many as the “gold standard” for strategic planning. Drawing from the general building blocks of CBP, we aim to develop an analytic process to transparently assess and explain humanitarian capabilities acquisitions in the Armed Forces and include them in its traditionally defense-oriented strategic planning.