Week 0 Key Insights

Key Learning Moments

Poor coordination of data affects interdiction operations

1. USCG: bureaucracy inhibits data sharing [0.08]
2. CBP: wishes 3 IT databases were one database. Literally share data with screenshots [0.05]. Creating their own mobile sensor towers to deploy on 50–60mi of landable beaches, use machine learning to detect suspicious patterns
3. Cal OES: everyone reluctant to share data — we’re creating a sensor network others can subscribe into, including for non-drug interdicting roles [0.09]

Not enough range right now

1. OCSD: wishes had (twin engine) helicopters to have more range, most commonly catch suspicious vessels by “being at the right place at the right time” (seeing them on patrols, so could do more with larger range) [0.04]
2. USCG LA-LB: wishes had more air coverage, with wider range, can spot more suspicious vessel activity and track them [0.01]
3. USCG SD: interdictions from (1) cold boarding (small range) is very small, (2) plane coverage (high range) is large minority, (3) sensor desk (coastal range) is equivalent but slightly less than plane coverage[0.03]

New Hypotheses

These agencies don’t think they have enough sensor coverage. We think they might have enough sensor coverage, but its not coordinated together now.

H: By sharing resources and sensor data, we could solve this lack of coverage.

• Are there still blind spots even if all combined?
• Is claim of 50–60 mile landable coastline [0.05] agreed upon?

H: Technology is not the biggest limiting factor.

• How do operators monitor sensor feeds now? Where are sensors positioned? (coastline, boat, port)

Mission Model Canvas Changes

Additions:

• Value proposition is now an interactive real-time map (not an algorithm analyzing historic data).
• Similarly, key activities is a platform (no longer problem-solving with an analytics model), and key supplier is now data integration software (no longer small scale sensors nor analytics package)
• Deployment narrowed down to a SoCal base (instead of a NorCal one that’s not as involved in these interdictions)
• Key partners and beneficiaries expanded from US Coast Guard to include other involved agencies (to augment sensor coverage and each others’ capabilities).
• Similarly, key resources expanded from US Coast Guard sensors to include other agencies

Interviewees

[0.01] Chief Warrant Officer, USCG LA-LB Sector (problem sponsor)

[0.02] Lieutenant Commander, USCG LA-LB Sector

[0.03] Lieutenant Commander, ReCoM Coordinator, USCG SD Sector

[0.04] Sergeant, Orange County Sheriff’s Department

[0.05] Manager, CA Coastal Surveillance (CSS), CBP

[0.06] Supervisor, CBP

[0.07] Deputy Program Manager, CA Coastal Surveillance (CSS), CBP

[0.08] Captain, USCG LA-LB Sector

[0.09] Emergency Services Coordinator, Cal OES

[0.10] Commander, U.S. Navy