Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency

The Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency (CAOE), led by Arizona State University, develops and applies advanced analytical tools and technologies to enhance planning, information sharing and real-time decision-making in homeland security operations.

The research at CAOE will help the Department of Homeland Security improve efficiency and security at our national borders, ports and airports through better prediction and response to emergencies.

Established as a Center of Excellence by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate.

Featured projects

AI for Streamlining USCIS Document Validation

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Strengthening Trust in Large Language Models

The emergence of large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT has revolutionized information retrieval and interaction, particularly in intelligence analysis. However, concerns about their trustworthiness in security-critical applications persist due to security risks, factuality issues and biases. The project proposes a multifaceted approach to evaluating and enhancing the trustworthiness of large language models (LLMs), addressing key concerns related to security, factuality and biases.

A group of people standing in a line interacting with a transparent computer screen design overlay the image.

Enhancing AI for Homeland Security

The Multisource AI Scorecard Table (MAST) for Evaluating Generative AI in Worker-Automation Team Tasks (MEGAWATT) project aims to leverage MAST, a tool rooted in Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 203, to evaluate and enhance the performance of large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

A group of people standing in a dark room with many lights.

Unlocking Software Safety with CHIAUS

The CHIAUS project aims to revolutionize risk communication in software development and consumption by integrating human-centered interactions with Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) data. Led by Principal Investigator L Jean Camp and her team at Indiana University, the project addresses the pressing need for actionable, understandable risk communication in the software ecosystem.

Recent news and events

A collage featuring four different photographs. A background photo in the upper part of the image is a blue background with a metal link chain in the middle. The bottom left photo shows a close-up of a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds and displays an orange cargo crane at a shipping port with containers. The bottom middle photo is an intricate close-up of blue circuit board components. In the bottom right is an image of agricultural machinery in a field under a clear sky. Each photograph represents different aspects of supply chain resilience issues and solutions relevant to homeland security.

CAOE SCRIPS Workshop Explores Supply Chain Resilience

The SCRIPS: Supply Chain Resilience Issues, Problems and Solutions for the Homeland Security Enterprise Workshop brought together experts from diverse sectors to address critical supply chain resilience issues, including those in agriculture, semiconductors, and maritime operations.

This collage showcases a mix of innovation, education, and teamwork. At the center is the DASSH logo with the text “Designing ACTIONABLE Solutions for a Secure Homeland,” featuring a design of interconnected lines and nodes. Surrounding the logo are images including a person thoughtfully examining a globe, a silhouette of an individual raising a hand against a sunset, a collaborative workspace where students use interactive touchscreen technology, and a group of students engaged in a lively discussion with laptops and educational materials. The images emphasize collaboration, technology, and a focus on making impactful contributions to a secure homeland.

DASSH 2025 is on the Horizon

Explore innovative solutions to critical homeland security challenges at DASSH 2025, co-hosted by CAOE and SENTRY. This hybrid event will focus on addressing the impacts of AI on security, with opportunities to participate as a student, mentor, or judge. Registration opens in January 2025—stay tuned for updates!

CAOE Logo in the top middle of the image reading

CAOE Biennial Review Highlights

The 2024 CAOE Biennial Review showcased groundbreaking advancements in homeland security research and provided a platform for researchers to present their work, engage with DHS stakeholders, and outline future directions for integrating cutting-edge solutions into real-world applications.

Split-second decision-making. Wise allocation of scarce resources. Accurately predicting cascading consequences of natural and manmade disasters.

These are just some of the complex challenges our country’s homeland security workforce faces each day. The research, systems and technology developed at CAOE provide homeland security agencies with real-time information, predictive tools for resource and response planning, and systems that increase the odds of resolving security problems.

Improving Airport Checkpoints

Dynamic resource allocation for predicted demands at a network of screening facilities.

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