Transforming Information Assurance for Netcentric Operations: Providing Assured Information for National Security

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab
Laurel, MD
6-8 March 2007

Dear Colleague:

The Military Operations Research Society has organized a workshop entitled "Transforming Information Assurance for Netcentric Operations: Providing Assured Information for National Security."  This Workshop will be held 6-8 March 2007 at the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, Maryland.  There will also be an optional introductory level tutorial on Information Assurance and IA related issues on Monday 5 March from 1300-1600.

The twenty first century is accompanied by many changes that are influencing the national security landscape.  One key change to the landscape is the arrival of a multi-polar world, with non-state actors that present unprecedented and often unpredictable asymmetric threats.  The second is the arrival of the information age.  The availability of advanced information technologies, accompanied by a creative vision on how to apply that technology, are fueling efforts to "Transform" the military into a "Network Centric" force.  These two features of our modern world present opportunities to meet threats to peace and stability in ways that were previously unimaginable.  The continually increasing reliance on information technology in military operations, and in fact across society, also presents risks that were previously unimaginable.  Assured information is absolutely essential if these risks are to be effectively mitigated or managed.

This entire subject area is one that pushes the limits of both science and practice.  Effective improvements in Information Assurance (IA) will require creative and open discourse among traditional operators, operations analysts, technologists, and scientists and engineers from many disciplines.  If information is to be the cornerstone of our military's future success, it is essential that meaningful efforts be initiated to adapt to the dynamic and uncertain operational environment we are already facing, and are certain to face into the foreseeable future.  The focus of this workshop will be to examine how the Military Operations Research community can contribute to these efforts.

The meeting will commence with a mini-symposium on the first day that will include operational based discussions as well as some focusing presentations.  There will be a rich collection of keynote and plenary presentations that will relate IA to information sharing and use to the need for efficient and effective approaches to risk analysis and management throughout information enterprises. The mini-symposium will be followed by a two-day workshop where participants will meet in working groups to further examine specific topics, including discussing the overarching issues of the workshop.  To focus the discussion in each of the working groups, a select group of people will be requested to prepare and present papers. 

Workshop attendees will be organized into working groups as follows:

There are several overarching issues each working group will consider.  Some of these issues are:

You are invited to apply to participate in this special meeting.  Attendance will be limited by the space available.  A specific number of slots will be reserved for issue leaders, working group chairs, and synthesis group members.  Other participants will be selected using a combination of the criteria below:

An application form to attend the workshop is enclosed.  Registration fees are:   

There will be a catered buffet lunch each day.  The cost of lunch is $15.00 per day. Please include lunch fees with your registration fees.

We are holding a block of rooms for MORS workshop participants at the Sheraton Columbia Hotel, 10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD, 21044, 410/730-3900.  The room rate is $119s/$129d per room and the cut-off date for reservations is February 19, 2007.  NOTE: A two night minimum stay is required to get the $119s/$129d room rate.  The rate for one night will be $169s.  Call Reservations directly at 1-888-627-8318 and ask for a reservation in the MORS block or book online via this link.

The workshop will be at the classified level - US only.  Please fill out a copy of the enclosed Personal Security Form (226 A or B) and submit it to the MORS office.  If you do not have a MORS ID Card, please fill out the attached ID card form, attach a photo and submit it with your Security Form, or e-mail to idphoto@mors.org.

If you make a presentation, you need to fill out a Disclosure Form (Form 712 A or B) and submit it to the MORS Office. A Disclosure Form is attached.  

For more information about this workshop, you can visit the MORS web site at "www.mors.org" or contact the MORS office by phone at (703) 933-9070, by FAX at (703) 933-9066, or email at morsoffice@mors.org.

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Last modified: March 15, 2007