RCS Collaborate With LAS to Develop Support for Improved Analytic Rigor
Submitted by Resilient Cognitive Solutions
In 2014, RCS collaborated with LAS to initiate the development of an innovative decision support tool grounded in cognitive systems engineering (CSE) principles, aimed at advancing structured analytic tradecraft. This research effort spanned from 2014 to 2019, culminating in the creation of BEAST (Broadening and Enlightening Analytic Structured Tradecraft), a cutting-edge platform to fundamentally change the future of technology-enabled tradecraft.
The primary objective of the BEAST program was to design transformative, technology-driven methodologies to enhance the cognitive processes underpinning analytic decision-making. Building upon earlier efforts to improve analytic quality through structured tradecraft, the BEAST initiative incorporated advanced practices from the field of Cognitive Systems Engineering. These practices served as the foundation for experimental innovations intended for systematic validation and eventual integration within the broader enterprise framework.
The outcome of this endeavor is a decision-centered user environment that effectively operationalizes analytic rigor, enabling its practical application at the scale and complexity demanded by real-world challenges.
Dual-Use Commercial Applications
BEAST has significant dual-use commercial applications, including its availability on the GSA Schedule as part of an "Analysis at the Edge" package offered by a channel partner vendor. Efforts are underway to introduce BEAST to academic institutions offering degree programs in analysis, providing trial use to enhance the educational experience and practical training in intelligence analysis degree programs. Additionally, initial discussions have explored leveraging BEAST to improve the analytic rigor of medical diagnosis, demonstrating its potential to drive innovation and precision in critical fields beyond its traditional applications.
The BEAST Today
BEAST is in early-stage product development for use on both open source, publicly available data, as well as on-prem using internal organizational data holdings. Initial explorations for use in Oncology Treatment Planning, Law Enforcement Investigations, and graduate student researchers are showing promise in improving the rigor, coverage, and speed of these diverse markets.
It has earned two U.S. patents for “Interactive Structured Analytic Systems” (12001424 and 11409737) and is now running and early adopter analysts across the enterprise.