Review of Mass Spectrometry and Bioremediation Programs of the Edgewood Research, Development and Engineering Center (1998) / Chapter Skim
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3 Bioremediation
3 Bioremediation
Pages 38-49
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From page 38... ...
Like the mass spectrometry group, the bioremediation group does not have a separate leader but reports directly to the leader of the ETT. The mission of the ETT is to develop biological and/or biochemical systems for detoxifying or destroying hazardous chemicals of military significance, primarily chemical warfare agents (including their precursors and products)
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From page 39... ...
, basic research, applied research, and customer-funded projects. The largest current project, Enzymatic Decontamination, is in the development of a new generation of CBW decontaminants that use catalytic enzymes and, unlike current decontaminants, are nontoxic, noncorrosive, nonflammable, and environmentally safe.
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From page 40... ...
The current annual Technical Base program reviews do not provide an overview of the capabilities of the various research groups in the RTD. The purpose of the current reviews is to determine whether projects have met their goals for the year and whether their plans for the future are reasonable.
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From page 41... ...
The committee believes that management could minimize the effects of the freeze by initiating a continuing education program so that "older" staff members can upgrade their skills. Even though project leaders are proud of their success in developing new technologies that could have practical military applications, (e.g., the destruction of agent breakdown products)
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From page 42... ...
Nor are PIs briefed by RTD management about potential biological threats. Therefore, the PIs do not have sufficient information to anticipate future army needs and tailor their proposals accordingly.
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From page 43... ...
The written responses were less helpful, however, because of the limited number of responses and the lack of clear, direct answers to the questions. Strategic Vision, Value Creation, and Customer Focus Categories Characteristics | Strategic Vision Value Creation Customer Focus · Mission and vision · Portfolio selection · Customer · Strategic planning · Cycle time and · Customer satisfaction responsiveness · Stakeholder buy-in · Customer involvement · Value of work in · Leadership progress · Market diversification The levels of maturity for the bioremediation group are high for most of the characteristics in these three categories.
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From page 44... ...
Resources and Capabilities Category Characteristics · Organizational culture · Employee attitude · People development · Budget/funding · RD&E capabilities, skills, and talents · Intellectual property · Technology sourcing · Information technology · Facilities and infrastructure The bioremediation group scored well in most of the characteristics of this category. The committee was most impressed by the organizational culture and employee attitude.
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From page 45... ...
The CSC felt that the work of the group could be leveraged by including outside experts who are familiar with the skills, talents and facilities of other laboratories in outsourcing decisions. The committee believes that this change would enhance the RTD' s acquisition of research engineering capabilities, skills, and talents.
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From page 46... ...
The group does not use metrics to assess improvements. The committee believes, however, that the group would benefit from more formal project management, even of basic research projects.
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From page 47... ...
BIOREMEDIATION TABLE 3-1 Programmatic Review of the Bioremediation Group 47 Maturity Stage Importance Priority 4 = High 4 = High Indexa 0 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Strategic Vision Strategic planning 3 3 3 Leadership Value Creation 4 4 0 Cycle time and responsiveness 3 2 2 Customer Focus Customer satisfaction 1 3 9 Market diversification Resources and Capabilities 4 o Employee attitude 4 4 0 Budget/funding 3 3 3 Intellectual property 2 1 2 Information technology 2 2 4 Quality Focus Continuous improvement 9 Evaluations end rewards 2 2 4 Regulatory compliance 3 2 2 Process management 2 2 4 Safety a Priority Index = (4 - Maturity Stage) x Importance.
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From page 48... ...
The Priority Index, (4 - maturity stage) x importance, indicates the priority of each characteristic.
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From page 49... ...
The leadership of the Research and Technology Directorate should use annual Technology Base reviews for sharing information among all technology teams.
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