A Normative Methodology for the US Army Corps of Engineers Operational Research & Development Project Selection

USACE is currently without a scalable, normative decision support tool that aids districts and major subordinate commands (MSC), in the prioritization of operational Civil Works research and development (R&D) initiatives. As part of the newly designed operational R&D budget build methodology in 2022, this research develops a process to fill this void. This research presents a novel design for a decision support tool, that’s results will aid in the decision maker’s analysis of project prioritization and increase the overall value of R&D initiatives in context of MSC portfolios. The Scalable Weighted Operational R&D Decision (SWORD) Tool will build upon the current objectives outlined by ERDC in their Operational Research & Development Playbook v1.0 to ensure alignment to the new ERDC operational R&D process. Moreover, the ERDC validated SWORD Tool supports commensurate adjustments, ensuring future project portfolios continue to reflect command priorities.