Research Summaries

Back Security Gaps of Husbanding Service Providers (HSPS) and Viability of HSPS in Major Theater Conflict

Fiscal Year 2019
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department NPS Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) Ferrer, Geraldo L.
Sponsor NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary HSPs play an important role supporting Naval operations in a forward environment. However, recent experiences have shown that not all providers serve the Navy’s best interest. The very public “Fat Leonard” scandal demonstrated how an HSPS can compromise OPSEC in theater. Hence, there may be risks in phase 0 operations associated with HSPs that need to be addressed. Furthermore, during contingencies operations the risk is further compounded that a local HSPS could be compromised or unable to meet the need of the Navy impacting readiness and OPSEC.

This study will try to address these questions:
Q1: What are the logistics implications of a major theater conflict on Navy’s ability to source logistics support from HSPs?
Q2: What are the security gaps in vetting husbanding service providers and how should Navy mitigate them to preclude adversaries from gaining useful information about Navy Operations?
Q3: What alternative method of supply could be used to enhance OPSEC and ensure a reliable partner?

We expect to follow this research plan:
1) Review the Navy’s approve list of HSPS
2) Review the historical demand from various HSPS
3) Review vetting process of candidate HSPS
4) Evaluate OPLAN for potential needs during contingencies operations for the AORs supported.
5) Compile a report and offer courses of action.

Project deliverables will include a project report (all project findings from the process review, including an analysis and conclusions regarding implications for Naval operations) and a formal presentation to the project sponsors (highlighting the key issues pertaining HSPS, with conclusions and recommendations)."
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal