The IACs are research and analysis organizations chartered by the DoD and operated by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) IAC program, to help researchers, engineers, scientists and program managers utilize existing Scientific and Technical Information (STI). They establish and maintain comprehensive knowledge bases that include historical, technical, scientific, and other data and information collected worldwide.
IACs provide tactical relevance through direct connection to the Warfighter, and strategic value through long term trend analysis and recommendations. Products such as State-of-the-Art Reports (SOARs) provide a detailed analysis of immediate, critical challenges, while technical inquiry services offer a direct connection to a vast network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from across government, industry and academia.
IACs also work directly with customers on Core Analysis Tasks (CATs) and Technical Area Tasks (TATs), both of which yield new STI. They also collect, maintain, and develop analytical tools and techniques, including databases, models, and simulations, and provide research and analysis services to customers with diverse, complex and challenging requirements.
The CSIAC is one of three Information Analysis Centers (IACs) sponsored by the DTIC. The current IACs and their technical domains are listed below.
IAC |
Technical Domain |
HDIAC | Critical Infrastructure Protection, CBRN Defense, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, Biometrics, Medical, Cultural Studies, and Alternative Energy |
DSIAC | Advanced Materials, Reliability/Maintainability (RMQSI), Weapon Systems, Survivability/Vulnerability, Military Sensing, Autonomous Systems, Non-lethal Weapons, Energetics, and Directed Energy |
CSIAC | Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Modeling & Simulation, Software Engineering, Knowledge Management |
As Science & Technology priorities evolve, the IAC Program continues to adapt. DTIC continues to consider additional technical domains (e.g., biometrics, cultural studies, alternative energy, etc.) that could benefit from the contributions of an IAC. Regardless of the changes that occur, the IACs will continue to adapt in order to serve the needs of a growing community of customers.
Department of Defense IACs are formal organizations established by the DoD to facilitate the utilization of existing Scientific and Technical Information (STI). They are established under DoD Instruction 3200.14, Principles and Operational Parameters of the DoD Scientific and Technical Information Program, dated May 13, 1997. DTIC serves as the government sponsor for the IACs covered under this document and maintains responsibility for funding and oversight of day-to-day activities. Policy for the IACs is set by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, ASD (R&E). (There are additional IACs sponsored by the military services and other DoD Components, which are not addressed here.)