Through the Apex Modeling and Simulation Engine (MS-E), the most up to date modeling and simulation (M&S) know-how will be made available to Apex programs. A key focus of MS-E will be to ensure that best practices in M&S are implemented across Apex programs.   

Description and Approach

MS-E identifies, prioritizes, and executes initiatives in the M&S domain required by Apex programs. MS-E provides Apex programs with domain-specific subject matter expertise (SME) pertaining to M&S tools, techniques, and trends and serves as a collaborative gateway to the wider M&S community.  The MS-E team draws its knowledge from industry, academia, and government M&S resources and maintains visibility of current and emerging capabilities in the field. MS-E also maintains access to repositories of mission-based models and M&S tools. This repository allows for the categorization of models and simulation tools to ensure that organizational M&S knowledge is retained and easily accessible. 

Key Activities

• Engage Apex PM’s in analyzing and establishing M&S requirements and supporting Apex PM’s in the appropriate application of M&S within their programs.
• Coordinate with other Apex Engines and other S&T organizations to meet Apex program needs.
• Provide M&S SME through technical assistance and/or leveraging collaborative relationships (COTS/GOTS tools, external organization expertise, etc.) to achieve Apex program missions.
• Support the development of M&S support plans and requirements forecasting.
• Provide core in-house execution capabilities through use of existing tools and resources; surge as needed to support Apex programs and other Engines.
• Maintain situational awareness of M&S trends and advancements; support industry/academia/government collaboration in the area of M&S as pertinent to DHS.
• Develop and sustain a DHS M&S repository enhancing situational awareness and collaboration.
• Establish an M&S Working Group “Community of Practice.”

Requirements and Risk Analysis

MS-E provides requirements and risk analysis (RRA) support to the Apex programs.  By partnering with Apex program managers, SME’s, and the user community, MS-E ensures traceability of requirements through the Apex program lifecycle and ensures technical and programmatic risks are effectively managed.

To learn more about the Modeling and Simulation Apex Engine, contact technologyengines@hq.dhs.gov