THE OPERATIONS RESEARCH CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

Researching the Army’s Future – Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders

ORCEN PURPOSE

The purpose of the Operations Research Center of Excellence (ORCEN) is to provide a small, full-time analytical capability to the United States Military Academy, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.  The ORCEN was established in 1990 through a Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Systems Engineering (DSE), the Department of Mathematics (DMath) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller).  Its establishment was born of the need for developing research opportunities to enrich DSE and DMath education.

The ORCEN provides projects to Academy faculty and cadets giving them the opportunity to investigate a wide range of interdisciplinary, systemic issues and to apply many of the operations research, systems engineering and engineering management concepts studied in the classroom.  These projects demonstrate for both cadets and faculty the relevance and importance of operations research and systems engineering in today's high-technology Army.

ORCEN VISION

To conduct meaningful operations research for Department of Defense in support of the United States Military Academy’s mission.

ORCEN MISSION

The ORCEN conducts reimbursable research in order to enhance the analytical and research skills of its faculty and to support the education of cadets while accomplishing the mission of the Department of Systems Engineering and USMA.

ORCEN GOALS

o   Enrich cadet education

o   Conduct research which enhances the future capabilities of the Army

o   Conduct research projects which meet client needs in a timely manner

o   Enhance, solidify, and exploit faculty analytical skills for the benefit of the Nation

o   Provide professional development opportunities to Academy faculty by engaging in current issues and areas of importance to the Army

o   Establish and maintain strong ties between the Academy and the Army

o   Establish and maintain strong ties between the faculty and the operational Army

o   Be aware of emerging new technologies and integrate them into academic programs

ESTABLISHING THE ORCEN

The Operations Research Center is organized under the Office of the Dean as an Academy Center of Excellence and was originally sponsored by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management & Comptroller).  Fully staffed since Academic Year 1990-1991, the Operations Research Center has made significant contributions to cadet education, faculty development, and the Army at large.

Personnel authorizations in the ORCEN are established by a Table of Distribution and Allowances (TDA).  Funding support for the Operations Research Center was established by a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management).  A permanent military academy professor or senior faculty member provides oversight and supervision to the Center.  In addition, the TDA authorizes one O5 analyst, three O4 analysts, and a GS5 secretary.  By agreement between DSE and DMath, DSE provides three analysts, an Academy Professor as the Director, and one permanent staff member to serve as Executive Administrator and assistant to the Director. DMath provides one analyst.