Projects

International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS) Knowledge Management Software

The ISACS were drafted by an independent commission under the authority of the UN umbrella group CASA (Coordinating Action on Small Arms), which hosts membership from 23 UN Agencies. The Monterey Institute of International Studies and Dr. Ed Laurance were tasked with the challenge of developing indicators for the ISACS and, if possible, to design a self-reporting tool for countries to assist them with implementation.

SAND, in partnership with the UN Institute of Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), developed indicators for the newly released ISACS. Starting in September 2011, SAND began working on developing indicators for the ISACS and experimenting with a knowledge management software that would assist states with implementing the standards and tracking their progress.

In March 2012 the development team presented a “proof-of-concept”for the knowledge management software to over 40 diplomats and heads of relevant non-government organizations at a Preperatory Committee Conference for the Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (POA SALW) at the UN Headquarters. From this presentation, the government of Germany allocated funds to SAND and UNIDIR to mobilize the concept and begin “phase one” of the software development.

Between March and August 2012 SAND developed a working demonstration version of the knowledge management software to exhibit the value of an internal reporting tool of this kind. Working closely with states across all levels of development and economic means the team was able to further customize the software to the needs of recipient/donor nations and nations with concerns regarding their small arms and light weapons control. In late August 2012 the team presented the demonstration version of the software tentatively titled “ISACS – Implementatino Management Software (IMS)” at the Review Conference of the POA SALW at the UN Headquarters. The presentation was met with great enthusiasm and the software is currently in its final phases of preparation for pilot program experimentation.

Project Director: Dr. Ed Laurance

Project Manager: Himayu Shiotani

Team Members: Shawn Harris, Casey Mahoney, Sean Malvey, Addison Embrey

Previous Team Members: Heather Sutton, Grant Ennis