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Standards of Quality

Quality Defined We aspire to produce studies of the highest quality. On an analytic level, we define quality in terms of the soundness of the questions we tackle, the appropriateness of methods we employ, the objectivity of our efforts, and the degree to which our conclusions and recommendations are supported by logical analysis based on credible data.

However there are two other essential elements of quality, broadly interpreted:

• Presenting the results of our studies in practical ways for use by our sponsors, with the goal of seeking to influence critical homeland security issues. 
• Ensuring that the work we produce is on time and on budget, with the goal of providing maximum returns to our sponsors at minimum cost.  

Roles and Responsibilities Task Leads have the daily responsibility of ensuring quality.  But management personnel at all levels – Division Managers, Deputy Directors, and the Director – also have quality assurance duties and responsibilities.  HSsaI’s Research Director has the responsibility, authority, and freedom to identify and evaluate quality problems and to initiate, recommend, and provide solutions for each of our specific tasks.

Quality Assurance Plan HSsaI has developed a Quality Assurance Plan, administered by the Research Director, that applies quality standards in a holistic and integrated manner across all phases of a task’s life cycle: Development and Initiation; Execution and Monitoring; Documents and Deliverables; and Close Out and Feedback.

Key steps in the Quality Assurance Plan include:

• Task Execution Plan (TEP): The TEP represents HSsaI’s response to a sponsor’s Statement of Objectives (SOO). The TEP defines the purpose, scope, method, and potential impact of a task, as well as its cost and schedule.
• Performance Measures:  All active tasks are assessed each month regarding cost, schedule, and analytic performance, using a high-medium-low rating scale.  Each task is reviewed quarterly to assure that fundamental, task-unique conditions for success are being met and to identify any looming impediments that might impede successful completion of the task.
• Task Initiation and Task Reviews: These events offer opportunities for the Task Lead and Division Manager to obtain the views of the Research Director, Subject Matter Experts, and the Deputy Director on task initiation and execution.  Both generic as well as task specific measures are discussed.
• Document Reviews: This process assures that the task deliverables credibly and coherently represent the results of our work.  The process is tailored to the level of complexity and maturity of each task product, and can include formal Peer and Sponsor Reviews. All publishable products must be approved by management and the Research Director.
• Hot Wash: After a task is completed, a Hot Wash is held to assess how well the effort in retrospect met our performance standards. This review is conducted internally by the Task Team and externally with the Task Sponsor via a customer satisfaction form.  These reports are used to improve our performance on all subsequent tasks.