Pacific Disaster Centers

The Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) is a public/private partnership managed by the University of Hawaii under a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. Functionally within the organization of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Sustainment) and the Defense Logistics Agency, PDC is a world-recognized authority and leader in science and information technology applications relating to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR). The specific goal of this program is to develop new and innovative technologies to operate an integrated multi-hazard monitoring, early warning, and decision support system, called DoD RAPIDS, for the Department. This system is frequently used by COCOMS, particularly INDOPACOM and SOUTHCOM, for HA/DR missions and exercises.

The PDC's objectives include enhancing preparedness, situational awareness, and civil-military communications for humanitarian missions worldwide. The program aims to continue modernization and sustainment of the DisasterAWARE system to support the DoD's Risk Assessment, Planning and Incidents Decision support (RAPIDS) as well as Emergency Management Operations (EMOPS) supporting HA/DR and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) missions. Additionally, the program plans to advance water and environmental security science by facilitating research through collaborative partnerships with academia, government, and industry. The Global Water Security Center (GWSC), a part of this program, aims to deliver data, information, knowledge, and training to help key decision-makers understand the connection between water security and national security. These efforts align with the broader mission of preserving life, safeguarding livelihoods, protecting property to foster disaster-resilient communities.