Sal Nodjomian is executive vice president of Matrix Design Group.
On Base: How will innovations change the way installations and communities work together?
Nodjomian: Innovation between installations and communities means increased inter-dependency by coalescing intellectual, virtual, and physical resources through partnerships and agreements. Old paradigms are shifting. Empowered installation commanders and increasingly educated community leaders are improving support to both installations and communities through innovative partnerships. Innovative ideas, progressive leaders, and enabling legislation – such as intergovernmental service agreements – are helping communities posture to quickly and efficiently support their installations in solving infrastructure and technology challenges.
On Base: What’s the most important thing that needs to happen to strengthen the base of the future?
Nodjomian: That’s the million dollar question! In short, we need the resources and the authorities to truly strengthen the base of the future. Infrastructure capacity, connectivity, resilience, functionality, cost of operations and adaptability must all improve. The base of the future must have the capability to transform as missions and systems continue to evolve at an ever-increasing pace and they must employ best-in-class technology. In the past, installation leaders lacked the data necessary to make proper long-term decisions. But with access to vast amount of data, coupled with the ability to control equipment and facilities in response to natural disasters or kinetic attack, installation leaders will be poised to better operate, maintain and defend the installations.
On Base: Is there an innovation trend or opportunity that you think is overlooked?
Nodjomian: There are multiple areas which must continually be cultivated for successful “base of the future” operations: big data, alternative energy and artificial intelligence are just a few. With respect to big data, our technology is capable of amassing massive amounts of real-time information for use in a multitude of applications. Developing capabilities to capture, analyze, use and share this data in smart ways puts the organization at the forefront of innovation. Alternative energy sources that can ensure uninterrupted access to power is one of the most critical vulnerabilities of an installation. As such, the DoD should continue to lean forward and explore creative solutions with their energy assurance offices. Finally, artificial intelligence is an area that will change the way installations are managed in the coming decades. Industry has only scratched the surface of these possibilities, which will revolutionize how installation support is provided.
 
Part of a series highlighting the faces and ideas of Installation Innovation Forum in Miami, March 4-6. Read “3 Questions for Katherine Hammack,” “3 Questions for Will Rowe“ and “3 Questions for T-Mobile.”