Human Factors

GENERAL. The Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are emphasizing the importance of the Human Factors industry.   The North Carolina Military Foundation defines these areas of interest as:

• Also known as “Human Terrain” to the DoD, is in understanding the social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of potential enemies in order to detect threats, as well as the ability of the warfighter to adapt to and communicate with other cultures and societies through the assistance of rapid training methods and translation technology.

• DHS’s Human Factors Division is focused on social/behavioral threat analysis, personal identification systems (such as biometric sensors), traditional human/systems integration and human performance, and modeling and simulation of human behavior to predict threats.

Spanning the social sciences research and development to the application of new technologies, North Carolina is strategically positioned to lead this industry with world-renowned universities, research and development institutions, businesses and medical practices.  The Research Triangle Institute (RTI) identified two critical industries for initial supply chain analysis in North Carolina:  scientific research and development services and computer terminals and other computer peripheral equipment manufacturing.   

The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) recognizes the importance of the Human Factors industry on the State’s economy and the overall quality of life for North Carolina residents.  NCMBC provides assistance to North Carolina’s businesses throughout the Human Factors industry to help them compete for and win federal contracts – growing their portfolio to include defense and federal clients. 

CURRENT PRIME CONTRACTORS.

• 3M Company
• CareFusion
• Haemonetics Corp.
• Boston Scientific
• Arthrex Inc.
• US Bioservices Corp.

NCMBC REFERENCE MATERIALS. 

• NCMBC Getting Started Guide
• Getting Started in Human Factors
• Future Opportunities Database

REFERENCE MATERIALS.

• SBIR/STTR Opportunities
• SBIR/STTR Training Programs
• Army Research Office (ARO)
• Office of Naval Research (ONR)
• Defense Alliance of North Carolina