Sandia's Building Restoration Operations Optimization Model (BROOM) software system was developed to help decision makers - during the planning phase and throughout actual cleanup operations - to speed up reoccupation and return to service of contaminated buildings and facilities. The tool provides an efficient and scientifically defensible approach to planning and executing sampling and cleanup activities. To date, there has been no comprehensive system for handling and assisting with this process.

Sandia is a National Nuclear Security Administration laboratory.

Many potential users, applications

Originally developed for use during cleanup of facilities following a bioterrorism attack, BROOM is easily adapted to other spatial domains where accurate and efficient data tracking, management, optimization, and analysis of samples are needed. Possible users and/or applications of BROOM include:

• Environmental cleanup (including Superfund sites)
• Remediation companies
• Industrial hygiene
• Forensics/crime units
• Incident characterization
• Decontamination contractors
• Health agencies
• Airports, subways
• Government buildings
• Ports of entry
• Water utilities
• Gas and electric utilities
• Chemical plants
• Other critical infrastructure facilities

Cost, efficiency savings could reach into multi-millions of dollars

The cost to shut down public facilities, plants, or businesses can be enormous. According to Business Week, costs of the 23-day closure of Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC after the 9/11 attacks have been estimated at $330 million per day
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Contact: Mike Janes
mejanes@sandia.gov
925-294-2447
DOE/Sandia National Laboratories
7-Jun-2006