Department of War AKN: BASH Data Integration

The DoW AKN Program is an enterprise-wide Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) program that leverages the advanced data management and analytical capabilities of the AKN to support installation and DoW-wide decision-making. The AKN serves as a centralized, secure repository designed to standardize, analyze, and safeguard avian data – including BASH survey data – across all installations. By providing a unified platform for tracking bird data and populations, the AKN supports mission readiness and aviation safety through the conservation of our natural resources while simultaneously meeting our BASH program and regulatory mandates.

Learn more about the AKN and the DoW AKN Program HERE.

By providing a unified platform for tracking bird data, the AKN supports mission readiness and aviation safety through the conservation of our natural resources while simultaneously meeting our BASH program and regulatory mandates.

Why This Benefits You

By entering your BASH survey data into your AKN Project, it can be summarized and analyzed alongside all your other installation survey data. For example, if you need to pull a comprehensive species list for your INRMP, you can easily combine your BASH survey findings with other monitoring program data to generate a complete list instantly

This page outlines the workflows for integrating your Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH/WASH) data into your DoW AKN Project.

Managing BASH Surveys

We are currently streamlining how BASH data* is handled at a programmatic level. Workflows may vary depending on how your installation conducts its surveys. Choose from the options below to determine which workflow fits your needs best:

My Installation(s) Collects BASH Data Via Contract with USDA Wildlife Services
My Installation(s) Collects BASH Data Internally or Through Other Contractors

*Scope of Data: Please note that this AKN integration is strictly for bird survey data. It does not include mortality/strike data or deterrent records, as those are already being handled elsewhere in accordance with safety reporting systems.

For Installations Contracting with USDA-WS

If you contract with USDA-Wildlife Services (USDA-WS) for your BASH surveys, the DoW AKN Program is working programmatically to incorporate those avian survey data into your installation AKN Project for you. The graphic below summarizes this workflow between USDA-WS and the DoW AKN Program Team.

Next Steps and What We Need From You

  • Step 1: The DoW AKN Program team will be reaching out to installation POCs (e.g., Natural Resource Managers) to inform them that there is USDA-WS BASH data for their installation
  • Step 2: They will then assist the installation in deciding on a Sampling Unit name in their installation AKN Project for their associated airfields.
  • Step 3: They will format and bulk upload all available USDA-WS BASH survey data into the installation Project.
  • Step 4: They will assist with setting data sharing levels for your BASH data. The recommended level is at least number 3, making the data discoverable in the AKN analytic tools and available for sharing with further coordination/permission.
  • Note: Integration of USDA-WS BASH data into DoW AKN Projects will occur annually, at minimum.

For Installations Collecting BASH Data Internally or Through Other Contractors

If you collect your own BASH survey data (internally or through non-USDA contractors), you are responsible for uploading and managing this data directly within the AKN.

How to Get Your BASH Data In Your AKN Project

  • Step 1: Get Trained
    • If you have NOT attended training: It is strongly encouraged that you and your contractors attend a DoW AKN training.
    • Action: Register/Sign Up for AKN Training to secure your spot.
  • Step 2: Upload Your Data
    • If you HAVE already attended training: You can follow the standard procedures you use for all other installation avian data.
    • Action: Use the AKN User Guide as a quick refresher to help format and upload your datasets.
  • Step 3: Ask for Help When Needed
    • If you hit a roadblock, have questions about formatting, or need help setting up your project, please join us during our open Office Hours.
    • Action: Come visit us during our monthly Office Hours. We’re here to help!