Evaluation of Critical Infrastructure Essential Businesses Amidst Covid -19 Using Network Optimization Models

This study evaluates the use of network optimization models in an essential infrastructure business during a pandemic. As per the Cyber Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), there are 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered vital to the United States. Their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on the security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof. For this study, we primarily focus on the Healthcare and Public Health Sector (HPH). This branch is considered a core sector as it protects the economy from threats such as terrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and natural disasters. This evaluation provides insights into the network optimization models used by a pharmaceutical company in administrating vaccinations to its local community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intended result of the study is to provide an optimized delivery strategy by understanding the pros and cons of the network model that is being used currently and suggest a better strategical network model if available to administrate the vaccination program safely and efficiently throughout the United States.