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Pilot Pack & Data Readiness Guide

Version: 1.0
Status: Draft
Date: 2025-10-10
Estimated Reading Time: 45-60 minutes

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Minimum Viable Dataset (MVD)
  3. Data Gathering Workflow
  4. Taxonomy Crosswalk
  5. Data Gathering Templates
  6. Validation Checklist
  7. Import/Export Guidance
  8. Pilot Workshop Facilitation
  9. Self-Service Instructions
  10. Success Indicators
  11. Feedback Collection
  12. Troubleshooting Guide

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

This Pilot Pack & Data Readiness Guide enables GISF facilitators and NGO practitioners to prepare data for the NGO SRM ROI Calculator and conduct pilot workshops independently, without requiring constant consultant support. Target Audience:
  • Primary: GISF pilot facilitators running NGO pilot workshops
  • Secondary: NGO security managers, finance staff, and operations coordinators preparing data independently

1.2 What’s Included

This guide provides:

Minimum Viable Dataset (MVD)

Minimum Viable Dataset (MVD): Clear criteria for what constitutes sufficient data

Step-by-step data gathering workflow

Step-by-step data gathering workflow: From identifying sources to importing validated data

Taxonomy crosswalk

Taxonomy crosswalk: Mapping common NGO terminology to calculator categories

Validation checklist

Validation checklist: 20-item quality control checklist

Facilitation tips

Facilitation tips: Agendas, talking points, and anticipated questions for pilot workshops

Self-service instructions

Self-service instructions: Enable NGOs to use the calculator without external support

1.3 Time Estimates

Note: Times vary based on data availability and NGO team readiness.

1.4 Key Success Factors

For Facilitators:
  • Clear communication of MVD requirements before pilot session
  • Structured agenda with defined milestones
  • Anticipation of common questions and edge cases
For NGO Participants:
  • Access to historical incident and cost data (≥12 months)
  • Multi-stakeholder team (security, finance, operations)
  • Openness to discussing qualitative outcomes (access, continuity, acceptance, wellbeing)

2. Minimum Viable Dataset (MVD)

2.1 MVD Definition

Minimum Viable Dataset (MVD): The smallest set of data required to produce a credible ROI estimate using the calculator’s simplified historical cost baseline approach. Criteria:

2.2 MVD Validation Examples

✅ PASS: Meets MVDScenario A: Urban Office (Low Risk)
  • Historical Costs: 2024 = $15,000 (evacuation, equipment replacement, program delays)
  • Baseline EAL: $15,000 (single year average)
  • Costs: 3 items (Basic Training 3,000CybersecurityTools3,000 | Cybersecurity Tools 6,000 | Annual Maintenance $4,000 x 2 years)
  • Assumptions: Time horizon 3 years (discounting fixed at 0%)
  • Result: Sufficient data for credible ROI estimate
✅ PASS: Meets MVDScenario B: Field Operations (Moderate Risk)
  • Historical Costs: 2024 = 52,0002023=52,000 | 2023 = 48,000 | 2022 = $55,000
  • Baseline EAL: $51,667 (3-year average)
  • Costs: 9 items across 3 years
  • Assumptions: Time horizon 3 years (discounting fixed at 0%)
  • Qualitative: Weights and scores provided
  • Result: Comprehensive dataset exceeding MVD
✅ PASS: Meets MVDScenario C: No Historical Data (Scenario Preset)
  • Historical Costs: None available
  • Scenario Preset: Medium-risk conflict-affected context ($75,000 baseline EAL)
  • Costs: 5 items (Physical security upgrades, training, personnel)
  • Assumptions: Time horizon 3 years
  • Result: Sufficient data using evidence-based preset
❌ FAIL: Does NOT meet MVDScenario D: Insufficient Data
  • Historical Costs: None available, no scenario preset selected
  • Costs: 1 item (Security Guard $15,000 in Year 1 only)
  • Result: No baseline EAL available; must provide historical costs or select scenario preset

2.3 When to Defer a Pilot

Defer pilot if:
  • NGO has less than 12 months of operational history in current location
  • No documented incident costs AND no scenario preset applicable to context
  • Insufficient financial records to estimate SRM costs
  • Key stakeholders (security, finance, operations) unavailable for workshop
Mitigation:
  • Use scenario presets when historical cost data unavailable
  • Partner with similar NGOs to share anonymized cost data for benchmarking
  • Conduct cost estimation workshop using insurance claims, incident reports, and program disruption records

3. Data Gathering Workflow

3.1 Overview

5-Step Data Gathering Process:
1

Identify Data Sources

  1. Identify Data Sources ↓
2

Gather Historical Costs OR Select Scenario Preset

  1. Gather Historical Costs OR Select Scenario Preset ↓
3

Categorize Costs (budgets, invoices)

  1. Categorize Costs (budgets, invoices) ↓
4

Define Assumptions (time horizon)

  1. Define Assumptions (time horizon) ↓
5

Validate Completeness (MVD checklist)

  1. Validate Completeness (MVD checklist)

3.2 Step 1: Identify Data Sources

Historical Cost Data Sources:
  • Financial records (incident response costs, evacuation expenses, equipment replacement)
  • Insurance claims (theft, damage, medical evacuation, ransom payments)
  • HR records (staff injuries, evacuations, kidnappings, medical costs)
  • IT security logs (cyberattacks, data breaches, recovery costs)
  • Program disruption records (delays, cancellations, reputational response costs)
  • Regional security databases (GISF, INSO, EISF) for scenario preset validation
Cost Data Sources:
  • Annual budgets (security line items)
  • Procurement records (equipment, training, assessments)
  • HR payroll data (security personnel salaries)

3.3 Step 2: Gather Historical Costs OR Select Scenario Preset

Option A: Historical Cost Data (Recommended) Gather total incident costs for 1-3 recent years: What to Include:
  • Direct Costs: Equipment replacement, medical expenses, ransom payments, evacuation costs
  • Indirect Costs: Program delays, reputational response, legal fees, staff replacement
  • Recovery Costs: IT system restoration, facility repairs, security assessments
What to Exclude:
  • Routine security costs (guarding, training, equipment maintenance)
  • Insurance premiums (unless specifically for incident response)
  • General operational costs not directly related to incidents
Data Gathering Worksheet:
Option B: Scenario Preset Selection (Fallback) When historical cost data is unavailable, select the operational context that best matches your organization: Low-Risk Stable Environment ($15,000 baseline EAL)
  • Stable governance, urban operations
  • Less than 2 security incidents per year
  • Strong state security presence
Medium-Risk Conflict-Affected Context ($75,000 baseline EAL)
  • Mixed stability, sporadic violence
  • Remote programming, local partners
  • Limited infrastructure, supply chain fragility
High-Risk Active Conflict Environment ($200,000 baseline EAL)
  • Persistent insecurity, frequent incidents
  • Armed actor presence in program areas
  • Regular evacuations, high staff turnover risk
Custom Adjustment: If your costs differ significantly from the preset, you can override with a custom baseline EAL.

3.4 Step 3: Categorize Costs (budgets, invoices)

Cost Data Sources:
  • Annual budgets (security line items)
  • Procurement records (equipment, training, assessments)
  • HR payroll data (security personnel salaries)
  • Financial reports (CAPEX/OPEX categorization)
  • Grant proposals (donor-funded security programs)

3.5 Step 4: Define Assumptions (time horizon)

Assumptions Data Sources:
  • Strategic planning documents (multi-year program timelines)
  • Previous cost-benefit analyses (social impact proxies, SROI precedents)

3.6 Step 5: Validate Completeness (MVD checklist)

Facilitation Tip: Schedule a pre-pilot data gathering call (30-45 minutes) to identify data sources and assign data collection responsibilities (security focal point for historical costs, finance staff for investment costs).

3.7 Worked Example: Historical Cost Baseline

Organization: Mid-sized NGO with field operations in conflict-affected region Step 1: Gather Historical Incident Costs 2024 Incident Costs:
  • Vehicle theft and equipment replacement: $25,000
  • Staff evacuation due to security threat: $15,000
  • Office break-in and equipment damage: $8,000
  • Cyberattack recovery costs: $12,000
  • Total 2024: $60,000
2023 Incident Costs:
  • Vehicle accident and medical costs: $18,000
  • Office burglary and equipment theft: $6,000
  • Staff kidnapping ransom and evacuation: $45,000
  • Total 2023: $69,000
2022 Incident Costs:
  • Vehicle theft: $20,000
  • Office break-in: $5,000
  • Cyberattack: $8,000
  • Total 2022: $33,000
Step 2: Calculate Baseline EAL
Step 3: Select Intervention and Reduction Rate
  • Intervention Type: Comprehensive SRM Program
  • Estimate Type: Moderate (50% reduction)
  • Expected Annual Savings: 54,000×0.5=54,000 × 0.5 = 27,000
Step 4: Enter Investment Costs
  • Year 1: Physical security upgrades (25,000),Training(25,000), Training (8,000), Personnel (30,000)=30,000) = 63,000
  • Year 2: Ongoing training (5,000),Personnel(5,000), Personnel (32,000) = $37,000
  • Year 3: Ongoing training (5,000),Personnel(5,000), Personnel (34,000) = $39,000
  • Total Investment: $139,000
Step 5: Calculate ROI
  • Total Benefits (3 years): 27,000×3=27,000 × 3 = 81,000
  • ROI: ((81,00081,000 - 139,000) / $139,000) × 100 = -41.7%
  • Payback Period: Not achieved within 3 years
Result: This investment shows negative ROI in the short term but provides significant qualitative benefits (improved access, continuity, acceptance, wellbeing) that may justify the investment from a mission perspective.

4. Taxonomy Crosswalk

4.1 Historical Cost Categories

Common NGO terminology mapped to calculator categories:

4.2 Cost Category Taxonomy

Standardized categories for security risk management costs:

5. Data Gathering Templates

5.1 Historical Cost Data Worksheet

Organization: ________________________
Data Collection Period: ________________________
Year 2024 Total Incident Costs:
  • Direct costs (equipment, medical, ransom): $________
  • Indirect costs (delays, reputation, legal): $________
  • Recovery costs (IT restoration, repairs): $________
  • Total 2024: $________
Year 2023 Total Incident Costs:
  • Direct costs: $________
  • Indirect costs: $________
  • Recovery costs: $________
  • Total 2023: $________
Year 2022 Total Incident Costs:
  • Direct costs: $________
  • Indirect costs: $________
  • Recovery costs: $________
  • Total 2022: $________
Calculated Baseline EAL: $________ (average of available years)

5.2 Scenario Preset Selection Worksheet

If historical cost data is unavailable, select the operational context that best matches your organization: Low-Risk Stable Environment ($15,000 baseline EAL)
  • Stable governance, urban operations
  • Less than 2 security incidents per year
  • Strong state security presence
Medium-Risk Conflict-Affected Context ($75,000 baseline EAL)
  • Mixed stability, sporadic violence
  • Remote programming, local partners
  • Limited infrastructure, supply chain fragility
High-Risk Active Conflict Environment ($200,000 baseline EAL)
  • Persistent insecurity, frequent incidents
  • Armed actor presence in program areas
  • Regular evacuations, high staff turnover risk
Custom Baseline EAL (if costs differ significantly): $________

5.3 Investment Cost Worksheet

Organization: ________________________
Investment Period: ________________________
Year 1 Costs (Initial Investment):
  • Personnel: $________
  • Training: $________
  • Physical Security: $________
  • Technology: $________
  • Assessments: $________
  • Other: $________
  • Total Year 1: $________
Year 2 Costs (Ongoing):
  • Personnel: $________
  • Training: $________
  • Maintenance: $________
  • Other: $________
  • Total Year 2: $________
Year 3 Costs (Ongoing):
  • Personnel: $________
  • Training: $________
  • Maintenance: $________
  • Other: $________
  • Total Year 3: $________
Total Investment: $________

6. Validation Checklist

6.1 Pre-Pilot Data Quality Check

Historical Cost Data:
  • At least 1 year of incident cost data available OR scenario preset selected
  • Direct costs included (equipment, medical, ransom, evacuation)
  • Indirect costs included (delays, reputation, legal)
  • Recovery costs included (IT restoration, repairs)
  • Routine security costs excluded (guarding, training, maintenance)
Investment Cost Data:
  • At least 3 cost line items identified
  • Initial investment costs captured (Year 1)
  • Ongoing operational costs captured (Years 2-3)
  • CAPEX/OPEX categorization completed
  • Cost categories match taxonomy (see Section 4.2)
Assumptions:
  • Time horizon defined (recommended: 3 years)
  • Stakeholders identified (security, finance, operations)
  • Data sources documented

6.2 MVD Compliance Check

Minimum Requirements:
  • Historical costs ≥$5,000 OR scenario preset selected
  • Investment costs ≥3 line items
  • Time horizon ≥1 year
  • Key stakeholders available for pilot
Recommended Enhancements:
  • 2-3 years of historical cost data
  • 5+ investment cost line items
  • Qualitative impact assessment included
  • Multi-stakeholder team (security, finance, operations)

7. Pilot Workshop Facilitation

7.1 Workshop Agenda (2-3 hours)

Opening (15 minutes)
  • Welcome and introductions
  • Review objectives and expected outcomes
  • Confirm data availability and MVD compliance
Data Entry (60-90 minutes)
  • Step 1: Enter historical costs OR select scenario preset
  • Step 2: Select intervention type and reduction rate
  • Step 3: Enter investment costs
  • Step 4: Define assumptions (time horizon)
  • Step 5: Complete qualitative assessment (optional)
Results Review (30 minutes)
  • Review ROI calculation and breakdown
  • Discuss qualitative impact index
  • Identify areas for refinement
Next Steps (15 minutes)
  • Export results (PDF/Excel)
  • Schedule follow-up for questions
  • Plan for implementation or refinement

7.2 Facilitation Tips

Before the Workshop:
  • Send data gathering templates 1 week in advance
  • Confirm MVD compliance via pre-workshop call
  • Prepare backup scenario presets for organizations without historical data
During the Workshop:
  • Start with historical cost data (most reliable)
  • Use scenario presets as fallback when needed
  • Encourage discussion of qualitative impacts
  • Document assumptions and rationale
After the Workshop:
  • Send exported results within 24 hours
  • Schedule follow-up call for questions
  • Collect feedback on calculator usability

8. Self-Service Instructions

8.1 Quick Start Guide

For organizations with historical incident cost data:
  1. Gather Historical Costs
    • Collect total incident costs for 1-3 recent years
    • Include direct, indirect, and recovery costs
    • Exclude routine security costs
  2. Select Intervention Type
    • Choose: Physical Security, Training, Technology, or Comprehensive
    • Select confidence level: Conservative, Moderate, or Optimistic
  3. Enter Investment Costs
    • List initial investment (Year 1)
    • Include ongoing costs (Years 2-3)
    • Categorize as CAPEX or OPEX
  4. Review Results
    • Check ROI calculation and breakdown
    • Review qualitative impact index
    • Export results for stakeholders
For organizations without historical data:
  1. Select Scenario Preset
    • Choose operational context that best matches your organization
    • Low-risk, Medium-risk, or High-risk environment
    • Override with custom baseline if needed
  2. Follow Steps 2-4 above

8.2 Common Questions

Q: What if I don’t have 3 years of historical data? A: Single-year data is acceptable. The calculator will use whatever data you provide. Q: How do I know which scenario preset to choose? A: Consider your operational context: stable governance, conflict level, incident frequency, and security infrastructure. Q: What if my costs don’t fit the standard categories? A: Use the “Other” category and add descriptive notes in the cost item. Q: Can I change the reduction rate? A: Yes, you can override the evidence-based rates with custom values, but document your rationale.

9. Success Indicators

9.1 Pilot Success Criteria

Data Quality:
  • Historical cost data OR scenario preset selected
  • Investment costs captured with appropriate detail
  • Assumptions documented and justified
Process Quality:
  • Multi-stakeholder team engaged (security, finance, operations)
  • Data sources identified and validated
  • Assumptions discussed and agreed
Output Quality:
  • ROI calculation completed successfully
  • Results exported and shared with stakeholders
  • Qualitative impact assessment included

9.2 User Experience Indicators

Ease of Use:
  • Calculator completed in less than 30 minutes
  • Historical cost approach understood and accepted
  • Scenario presets found useful when historical data unavailable
Confidence in Results:
  • ROI calculation considered credible
  • Qualitative impact index valued
  • Results suitable for decision-making
Adoption Potential:
  • Organization would use calculator independently
  • Results would be shared with donors/leadership
  • Calculator would be recommended to other NGOs

10. Feedback Collection

10.1 Post-Pilot Feedback Form

Organization: ________________________
Pilot Date: ________________________
Facilitator: ________________________
Data Gathering Experience:
  • How easy was it to gather historical cost data? (1-5 scale)
  • Were the scenario presets helpful? (Yes/No)
  • How long did data preparation take? (hours)
Calculator Usability:
  • How easy was the calculator to use? (1-5 scale)
  • How long did the calculation take? (minutes)
  • Were the results clear and understandable? (1-5 scale)
Results Quality:
  • How confident are you in the ROI calculation? (1-5 scale)
  • Was the qualitative impact index valuable? (Yes/No)
  • Would you use these results for decision-making? (Yes/No)
Recommendations:
  • What would improve the calculator?
  • What additional features would be helpful?
  • Would you recommend this tool to other NGOs? (Yes/No)

10.2 Feedback Analysis

Key Metrics to Track:
  • Average completion time
  • User satisfaction scores
  • Data quality issues
  • Feature requests
  • Adoption potential
Success Thresholds:
  • Completion time less than 30 minutes
  • User satisfaction ≥4/5
  • Confidence in results ≥4/5
  • Recommendation rate ≥80%

11. Troubleshooting Guide

11.1 Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: No historical cost data available
  • Solution: Use scenario presets based on operational context
  • Alternative: Conduct cost estimation workshop using incident reports and insurance claims
Issue: Historical costs seem too high/low
  • Solution: Verify data includes all incident types (direct, indirect, recovery costs)
  • Alternative: Use scenario preset as validation check
Issue: Investment costs don’t fit standard categories
  • Solution: Use “Other” category with descriptive notes
  • Guidance: Focus on capturing all costs rather than perfect categorization
Issue: ROI calculation shows negative results
  • Solution: This is normal for many security investments
  • Guidance: Emphasize qualitative benefits and long-term risk reduction
Issue: Stakeholders question reduction rate estimates
  • Solution: Use conservative estimates and document rationale
  • Alternative: Allow custom reduction rates with justification

11.2 Data Quality Issues

Missing Historical Data:
  • Use scenario presets as fallback
  • Document data limitations in assumptions
  • Consider partial cost estimation
Incomplete Investment Costs:
  • Focus on major cost items first
  • Add detail in follow-up sessions
  • Use estimates for minor items
Unclear Assumptions:
  • Default to conservative estimates
  • Document all assumptions
  • Review with stakeholders

12. References

12.1 Methodology References

  • Methods Note: NGO Security Risk Management ROI Calculator (Section 3: Historical Cost Baseline)
  • Data Schema: Data Schema & Codebook (Sections 3.2-3.4: New Entity Schemas)
  • Scenario Presets: Evidence-based baseline EAL estimates by operational context
  • Reduction Rates: Evidence-based risk reduction ranges by intervention type

12.2 Supporting Documentation

  • Pilot Pack: This document - Data readiness and facilitation guide
  • Quick Start Guide: Step-by-step instructions for self-service use
  • Validation Report: Formula validation and baseline testing results
  • Focus Group Plan: User feedback collection methodology

12.3 External References

  • ISO 31000:2018: Risk Management Guidelines
  • GISF Research: Member survey results and incident data
  • Humanitarian Outcomes: AWSD trend analysis and benchmarks
  • FAIR Framework: Factor Analysis of Information Risk (adapted for NGO context)

End of Document This Pilot Pack & Data Readiness Guide supports the NGO Security Risk Management ROI Calculator’s simplified historical cost baseline approach. For technical support or questions, contact the development team.