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Navy Unveils Prototyping Project to Advance Operational Energy Innovation
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Navy Unveils Prototyping Project to Advance Operational Energy Innovation

Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division has established the Joint Operational Energy Innovation Prototyping and Experimentation Field Activity, or OE-I PEFA, to advance technology development through expertise and resource sharing.

The prototyping project aims to advance workforce development, explore the viability of an operational energy-focused university consortium and collaborate with service acquisition programs and international partners, NSWC Crane said Monday.

It was introduced in partnership with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment’s Operational Energy—Innovation Directorate, whose core mission focuses on enterprise-wide energy visibility and decision-making, operational energy resilience, operational energy demand reduction and nuclear power.

Accelerated Deployment of Operational Energy Capabilities

According to John Fassino, director of the OE-I PEFA and deputy director for Operational Energy Innovation, the initiative will focus on community engagement and warfighter integration through experimentation to accelerate the deployment of new OE capabilities to the joint force. The creation of OE-I PEFA “is a testament to our deep technical roots in energy storage and rapid innovation culture,” he noted.

“We are excited to partner with OE-I to establish OE-I PEFA to lead demonstration and experimentation events, provide modeling, simulation and analytic support, and lead efforts that will improve the warfighting capabilities of our military,” Capt. Rex Boonyobhas, the commanding officer at NSWC Crane, added.

NSWC Crane cites its scientific and engineering expertise, advanced facilities and laboratories, and close ties with the battery industry as key to integrating, deploying and sustaining advanced energy solutions.

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Bechtel Installs 1st Tower Module of NASA’s New Mobile Launcher
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Bechtel Installs 1st Tower Module of NASA’s New Mobile Launcher

Bechtel has lifted and placed the first tower module of NASA’s Mobile Launcher 2, or ML2, at Kennedy Space Center, paving the way for the vertical installation of the remaining modules.

In the coming months, the tower modules will be stacked until the structure reaches 390 ft, Bechtel said Monday. Designed to be taller and wider than ML1, the platform will serve as an umbilical arm for NASA’s Exploration Upper Stage when transporting and launching space rockets.

Ensuring Safe Launch of Artemis IV Mission

According to Mike Costas, general manager of defense and space at Bechtel, the project crew is working to complete ML2 on schedule, guaranteeing a safe launch of the Artemis IV crew and critical payload.

“This is a significant milestone for the Bechtel and NASA teams,” he added.

Supporting Future NASA Space Operations

The ML2 tower modules are engineered to stabilize the rocket and spacecraft for delivery to the launchpad and connect the infrastructure to provide power, data, communication, propellants, fluids, gases, sound suppression and imagery to the rocket and spacecraft before launch. The 38-story platform will support the Artemis IV mission and future NASA space operations once the Space Launch System Block 1B rocket is ready to carry equipment to the Lunar Gateway.

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Third Flagship CHIPS for America R&D Facility Site Revealed
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Third Flagship CHIPS for America R&D Facility Site Revealed

The Department of Commerce and the National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology, or Natcast, has revealed the possible location of the third CHIPS for America flagship research and development facility.

The department said Monday the Arizona State University Research Park in Tempe, Arizona is the potential site for the National Semiconductor Technology Center’s Prototyping and National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program—a.k.a. NAPMP—Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility, known as PPF.

NAPMP Facility

The NAPMP facility, expected to be operational by 2028, is the world’s first manufacturing and advanced packaging research facility for 300mm front-end semiconductor. It is meant to drive economic growth, strengthen national security and boost the country’s semiconductor industry.

The PPF will help accelerate the transition from laboratory research to full-scale semiconductor manufacturing. It will also provide researchers with means to innovate and test new materials, devices and packaging technologies.

The new facility will benefit from being in Arizona where many front-end semiconductor manufacturing and packaging companies are based. As a research university, ASU will also boost R&D efforts supporting the semiconductor industry.

CHIPS of America invested in NAPMP mainly due to the shortage of 300mm semiconductor wafer prototyping facilities and limited access to specialized facilities and infrastructure, skilled workforce and financial support.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, said “Arizona has long been a hub for technological progress and this new facility will strengthen our domestic supply chain, drive advanced manufacturing breakthroughs and secure America’s leadership in this critical industry.”

Natcast CEO Deirdre Hanford added, “This facility will be a premier destination where researchers from industry, academia, startups and the broader semiconductor ecosystem will convene to explore, experiment and collaborate on the next generation of semiconductor and packaging technologies that will power the industries of the future.”

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US, Indian Officials Discuss Strategic Tech Collaborations
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US, Indian Officials Discuss Strategic Tech Collaborations

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Monday held a meeting with Ajit Doval, his counterpart from India, during which the two discussed the importance of the joint efforts by their countries to develop and produce strategic technologies beneficial to the world, according to a press release issued by the White House.

US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology

The collaboration is being carried out as part of the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, which Sullivan and Doval launched in 2022 at the behest of U.S. President Joe Biden and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Since the initiative’s launch, the two countries have moved forward with integrating their technology and defense supply chains, enabled multilateral work with nations from Europe and the Indo-Pacific, and deepened collaboration across key sectors, including cybersecurity, telecommunication, space and semiconductors.

Results of Collaboration

Achievements under the collaboration include a joint effort between U.S. and Indian astronauts at the International Space Station with the upcoming launch of Axiom-4; progress in discussions between Ultra Maritime and Bharat Dynamics for the co-production of U.S. sonobuoys in support of the U.S. and Indian defense industrial bases; and the building of a collaborative program between the Geological Survey of India and the U.S. Geological Survey on exploration of rare earth elements and critical mineral deposits.

Sullivan and Doval went on to express confidence in the endurance of the partnerships established between their governments as well as their respective industries and academic institutions.

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Army Develops AI/ML Data Analytics Platform
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Army Develops AI/ML Data Analytics Platform

The U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command Data Science Directorate is launching NETCOM Edge, an advanced data analytics environment powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. Edge is the government’s first AI/ML data science development platform to integrate open-source tools on the Department of Defense Information Network – Army, or DODIN-A, the service said Monday. 

What Is NETCOM Edge?

Developed by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, Edge is a turnkey platform that consolidates AI/ML development tools into one open-source system. It is hosted on the Army Endpoint Security Solution, or AESS, which uses a data mesh architecture to ensure that data is protected from cyberthreats. 

NETCOM data scientists will utilize Edge to deploy ML algorithms in support of the missions of the NETCOM G-2, the Global Cyber Center and the 7th Theater Support Command.

“The launch of NETCOM Edge empowers our teams with unparalleled access to advanced AI/ML tools, enabling them to make informed, timely decisions that will enhance our operational effectiveness and security posture,” commented Maj. Gen. Denise McPhail, commanding general of NETCOM. “The launch of NETCOM Edge empowers our teams with unparalleled access to advanced AI/ML tools, enabling them to make informed, timely decisions that will enhance our operational effectiveness and security posture.”

The DSD and NETCOM G-2 will be the first to use the AI/ML platform. Alan Whitehurst, lead computer scientist at the DSD, said the NETCOM Edge will achieve full operational capability and expand its user base in January 2025.

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Navy Announces Next Gen Jammer Initial Operational Capability
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Navy Announces Next Gen Jammer Initial Operational Capability

The U.S. Navy has declared initial operational capability, or IOC, for its Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band system.

The NGJ-MB system, developed by RTX business Raytheon, was fielded in December and showcased enhanced capabilities including increased power and target flexibility and jamming technique compared to legacy systems, the Navy said Monday.

Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band System

The NGJ-MB is an enhanced system utilizing up-to-date innovations such as digital, software-based and electronically scanned array technologies. It is being developed to replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System on the EA-18G Growler.

Enhanced Warfighting Capabilities

The NGJ-MB comes with enhanced airborne electronic attack, or AEA, capabilities that enables the disruption and degradation of enemy air defense and ground communication systems.

Rear Adm. John Lemmon, program executive officer for tactical aircraft programs, remarked, “Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band improves our fleet’s warfighting advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum. This system provides enhanced capabilities to deny, distract and disorient adversaries’ radars, protecting our naval aviators and allowing them to carry out their missions in contested airspace.”

The capabilities of the NGJ-MB were showcased during the five-month deployment of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. The Electronic Attack Squadron 133 was deployed with the system aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. This was the first time the NGJ-MB was deployed and used in combat.

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DHS Seeks Proposals for R&D Projects
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DHS Seeks Proposals for R&D Projects

The Department of Homeland Security’s Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, Program has begun seeking proposals for the procurement of research and development projects related to homeland security.

Topics for Latest DHS SBIR Program Solicitation

The department said Monday the proposals should involve innovations focused on fentanyl attribution forensics and source profiling, data analysis tools, situational awareness and cybersecurity capabilities, digital injection attack prevention measures, stream of commerce analysis tools and wired interconnection cables or adapters.

The project, which should also consider the potential for commercialization, is open to small business concerns, or SBCs. This includes veteran‐owned, service‐disabled veteran‐owned and women‐owned businesses as well as socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and small disadvantaged businesses. 

Interested parties may send their proposals until Jan. 21.

DHS SBIR Program Director Dusty Lang said, “Our mission is to offer opportunities for small businesses, including those new to working with the federal government, to secure funding for research and development of cutting-edge technologies.”

The DHS SBIR program, launched in 2004, aims to boost the participation of small businesses in government-led R&D programs and enhance homeland security capabilities.

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FCC Chair Wants to Begin Process of AWS-3 Auction
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FCC Chair Wants to Begin Process of AWS-3 Auction

The head of the Federal Communications Commission wants to begin the auction of advanced wireless services-3 spectrum as soon as possible to fund the removal and replacement of China-made Huawei and ZTE equipment from U.S. networks. Jessica Rosenworcel in a notice of proposed rulemaking circulated Monday called for the immediate adoption of procedures for granting commercial licenses for the 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz and 2155-2180 MHz bands. 

The outgoing FCC commissioner pointed to the previous attempts of Chinese government-backed threat actor Salt Typhoon to access communications of presidential campaign officials and their staff and American telecommunication firms such as AT&T, Lumen and Verizon. 

“Today’s proposal is a critical step toward finally filling the shortfall in the Rip and Replace program,” Rosenworcel commented. “I am confident that the FCC’s world-leading and award-winning auction team will meet this important moment.”

Rip and Replace Program’s Funding Problem

The Rip and Replace Program started in 2021 with funding of $1.9 billion from Congress to reimburse eligible entities with the cost necessary to remove and dispose of communications equipment provided by Huawei and ZTE. The China-based companies were designated as national security threats and have been banned from distributing their products and services in the U.S. 

The FCC Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program is in charge of banned communications equipment in the U.S.

Rosenworcel commented in previous interviews that the program needs over $3 billion more to fully remove banned equipment and address the network threat posed by insecure Chinese products.

In December 2024, Congress signed into law part of the National Defense Authorization Act that allows the FCC to borrow up to $3.08 billion from the Department of the Treasury to fund the Rip and Replace program. 

Upcoming AWS-3 Spectrum Auction

Rosenworcel has proposed an update to the service-specific competitive bidding rules surrounding the licensing of the AWS-3 spectrum bands. Included in the changes, the chairperson suggestedm, is the modification of small and very small business definitions under the commission’s general part 1 competitive bidding rules. According to the proposed rulemaking, the updated definition must confirm with the Small Business Act’s five-year lookback period used in recent spectrum auctions. 

The FCC plans to repay its Rip and Replace program loans through proceeds from the AWS-3 auction.

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Kathleen Naeher Joins Aerospace Corporation as SVP & COO
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Kathleen Naeher Joins Aerospace Corporation as SVP & COO

Kathleen Naeher has joined Aerospace Corporation as the new senior vice president and chief operating officer. 

In her new position, Naeher will leverage over three decades of national security and IT experience to spearhead Aerospace’s business operations and execute corporate priorities, the Chantilly, Virginia-based company announced Monday. Naeher is set to start at Aerospace on Feb. 3. 

As Aerospace’s COO, Naeher will oversee teams in the areas of finance, people operations, IT, safety, security, communications and facilities.  

Steve Isakowitz, CEO and president of Aerospace, said, “In today’s complex operating environment, delivering seamless capabilities that enable our team to collaborate, solve hard problems and maximize our impact for our customers is more important than ever.”

“Kathleen brings the proven ability to integrate across business functions and drive the adoption of advanced technologies that will enable us to deliver on our mission at this critical time in space,” Isakowitz noted.

Naeher’s Leadership Experience

Prior to joining Aerospace, Naeher most recently served as vice president of digital enablement and collaboration at Leidos. In this role, she led the delivery of innovative technologies and managed organizational advancements that improved contract operations and customer satisfaction. She also served as the chief operating officer of Leidos’ civil group. 

Prior to Leidos, Naeher served as associate deputy director for digital innovation at the CIA, where she oversaw efforts to implement data management and cybersecurity throughout the agency.

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Jarod Koopman on How AI Helps IRS Address Fraud
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Jarod Koopman on How AI Helps IRS Address Fraud

Jarod Koopman, executive director of cyber and forensics at the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, said IRS-CI is exploring the use of artificial intelligence as it tries to keep up with criminals who leverage AI tools to introduce more fraud schemes, Federal News Network reported Wednesday

“What used to take a significant amount of effort, going into some type of a social media-type exploit or a hack, they can now do this with AI that’s much more efficient, much more effective, and certainly much more volume at high speed,” Koopman said of fraudsters.

Using AI to Detect Patterns in Data

According to the IRS-CI official, his agency is using AI to better optimize the data already available to its personnel, including third-party data from other financial institutions and operational data from ongoing and previous casework.

“All of that data is pretty vast and it’s large volumes of data. AI has certainly made us much more effective and efficient in sifting through that to find patterns, to identify fraud methodologies or typologies, to identify current threats or vectors that might be red flags of issues that we were not aware of prior,” Koopman said.

“It’s like having AI and large language models be able to match up against our data internally to be able to give us the results and the outputs that we’re looking for to make decisions, not for the AI to use the data to make decisions directly,” he noted.

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