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Audit Suggests AI Funding Focus for DOE Intelligence
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Audit Suggests AI Funding Focus for DOE Intelligence

An audit by the Department of Energy’s inspector general has recommended that DOE sustain focus on its funding requirements for the department’s compliance with the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 mandating the integration of artificial intelligence into DOE intelligence operations. The audit’s recommendations also included ensuring officials’ AI training and establishing procedures for reporting to Congress on AI optimization of internal workflows, DOE said.  

The audit was primarily undertaken to determine the barriers hindering AI integration into the activities of the department’s Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence. One of its findings showed that only one out of the 13 AI integration requirements set under the Intelligence Authorization Act has been defined by the Director of National Intelligence. 

Barriers to AI Integration

The DOE pointed out that its intelligence unit cannot implement the rest of the act’s requirements without the DNI creating further policies and guidance.

Despite the hindrance, the department said its intelligence office had moved toward implementation of the technology through such efforts as planning for several AI systems and appointment of an official dedicated to overseeing AI adoption.

One of the recent intelligence-related AI activities in DOE involves the department’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The lab announced in June 2023 that it is seeking industry partners to develop and commercialize its new system using public key cryptography to detect AI-generated text.

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Federal CIO Report Outlines Biden Admin IT & Cyber Advancements
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Federal CIO Report Outlines Biden Admin IT & Cyber Advancements

The Office of Management and Budget has published an Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer report that underscores the government’s IT and cybersecurity advancements in the last four years.

Mainly, OFCIO enabled agencies to provide seamless and secure federal government experience through the use of advanced technologies, Federal Chief Information Officer Clare Martorana said in a Thursday blog post. She added that the office supported agencies’ digital transformation efforts to advance their critical missions.

Federal Government’s IT Advancements

Martorana noted that OFCIO helped federal agencies implement updated cyber practices such as zero trust to better address evolving cyber threats. The office also facilitated partnerships within the government, the private sector and international allies to promote stronger tech collaboration.

In addition, OFCIO worked with the OMB and the Office of the National Cyber Director to formulate a road map for cybersecurity funding priorities, ensuring that “right IT investments are made at the right time.” According to Martoran, agencies embraced digital modernization with support from the Technology Modernization Fund.

Notably, the federal CIO promoted public service by making the case to top tech talent that government work will equip them with the latest innovations to solve real-world problems.

Easier Access to Government Services

Martorana stressed that the Biden administration’s efforts made it easier for Americans to access government services and engage with relevant agencies whether online or in person.

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Pentagon Launches SciTechCONNECT for National Security Tech Ease
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Pentagon Launches SciTechCONNECT for National Security Tech Ease

The Department of Defense has unveiled an initiative designed to help innovators, academic researchers and organizations simplify their interactions and accelerate collaboration with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, or ASD S&T, on new tech platforms that strengthen national security.

“DoD SciTechCONNECT broadens access to our innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration with a diverse array of contributors,” Aprille Ericsson, assistant secretary of defense for science and technology, said in a statement published Tuesday.

“Through tailored resources and curated events, this initiative ensures that ASD S&T organization remains at the forefront of technological advancement,” Ericsson added.

ASD S&T and the Applied Research Institute, or ARI, signed a partnership intermediary agreement to facilitate the department’s SciTechConnect program to promote innovation and support contributors to the science and technology ecosystem.

Through the program, ARI will facilitate workshops, educational opportunities, events and mentorship initiatives to support innovators throughout their S&T journey.

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CDAO, DIU Form AI Rapid Capabilities Cell in Wake of Project Lima
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CDAO, DIU Form AI Rapid Capabilities Cell in Wake of Project Lima

The Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office and the Defense Innovation Unit have launched a new initiative to accelerate the deployment and adoption of generative AI, “frontier models” and other next-generation AI tools across DOD.

DOD said Wednesday the formation of the AI Rapid Capabilities Cell, or AI RCC, comes as it sunsets Task Force Lima, an initiative within CDAO that developed, evaluated and monitored large language models and other generative AI capabilities across the Pentagon.

Accelerating AI Adoption Across DOD

According to a fact sheet, AI RCC will leverage the findings of Task Force Lima to speed up the deployment of AI-enabled tools across 15 generative AI-related use cases covering warfighting and enterprise management.

Some of the use cases are command and control and decision support, uncrewed and autonomous systems, cyber operations, healthcare information management and procurement processes.

AI RCC will use about $100 million in funding for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to advance pilot initiatives that use generative AI models in priority use cases.

“We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to accelerate development and deployment of these tools for the Department of Defense to responsibly harness the tremendous promise of AI in everything from financial management to logistics to operations planning to autonomous systems,” said CDAO Radha Plumb.

In June, Plumb signed a memorandum of agreement with DIU Director Doug Beck to accelerate the adoption of AI, analytics, data, software and other digital capabilities.

“Our partnership with CDAO, and collaboration on the Rapid Capabilities Cell, will allow us to shape critical AI initiatives in a way that incorporates the standards, policy, and requirements from the beginning. The result will help us scale the tech faster and more reliably, and will also help change the way the Department thinks about software development and delivery tempo for the future,” Beck stated.

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CISA Makes First Step to Advance Post-Quantum Cryptography
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CISA Makes First Step to Advance Post-Quantum Cryptography

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is working with federal agencies, such as the departments of Energy and Education, to advance the adoption of post-quantum cryptography, or PQC, algorithms, NextGov/FCW reported Wednesday.

To support that effort, CISA is helping agencies harmonize legacy technologies with software platforms such as automated cryptography discovery and inventory, or ACDI, tools and is collaborating with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to perform assessments on such tools.

“There’s a lot going on in that space,” Garfield Jones, associate chief of strategic technology for CISA, told the publication. “We’re working with NIST on some assessments for ACDI tools to possibly go into any of the agencies.”

“What we’re doing is trying to leverage those legacy tools to … cover the gaps that are there for PQC, and then as we go along we’re going to get those new ACDI tools,” Jones noted.

Purpose of Inventory & Discovery

According to the CISA executive, the inventory and discovery process seeks to ensure that legacy software and new ACDI tools function well alongside current cybersecurity frameworks.

“We don’t want to burden any of the systems down with any of the performance elements of these tools,” Jones stated. “We don’t know necessarily if they’ll work well together. The interoperability issue is another piece to that. So those are things that we’re definitely looking at.”

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General Dynamics NASSCO-Built Fleet Oiler Delivered to Navy
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General Dynamics NASSCO-Built Fleet Oiler Delivered to Navy

USNS Robert F. Kennedy was delivered to the U.S. Navy on Dec. 10 following the completion of integrated sea trials, during which the vessel’s readiness and capabilities were tested.

What Do Fleet Oilers Do?

The Robert F. Kennedy is a John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, which works to transport substantial amounts of oil and provide significant dry cargo capacity as well as aviation capability, the Naval Sea Systems Command said Wednesday. Operated by Military Sealift Command, this class of vessel serves as a key element of the Navy’s fuel delivery system and serves to provide Navy Combat Logistics Force capacity.

Regarding the latest development, Program Executive Office – Ships Program Manager for Auxiliary and Special Mission Ships John Lighthammer said, “This delivery is a significant milestone as we bring another oiler to our fleet and increase our replenishment underway capabilities.”

Which Company Built the Robert F. Kennedy?

The Robert F. Kennedy was built by General Dynamics NASSCO, which is also building four other John Lewis-class oilers and is on contract for nine more.

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USAF Issues Action Plan to Reoptimize Bases for Global Operations
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USAF Issues Action Plan to Reoptimize Bases for Global Operations

The Department of the Air Force has published its Installation Infrastructure Action Plan, dubbed I2AP, which seeks to re-configure U.S. Air Force bases for global-scale operations.

The I2AP intends to supply combat power with sufficient speed, range and intensity to deter U.S. adversaries, the USAF said Wednesday, adding that the plan will increase installations’ resilience and streamline their infrastructure for alignment with mission-critical capabilities.

Great Power Competition

Ravi Chaudhary, the Air Force’s assistant secretary for energy, installations and environment, described the I2AP as a “strategic approach” that will guarantee USAF bases are prepared for great power competition over the next 15 years.

“Ensuring the readiness of our installations, even while under attack, will be crucial in this decade of consequence,” he explained.

Action Plan to Address Critical Challenges

Under the comprehensive plan, the service will address critical challenges, such as aging and excess facilities, hazardous weather events and the rising costs of building and maintaining infrastructure. The IA2P will also focus on mitigating evolving cybersecurity threats that could make Air Force installations more vulnerable to attacks.

In implementing the IA2P, the Air Force will apply lessons learned from the 2019 Infrastructure Investment Strategy, enabling the service to adopt process changes using current resources and prioritize investments through a GPC lens. The plan will be updated to absorb new policies, technology innovations and emerging mission requirements.

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NOAA Issues Commercial Data Purchase Guide
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NOAA Issues Commercial Data Purchase Guide

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced guidance for its offices and programs in purchasing commercial data for environmental intelligence. 

The 25-page document, titled “Guidance for NOAA Commercial Data Buys”, lines up the agency’s preferred approaches when sourcing data from commercial providers, including the requirements in licensing, risk assessment, cost-effectiveness and testing new technologies for pilot projects. 

The standardization of the data sourcing practices seeks to establish consistency and transparency in dealings with commercial data sources, NOAA said. In addition, the agency noted that the guidance shows the ways by which it will collaborate with private sector data providers, such as through the Commercial Data Program.

Guiding Principles and Exclusions   

NOAA developed the data purchase roadmap based on several guiding principles, including innovation, quality and service benchmarks, international commitments, cost-efficiency, and supply chain and security. 

The agency said the guidance will be applied to government contracts with non-federal environmental observing entities covered under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Cooperative agreements and NOAA purchases of space situational awareness data are excluded from guidance coverage.

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INL to Accept Program Funding Support Through New Foundation
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INL to Accept Program Funding Support Through New Foundation

The Idaho National Laboratory has begun a partnership with the newly created Idaho National Laboratory Foundation to tap additional resources for research programs and accelerate the commercialization of INL-developed technologies.

An entity that operates independently, the foundation was established to simplify financial contributions to the laboratory, promote careers in science and technology, and support energy and national security research, INL said Wednesday.

Enhanced Community Collaborations

According to INL Director John Wagner, the INL Foundation will facilitate the inflow of finances to support research efforts for addressing U.S. energy and security challenges, stimulate economic development and encourage community collaborations.

“The foundation’s launch is the perfect way to cap the year’s celebration of our 75th anniversary,” he noted.

Advancing the INL Mission

Donations through the foundation will fund initiatives to develop nuclear energy innovations, convert agricultural biomass into energy and streamline technologies for rapid market deployment. The funding will enable INL to advance its programs and maintain its industry leadership.

By working with the INL Foundation, individuals and entities can make tax-deductible donations to support STEM education. They can also invest in INL research projects that align with their objectives or advocacies.

In addition, the foundation can connect INL with individuals who previously collaborated with the laboratory. The effort is part of the INL Foundation’s plan to ramp up the lab’s engagement with the community. The project includes hosting prize competitions and event sponsorships to further enhance the INL mission.

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NASA Team Publishes Geospatial Model Trained Using Satellite Data
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NASA Team Publishes Geospatial Model Trained Using Satellite Data

A team of scientists from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has published the SatVision Top-of-Atmosphere Foundation Model for remote sensing. NASA said Wednesday that the geospatial foundation model can support the 3D cloud reconstruction and modeling for Earth and climate science studies. 

NASA Scientists Develop SatVision TOA

The foundational model is trained using 100 million images from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, or MODIS, an instrument on the Terra and Aqua satellites. Terra and Aqua orbit the Earth from north to south across the equator in the morning and south to north across the equator in the afternoon, respectively, to capture images of the planet’s surface. The MODIS instruments collect data in 36 spectral bands in three different resolutions to enable scientists to better understand environmental processes around the world. 

According to NASA, the team used “all-sky” conditions during the SatVision TOA’s pre-training period, which enabled the 3D cloud reconstruction and cloud modeling capability. Similar foundation models that currently exist are trained solely on cloud-free satellite imagery, which presents limitations and often requires atmospheric corrections. 

The GSFC Data Science Group behind the foundational model believes that their work can advance atmospheric science, cloud structure analysis and Earth system modeling. 

The SatVision TOA model architecture is available via GitHub while the model weights are on Hugging Face. 

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