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Susan Davenport Named Air Force Chief Data & AI Officer
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Susan Davenport Named Air Force Chief Data & AI Officer

The Department of the Air Force has appointed Susan Davenport, a senior government leader and IT professional, as chief data and artificial intelligence officer.

In a LinkedIn post published Tuesday, the DAF Office of the Chief Information Officer highlighted Davenport’s three decades of experience working in cyber, intelligence, space and advanced technology roles across the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

“Her expertise driving innovation and managing complex programs will be instrumental in shaping the future of Data and AI for the Air Force and the Space Force,” the organization said.

Davenport most recently served as senior adviser for defense innovation within a DAF office dedicated to concepts development and management. Prior to this role, she was deputy chief engineer for the National Reconnaissance Office, where she also led its research ground group and customer group. Earlier, she was director of the data services group within the U.S. Air Force.

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DOD, SBA Reveal 1st Group of Investment Funds Under SBICCT Initiative
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DOD, SBA Reveal 1st Group of Investment Funds Under SBICCT Initiative

The Department of Defense and Small Business Administration have revealed newly approved funds authorized through the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology Initiative, or SBICCT.

The Pentagon said Tuesday the group includes four SBIC Licensees and nine Green Light Approved funds and is set to collectively invest over $2.8 billion in more than 1,000 portfolio companies.

Each of these funds can access up to $175 million in SBA-guaranteed loans meant to improve fund-level investment returns.

The funds will invest in companies focused on the DOD’s 14 critical technology aereas, component-level technology platforms and production processes as well as across asset classes such as seed, buyout, direct lending and venture funds, among others.

“This first group of SBICCT Initiative funds represents a consequential milestone in demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships to build enduring advantage by growing and modernizing our supply chains, strengthening our economic and national security, and benefiting the development and commercialization of critical technologies that are key drivers of our U.S. industrial base,” said Heidi Shyu, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering.

The 2024 Wash100 awardee added that she is proud of the cooperation between the DOD’s Office of Strategic Capital and SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation in creating and cultivating the program.

According to the DOD, over 100 funds have expressed interest in participating in the SBICCT Initiative.

Applications for the next filing are due Nov. 15.

Investing in Key National Security Technologies

SBICCT is the first program established under the SBA-DOD partnership, which was announced in December 2022. The joint effort seeks to increase commercial investment in national security technologies.

Specifically, the initiative will match private capital with federally guaranteed loans to breathe new life into the U.S. national security supplier base and stimulate investment in critical technology areas, including artificial intelligence and autonomy, quantum science, microelectronics and space technology.

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DHS Cyber Crimes Center Widens International Presence With 4 New Roles
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DHS Cyber Crimes Center Widens International Presence With 4 New Roles

The Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Crimes Center, known as C3, has created four new international cyber investigations liaison roles as part of a push to strengthen its ability to address transnational cybercrime.

DHS said Tuesday that the positions will make new resources available to the Homeland Security Investigations-led Cyber Crime Unit, or CCU, and will be based in Ottawa, Canada; London, England; Sydney, Australia; and the Hague, Netherlands.

CCU leverages advanced technology and collaboration to support investigations into network intrusions and digital crimes. The organization offers advanced analytical support, data engineering and cyber investigative support and coordinates public-private partnerships.

“By expanding our international presence, we are strengthening our ability to combat the evolving threats of transnational cybercrime,” said Mike Prado, deputy assistant director of C3.

“These new positions will enhance our collaboration with global law enforcement partners, allowing us to disrupt criminal networks more effectively and protect communities worldwide,” he elaborated.

The Cyber Crime Center’s Strategy

C3 uses forensic technology and law enforcement networks worldwide to counter cybercrime and criminal exploitation of the internet. C3 supports HSI’s investigations into underground online marketplaces selling weapons, illegal drugs and more by providing computer and cyber-based technical services.

Prado will join a panel discussion at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13. Secure your spot at the event to get exclusive access to his insights.

POC - 2024 Homeland Security Summit
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PNNL-Led Team Investigating Cloud Use for Computational Chemistry
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PNNL-Led Team Investigating Cloud Use for Computational Chemistry

A team comprising scientists and computing experts from industry and academia under the leadership of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has released a peer-reviewed journal publication concerning the Transferring Exascale Computational Chemistry to Cloud Computing Environment and Emerging Hardware Technologies, or TEC4, initiative.

Using Cloud for Computationally Intensive Algorithms

PNNL said Monday that under the initiative, researchers ported to the cloud computationally intensive algorithms that work to establish whether proposed chemicals for various applications are actually feasible. The aim of the effort is to establish the viability of cloud computing serving as a complement to high-performance computing facilities.

According to the journal publication, the researchers found that cloud computing could accelerate the execution of advanced computational chemistry workflows, bringing timeframes down from months to days. The study evaluated the performance of new as well as legacy software.

Bundling SaaS With Cloud Computing

Commenting on the effort, Karol Kowalski, a computational chemist with PNNL, said, “We have shown that it’s possible to bundle software-as-a-service with cloud computing resources. This initial proof-of-concept shows that cloud computing can provide a menu of options to complement and supplement high-performance computing for solving complex scientific problems.”

DIU Seeks Bids on AI-Based Solution for DOD Budget Management
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DIU Seeks Bids on AI-Based Solution for DOD Budget Management

The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking proposals for prototypes of an artificial intelligence-based system for Department of Defense budget planning, incoming fund monitoring, contract modifications and real-time status updates. 

The DOD requires a reporting platform that can incorporate various system data feeds from different organizations and across a variety of accounting systems, the DIU said.

The agency prefers proposals on concepts demonstrating product maturity and validated deployment on an automated collaborative workspace, such as a program manager’s workflow for sharing and saving information among acquisition and finance stakeholders.

One of the ultimate goals for the DIU solicitation is to acquire solutions that can deliver accurate and timely project management and eliminate the months of lag in manual reviews.

Offerors in the DIU solicitation must have a DOD Impact Level 4 clearance and be FedRAMP Moderate certified, as well as be capable of achieving the IL5 and FedRAMP High certification levels.

Successful prototype proponents will be awarded a DIU Other Transaction Contract, with the possibility of a non-competitive follow-on production contract award. Interested parties have until Nov. 8 to submit prototype concept proposals.

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FCC’s Consumer Data Protection Task Force Signs Cooperation Agreement With State Attys
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FCC’s Consumer Data Protection Task Force Signs Cooperation Agreement With State Attys

The Federal Communications Commission is expanding its partnership with state officials on matters of privacy, data protection and cybersecurity enforcement. 

The agency on Monday said its Privacy and Data Protection Task Force has signed memoranda of understanding with attorneys general from Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Delaware and Indiana to share information, investigate and, if needed, prosecute individuals or organizations that violate the right of consumers to privacy and data protection. 

They join the attorney generals of Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia who also signed MoUs to cooperate with the task force on matters of consumer data protection and privacy. 

Championing Consumer Protection

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel established the Privacy and Data Protection Task Force in 2023 to coordinate public awareness activities and contribute to the rulemaking process. The task force was involved in crafting some of the commission’s major policies such as the update on the 16-year-old data breach notification rules and the voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for connected smart devices. 

According to Rosenworcel, partnerships are integral in combatting threats to consumer privacy. 

“Consumers expect their data will remain private and that any exposure of their personal information will be addressed with urgency and accountability,” she stated. “Success on this front requires strong partnerships between federal enforcement officials and state leaders.”

Loyaan A. Egal, chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, added that the task force relies on partnerships with state leaders to carry out its mission. The Enforcement Bureau work with state investigators to examine complaints, review records, interview witnesses and targets, and take other critical steps to mitigate attacks. 

“Our Privacy and Data Protection Task Force continues to investigate data breaches, work with companies to improve their privacy, sensitive data, and cybersecurity protections, and pursue regulatory efforts to further protect consumers who increasingly rely on FCC-regulated services in their everyday lives,“ Egal said.

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ARPA-H Releases RFI for Agentic AI Systems
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ARPA-H Releases RFI for Agentic AI Systems

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health has issued a request for information aimed at exploring possible uses of agentic AI systems to enhance healthcare. 

ARPA-H said Friday it is seeking industry input to determine research and development strategies to get a better understanding of the current state of agentic AI systems and their potential beyond the traditional use of large language models. 

In addition, the agency seeks feedback regarding the roles AI agents play in healthcare settings, the challenges that prevent their deployment in real-world scenarios and the policies about the responsible use of AI agents.

In particular, the notice aims to conduct market research to learn about the following:

  • Multi-agentic AI
  • Implementation of agents 
  • Accessibility of existing agents  
  • Interoperability and interacting agents 
  • Protocols for interacting agents
  • Robustness, including performance, security, privacy, taskability and self-behavior modeling and updating
  • Assurance and trustworthiness
  • Scalability
  • Autonomy 
  • Risks

 

Interested parties may submit their responses to the RFI by Nov. 29.

Register now to attend the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Healthcare Summit and gain insights on the trends and innovations shaping the future of the healthcare sector.

ARPA-H Releases RFI for Agentic AI Systems
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US Invests Up to $1.6B in Semiconductor Packaging R&D
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US Invests Up to $1.6B in Semiconductor Packaging R&D

The White House has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity under the CHIPS and Science Act to invest up to $1.6 billion in semiconductor research and development.

The Department of Commerce said Friday the investment is meant to develop technology and train the workforce necessary to enhance the U.S. semiconductor packaging industry. 

The funding opportunity will conduct R&D on five crucial areas, including Equipment, Tools, Processes and Process Integration; Power Delivery and Thermal Management; Connector Technology, Including Photonics and Radio Frequency; Chiplets Ecosystem and Co-design/Electronic Design Automation.

Each award will potentially receive $10 to $150 million in funds with a five-year period to complete the project. Another $50 million will be reserved for follow-on funding for awardees’ future prototyping activities.

This investment, which aligns with the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program’s efforts to establish a self-sustaining packaging industry in the nation, is in response to emerging AI-driven applications and other technological advancements in microelectronics. 

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stressed the significance of domestic packaging capabilities to the expansion of domestic semiconductor manufacturing. 

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in the NAPMP, including the advanced packaging piloting facility, expected to be announced later this year, will bring innovative and new technologies directly to American manufacturers and consumers – helping achieve the economic and national security goals of the CHIPS and Science Act,” added Raimondo.

The CHIPS Research and Development Office will hold a meeting for potential applicants on Oct. 22.

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Maria Demaree: How Lockheed Is Addressing Space Challenges for Gov Customers
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Maria Demaree: How Lockheed Is Addressing Space Challenges for Gov Customers

In space, new commercial players, emerging threats and increased military activity have converged to create a highly competitive and contested environment. It’s more important now than ever for U.S. government agencies and military services to work closely with industry partners to deliver better, more effective and more technologically advanced capabilities in the domain.

Maria Demaree: How Lockheed Is Addressing Space Challenges for Gov Customers

Executive Mosaic sat down for a video interview with Maria Demaree, vice president and general manager of national security space at Lockheed Martin, to discuss how Lockheed sees the space domain and how the company is partnering with its public sector customers to better meet their needs.

“It’s really about the urgency and customer mission,” said the two-time Wash100 Award winner in conversation with Executive Mosaic video reporter Summer Myatt. “We look at what does our customer need in the near-term? And what are going to be gamechanging technologies in five years or 10 years from now?” 

Lockheed Martin has been a dominant presence in the government contracting industry for decades. The company is now the largest defense contractor for the U.S. government. But today’s space domain is markedly different from that of even just a few years ago. To adapt to emerging technologies, threats and challenges, Demaree said Lockheed is constantly looking forward and working to better anticipate its customers’ needs.

“We’ve been a part of these domains with our customer for many decades, so we understand the mission, we understand what is needed and we’re looking out for the newest and latest technologies that we can integrate in for our customers,” said the Lockheed VP.

Lockheed’s commitment to innovation even extends beyond the scope of the company itself. Demaree explained that Lockheed serves as an integrator to bring other capabilities and technologies to the table to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

“As a system integrator, [we] even recommend to them possible options for them to consider that would accelerate their technology readiness,” she said. “That doesn’t matter if it’s capability that’s produced by Lockheed Martin, if it’s a commercial provider or if it’s an external company that we need to partner with to get that best-of-breed capability onto our platform.”

Explore Lockheed Martin’s latest tech demos and IRAD initiatives in Maria Demaree’s full video interview. 

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USPTO Appoints Nancy Kamei as Chief Public Engagement Officer
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USPTO Appoints Nancy Kamei as Chief Public Engagement Officer

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has appointed Nancy Kamei as its chief public engagement officer and director of the Office of Public Engagement. Kamei brings to the post three decades of innovation ecosystem experience.

In her new role, Kamei will implement outreach, education, customer experience and engagement activities, the USPTO said Monday, adding that the effort will bolster the U.S. innovation ecosystem through increased participation and problem-solving.

The new appointee most recently served as a program development specialist for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. She was also a national instructor for the National Science Foundation, where she trained National Institutes of Health and NSF grantees on commercializing their technologies.

In addition, Kamei worked with four Silicon Valley biotechnology startup companies and managed investment portfolios of public equities and venture capital investments.

In a statement, Kamei said, “The United States innovation ecosystem is already the envy of the world and the USPTO’s OPE will play a role in helping our country to sustain and bolster our position. It is an honor to join the USPTO to inspire and educate the next generation of inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs.”     

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