/
Senate Committee Hearing Looks Into Federal AI Procurement Processes; Sen. Gary Peters Quoted
Published on
Senate Committee Hearing Looks Into Federal AI Procurement Processes; Sen. Gary Peters Quoted

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, initiated efforts to explore how the federal government should amend acquisition policies to ensure the responsible development and adoption of artificial intelligence tools through a third Senate panel hearing conducted Thursday.

The Senate committee hearing highlighted the current processes for procuring AI systems, the factors that should be prioritized when assessing AI systems and how federal experts could help improve transparency and reduce potential risks associated with such technologies, the panel said Thursday.

“In order to successfully and effectively purchase and use AI tools, federal agencies have to be prepared to address issues like privacy concerns about the use of federal data to train commercial models and preventing bias in government decision-making,” Peters shared in his opening statement.

The lawmaker also discussed the need for continuous oversight when it comes to AI deployment and the capability of federal acquisition processes to shape responsible and transparent standards.

“Through federal procurement policy, the government has a unique opportunity to shape standards and frameworks for development and deployment of these technologies across the private sector more broadly,” Peters noted.

/
NIST Releases Guidance on Zero Trust Implementation for Cloud-Based Applications
Published on
NIST Releases Guidance on Zero Trust Implementation for Cloud-Based Applications

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released guidance on implementing a zero trust architecture model to protect enterprise applications in multiple cloud and on-premises environments.

Special Publication 800-207A outlines measures and guidelines for securing cloud-based applications by deploying a ZTA to enable safe access to resources located on-premises or in the cloud, NIST said Wednesday.

The guidance recommends that organizations formulate both network-tier and identity-tier ZTA policies and configure technology components to enable the deployment of different policies.

Organizations must also develop a comprehensive monitoring framework covering various tasks and use telemetry data to fine-tune access rights and enforce step-up authentication.

ZTA aims to protect enterprise data and resources by requiring secure authorization of users for accessing cloud-native resources.

NASA Makes Mark McInerney Director of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Research; Bill Nelson Quoted
Published on
NASA Makes Mark McInerney Director of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Research; Bill Nelson Quoted

NASA has appointed Mark McInerney as director of unidentified anomalous phenomena research in an effort to expand the agency’s contribution to government initiatives seeking to understand such unusual aerial sightings.

The agency said Thursday that it created the new role in response to an independent study, which calls for NASA’s increased involvement in investigating the origin and nature of UAP moving forward.

McInerney most recently served as the space agency’s UAP liaison to the Department of Defense. HIs new responsibility will be to lead the creation of a comprehensive database for future UAP evaluation.

“NASA’s new Director of UAP Research will develop and oversee the implementation of NASA’s scientific vision for UAP research, including using NASA’s expertise to work with other agencies to analyze UAP and applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to search the skies for anomalies,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained.

The independent study team, which consists of 16 UAP experts, had recommended that the agency help advance research and data collection by taking advantage of its resources, including open source systems, Earth observation and other technological assets, data analysis techniques, and partnerships with industry, as well as other government entities.

NASA is using the team’s report to formulate a roadmap for a more in-depth scientific approach to studying unidentified aerial or anomalous sightings.

Navy Appoints Members of DON Science & Technology Board
Published on
Navy Appoints Members of DON Science & Technology Board

The Department of the Navy has named the members of a newly established federal advisory committee intended to provide independent advice and recommendations on matters and policies related to the service branch’s science and technology priorities.

Richard Danzig, former secretary of the Navy, has been appointed chair of the DON Science and Technology Board, while Howard Fireman, former chief architect of the Navy, was named vice chair, the Navy said Thursday.

“The board’s highest priority will be to work with leaders in the Department of the Navy to match new opportunities in science and technology with present service needs,” Danzig said.

DON STB comprises former national security leaders and experts from the industry and academia with expertise and background in science, technology, acquisition, manufacturing, logistics, medicine, climate and business management.

Members include Chris Inglis, former national cyber director, and Robert Work, former deputy secretary of defense and undersecretary of the Navy.

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, a 2023 Wash100 awardee, will swear in the new committee members at DON STB’s first meeting on Sept. 22, which will also include discussions on scientific and technical topics.

/
House Bill Proposes Establishment of Civil Space Situational Awareness Capability
Published on
House Bill Proposes Establishment of Civil Space Situational Awareness Capability

Reps. Don Beyer, D-Va., and Donald Norcross, D-N.J., have reintroduced legislation that would establish a civil space situational awareness capability under the Department of Commerce to ensure spaceflight safety and space sustainability.

The Space Safety and Situational Awareness Transition Act of 2023 aims to support the safety of orbital operations by monitoring space objects, predicting their future trajectories and assessing the risk of potential collisions with operating satellites, Beyer’s office said Thursday.

The bill would also support NASA in conducting research and development on space situational awareness.

“This bill would make important changes to direct inter-agency traffic and establish clearly defined roles for key players on space situational awareness, including the Department of Commerce and NASA,” Beyer said.

Norcross added that the legislation would “support the sustainability of space and ensure the safety of spacecraft.”

The bill was co-sponsored by Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., ranking member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

/
Pentagon Publishes Space Policy Review & Satellite Protection Strategy
Published on
Pentagon Publishes Space Policy Review & Satellite Protection Strategy

The Department of Defense has issued its space policy review and a strategy outlining measures to protect and defend on-orbit satellites of DOD and the Intelligence Community from adversarial threats.

DOD said Thursday the review and the unclassified strategy were submitted to Congress in compliance with the provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022 and the FY 2023 NDAA, respectively.

The document provides an assessment of the threats posed by China and Russia to the space operations of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

The department has outlined three lines of effort to defend national security interests from the increasing scale and scope of counterspace threats, one being the assurance of critical space-based missions by advancing the transition to more resilient architectures.

The other measures are strengthening the ability to detect and attribute hostile acts from, in and to space and safeguarding the Joint Force from adversaries’ hostile uses of space.

According to the document, DOD can achieve resilience of space-based services through disaggregation, diversification, proliferation, distribution, protection and deception.

/
NSA’s David Frederick on Technological Competition Between US & China, Plans for ‘Innovation Pipeline’
Published on
NSA’s David Frederick on Technological Competition Between US & China, Plans for ‘Innovation Pipeline’

David Frederick, assistant deputy director for the China Strategy Center at the National Security Agency, highlighted the importance of supporting U.S. initiatives in establishing technology standards and the key role of artificial intelligence as he talked about the technological battlefield between China and the U.S.

Frederick told the Intelligence and National Security Alliance in a virtual interview posted Tuesday about recent advancements on quantum-resistant encryption and the need for organizations to start their preparations for “major change in the use of cryptographic algorithms.”

He talked about the mission of the newly created center at NSA and the importance of the National Security Strategy, called on commercial industry and government to invest in quantum computing and cited NSA’s efforts to detect and counter cyberthreats from China.

The assistant deputy director noted that NSA will launch an “innovation pipeline” in the next six months that will focus on the country’s competition with China—entitled “Red Ventures,” according to a report by Federal News Network.

“We are working within my new organization to better align multiple innovation activities within NSA and with our IC partners to focus on the China problem,” Frederick said during the webinar.

He mentioned that “technology security” has become a key area of competition between the two countries.

/
DHS Ramps Up Responsible AI Implementation With New AI Chief & Policies; Alejandro Mayorkas Quoted
Published on
DHS Ramps Up Responsible AI Implementation With New AI Chief & Policies; Alejandro Mayorkas Quoted

The Department of Homeland Security appointed its first chief artificial intelligence officer and published new policies to ensure the agency’s responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies, such as face capture and recognition systems.

DHS announced Thursday that its chief information officer Eric Hysen will also serve as chief AI officer, coinciding with the department’s enforcement of two new policies for thorough testing of facial recognition platforms, and for its compliance with the executive order on trustworthy AI utilization.

As AI chief, Hysen will advise DHS leadership on issues relevant to the technology while promoting innovation and safe use across the department. He is tasked with managing the implementation of new responsible AI principles, which were developed by the DHS Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

In one of the policies, DHS pledges to not use, collect or share data from AI activities to make support decisions that discriminate based on race, gender, religion, age or medical condition. Its programs and initiatives will also be required to follow the presidential executive order entitled “Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government.”

A separate directive involves extensive testing of facial recognition systems to prevent unintended bias or unfair impact to users. The public will also have the right to opt out of such devices in non-law enforcement situations to protect civil rights.

“Our Department must continue to keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology, and do so in a way that is transparent and respectful of the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of everyone we serve,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas commented. “I am grateful that Eric Hysen, who already co-chairs our Artificial Intelligence Task Force, has agreed to serve as our Department’s first Chief AI Officer, providing the leadership and experience necessary to harness AI’s enormous potential and ensure its responsible use across DHS,” added Mayorkas, a past recipient of the Wash100 Award.

Exploring the Top Government Contracts Won by Albers Aerospace
Published on
Exploring the Top Government Contracts Won by Albers Aerospace

The top government contracts won by Albers Aerospace have supplied the federal government with class-leading aerospace products and services. Leveraging the company’s extensive background of working with Department of Defense customers, these contracts have advanced the warfighting capabilities, drive innovation, and solve challenges within the aerospace sector.

 

Top Government Contracts Won by Albers Aerospace: What Are They?

 

With a number of contracts and awards, Albers Aerospace has maintained its position as one of the premier contractors in the aviation and space markets. Explore the top government contracts won by Albers Aerospace below.

 

DoD Finalized a $5 Million Agreement for the Engineering and Manufacturing of Vortex Hybrid eVTOL Aircraft

 

  • Contracting activity: Department of Defense
  • Value: $5 million
  • Contract date: March 11, 2022

 

As the exclusive DoD license holder for the Vortex Hybrid Electrical Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Albers Aerospace secured a $5 million agreement to provide a range of engineering and manufacturing services for the aircraft. The company was tasked to work with the Vertical Hybrid eVTOL aircraft designer, HopFlyt, a Maryland-based startup.

One of the primary goals of this $5 million investment was to boost the design, development, and production of different eVTOL military designs. Work for the contract covers the application of technologies in Group 3 and Group 5 classifications to enable the revolutionary eVTOL aircraft into the Warfighter arsenal of the United States military.

HopFlyt’s eVTOL design, named “Vortex” for the Group 5 military version, is a hybrid eVTOL capable of flying 200 knots and carrying over 1,000 lbs over 500 nm. Meanwhile, the Group 3 military version offers the ability to endure 15-18 hours of mission-relatable payloads to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. military’s warfighting capabilities.

 

AEDC Awards a $4 Million Deal for the Completion of a New Facility in Downton Amarillo, Texas

 

  • Contracting activity: Amarillo Economic Development Corporation
  • Value: $4 million
  • Contract date: May 2023

 

Albers Aerospace secures a partnership with the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) for the opening of a $4 million facility in downtown Amarillo, Texas. The company works with the city council, which approves incentives for the 30 acres of land near the airport as well as two hangars with runway access for completion.

On top of the initial $4 million agreement honored for the site, AEDC includes another $4 million for the creation of local jobs within 30 days following the deal for the land. The erection of the new facility creates over 400 new high-paying jobs—most of which are homegrown and come from local universities across the state.

The opening of the new facility brings Albers Aerospace closer to other defense and aerospace contractors. The city is a pool for well-suited talents and a hotspot for its industry connections, such as its close working relationship with Bell Helicopter. In addition, the new facility is to expand Albers Aerospace’s recently acquired Garrett Container Systems from Accident, Maryland.

 

Texas A&M University Received a $2.25 Million Gift from Albers Aerospace for Don & Ellie Knauss VRSC

 

  • Contracting activity: Texas A&M University
  • Value: $2.25 million
  • Contract date: September 2022

 

Texas A&M University received a $2.25 million gift from Albers Aerospace to create the Albers Aerospace Veterans Excellence Endowment Fund. The award was finalized through the Texas A&M Foundation in support of the Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center (VRSC). VRSC was founded to support the undergraduate and graduate Aggie veterans and military-affiliated Aggies.

Albers Aerospace’s gift was considered the third principal gift endowed to VSRC since its founding in 2012. The initial gift from Don and Ellie Knausses, worth $1.9 million, was completed to give out veteran scholarships in 2017. Three years later, the couple awarded the second gift in 2020. VSRC reciprocated their generosity by naming the center after the couple.

Albers Aerospace’s President and Chief Executive Officer, John Albers, is an Aggie industrial graduate. He sees the gift as an investment for various growth initiatives supporting student veterans. His gift also marks the first gift from a former student aiming to contribute to the university, state, and nation.

 

DoD Awarded Albers Aerospace In Partnership With Vertex Aerospace Under the Mentor-Protégé Program

 

  • Contracting activity: Department of Defense
  • Value: $2.25 million
  • Contract date: February 22, 2021

 

Albers Aerospace in partnership with Vertex Aerospace was awarded Mentor-Protégé Agreement through the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). Under the agreement, Vertex Aerospace was tasked to provide aerospace maintenance and modification assistance to Albers Aerospace in strengthening its offerings to Tier 1 Original Equipment Manufacturers and DoD customers.

Assistance outlined for the program, such as guidance, counsel, and scalable corporate infrastructure, expanded Albers Aerospace’s capabilities in providing critical support to various defense organizations. Additionally, the program supports the company’s new business pursuits, focusing on the aerospace and defense markets of the federal government.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Albers Aerospace
Photo Contributor: View Apart/Shutterstock

What is Albers Aerospace?

Albers Aerospace is a Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned company with a comprehensive portfolio in defense and aerospace. Formerly known as The Albers Group, LLC, the company delivers a range of products, such as manned and unmanned systems and services for technology, engineering, aviation, innovative technologies, and aerospace manufacturing.

Albers Aerospace has achieved many feats amid its young history. In 2021, the company was named the fastest-growing Aggie-owned business in the Aggie 100 list. Moreover, the aerospace startup placed 340 overall in the 2022 Inc. 5000 ranking. In 2022, Albers Aerospace was declared the official name after a rebrand from the Albers Group.

 

Where is Albers Aerospace headquarters located?

Albers Aerospace’s headquarters is located in McKinney, Texas. The company also operates various facilities across the United States, such as the facility under construction in Amarillo, Texas.

 

Who is the founder of Albers Aerospace?

 The Albers Group, LLC was founded by John Albers in 2015 with the fundamental philosophy of achieving fantastic results amid challenging military and combat circumstances. As a military veteran with experience as the U.S. Marine Corps test pilot, Albers’ defense sector expertise has allowed the startup to deliver high-quality products and services to the government and private industries.

Albers Aerospace alludes to the principles in which Albers founded the company with: Integrity, Commitment, and Excellence. These are proven and tested fundamentals from his time in the military. The company aims to inspire others and deliver value to employees, clients, customers, and partners through its products and services.

Explore industry experts holding office as Albers Aerospace’s Leaders, Founders, & Execs right here.

/
AIA Agenda Details Priorities to Enhance International Cooperation in Emerging Tech; Eric Fanning Quoted
Published on
AIA Agenda Details Priorities to Enhance International Cooperation in Emerging Tech; Eric Fanning Quoted

The Aerospace Industries Association has released a document outlining priorities for the U.S. aerospace and defense industry to improve international cooperation in unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, cyber, space and other emerging and advanced tech capabilities.

The agenda presents several recommendations to establish a policy and regulatory environment that fosters global cooperation on emerging and advanced technologies, AIA said Wednesday.

Recommendations include incentivizing exports and ensuring that U.S. government policy and regulation enable U.S. global leadership in emerging and advanced capabilities; advancing U.S. leadership in emerging capabilities cooperation with allies as a national security imperative; investing in the resilience of the aerospace and defense supply chain through inclusive policies; and continuing U.S. leadership in international standards and norms setting.

For the digital domain that includes autonomy, AI, quantum computing and cyber, AIA has called for the designation of lead agencies for U.S. government technology security and foreign disclosure and efforts to incentivize design for exportability of such capabilities to develop resiliency and security into architectures early on. 

When it comes to hypersonic capabilities, priorities include the sustainment of hypersonic and high-temperature test facilities and investment in reusable high-Mach aircraft in partnership with U.S. allies.

“AIA’s new agenda provides a roadmap for a more competitive regulatory and trade environment for these new technologies that will help the United States maintain our strategic advantage over potential adversaries,” said Eric Fanning, president and CEO of AIA and a previous Wash100 awardee.

1 … 457 458 459 460 461 … 2,609