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House Bill Proposes Establishment of Civil Space Situational Awareness Capability
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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.

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Pentagon Publishes Space Policy Review & Satellite Protection Strategy
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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.

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

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DHS Ramps Up Responsible AI Implementation With New AI Chief & Policies; Alejandro Mayorkas Quoted
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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
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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.

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AIA Agenda Details Priorities to Enhance International Cooperation in Emerging Tech; Eric Fanning Quoted
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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.

Transportation Department Initiates $100M Accelerator Program to Enhance EV Charger Reliability
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Transportation Department Initiates $100M Accelerator Program to Enhance EV Charger Reliability

The Department of Transportation has opened applications for a new accelerator program that will provide up to $100 million in federal funding to build a reliable national electric vehicle charging network.

DOT said Wednesday that projects selected for the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator will focus on repairing or replacing non-operational EV chargers to improve the reliability of current EV charging infrastructure.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, America is leading the electric vehicle revolution. This funding represents the latest step toward building a convenient, affordable, reliable charging network that reaches every corner of our nation,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Funding for the accelerator was made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which provides nearly $5 billion to help states establish EV charging sites.

Applications are open until Nov. 13.

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OMB Outlines Requirements for Agencies to Manage AI Through Draft Guidance
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OMB Outlines Requirements for Agencies to Manage AI Through Draft Guidance

The Office of Management and Budget has issued a draft memo outlining 10 requirements for how federal agencies should adopt and manage artificial intelligence technologies, Federal News Network reported Wednesday.

The draft guidance directs agencies to name a chief AI officer, establish an AI governance board, have risk mitigation measures in place for generative AI and foster AI innovation by identifying use cases aimed at improving an organization’s mission.

The document would require agencies to create a public strategy within a year to eliminate barriers to AI adoption and advance AI maturity and cease using “safety-impacting or rights impacting” AI without a waiver or extension.

According to FNN, OMB started working on the memo in May and sought comments on the second draft through Sept. 8. 

“It’s a technology wave that we all have to get on board because there is no going back, so having guidance and policies are important. It will be interesting to see how AI and chief privacy officers work together on implementing AI,” an agency tech executive told FNN.

OMB is expected to publish the draft memo in the Federal Register in October to solicit public comments.

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NSWC Crane Seeks Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Technologies for 2024 Capability Experimentation Event
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NSWC Crane Seeks Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Technologies for 2024 Capability Experimentation Event

Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division is seeking electromagnetic spectrum operations capabilities that are in the early stages of development and has issued a request for submissions for the requirement.

According to a special notice posted on SAM.gov, the EMSO capabilities will undergo testing during the two-week Silent Swarm experimentation event set to take place in July of 2024.

The experimentation activities will involve participating EMSO providers collaborating with each other to demonstrate the ability of their technologies to achieve operational objectives.

For Silent Swarm 2024, the objectives are to bring about the effects of distributed electromagnetic attacks, which include high-power microwaves; radio frequency deception, which includes the mimicking of signals of interest; and the delivery of digital payloads, which includes analytics, reconnaissance and offensive cyber.

The technologies should be within Technology Readiness Levels 2 to 5 and can be implemented on small multi-domain unmanned systems.

Interested parties have until Oct. 16 to respond.

Work under this effort is being done in support of the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and other Department of Defense units.

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Senate Lawmakers Urge OSTP to Develop AI Content Authentication Standards
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Senate Lawmakers Urge OSTP to Develop AI Content Authentication Standards

Sens. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., and John Thune, R-S.D., have called on the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop secure, consensus-based standards for authenticating artificial intelligence-generated works to promote transparency and public trust.

In a letter to OSTP Director Arati Prabhakar, the senators said that the federal government must provide consumers with accessible tools to verify the authenticity of online content and AI systems they interact with, Hickenlooper’s office reported Tuesday.

“We need to invest in research and build consensus around authentication techniques between federal agencies, academia, and industry,” the letter reads.

Hickenlooper and Thune requested that the OSTP provide details on what current or planned federal research or pilot initiatives will focus on advancing content authenticity tools and how to prevent them from being removed, manipulated or counterfeited.

They also asked how watermarking techniques differ for audio, video, text, image and other AI-generated content.

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