PCAST Outlines Recommendations for Federal Nanotechnology R&D Coordination
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PCAST Outlines Recommendations for Federal Nanotechnology R&D Coordination

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology has released its assessment of the National Nanotechnology Initiative outlining a set of recommendations to coordinate nanotechnology research and development efforts across the federal government.

PCAST recommends that the government consider sunsetting or streamlining the directives in the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, including ending the mandated reviews and the annual Supplement to the President’s Budget, the White House said Friday.

According to the council, the heads of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and Technology Council should work together to direct the Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee to more fully utilize its authority to facilitate federal nanotechnology coordination.

The NSET Subcommittee is responsible for establishing and updating a nanotechnology strategic plan every three years, establishing research centers, awarding grants and promoting the adoption of nanotechnology for commercial applications.

To help create a multi-disciplinary workforce, agencies in the NSET Subcommittee should enhance and expand experiential learning programs for high schools, community colleges, universities and industry, per PCAST’s analysis.

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NSF Official Sean Jones Named Argonne Deputy Laboratory Director for Science & Technology
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NSF Official Sean Jones Named Argonne Deputy Laboratory Director for Science & Technology

Sean Jones, assistant director of the National Science Foundation’s Mathematical and Physical Sciences directorate, has been named deputy laboratory director for science and technology at the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory.

He will assume responsibilities as Argonne’s senior science strategist, adviser and chief research officer on Oct. 9, the national laboratory said Wednesday.

At NSF, Jones manages a $1.86 billion portfolio encompassing five science divisions, interdisciplinary research programs and domestic and international research facilities and centers.

During his 14-year career at the agency, Jones oversaw the construction of two major astronomy facilities, led the operation of national user facilities and major instruments and developed new initiatives in biotechnology, precision sensing and other emerging fields.

Before joining NSF, he held leadership roles at the University of Florida, Norfolk State University, Lucent Technologies, Luxcore Networks and Applied Plasmonics.

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Interagency Bulletin Alerts US Space Sector Against Foreign Intelligence Entity Threats
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Interagency Bulletin Alerts US Space Sector Against Foreign Intelligence Entity Threats

The FBI, National Counterintelligence and Security Center and U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations released a bulletin to warn the U.S. space industry about potential threats to their research and trade secrets, particularly from Russia and China, Reuters reported Friday.

The two-page bulletin listed indicators of malicious cyberactivity from unknown sources, as well as recommended mitigation solutions to safeguard the data of space companies for the long term.

With the global space economy projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, the U.S. and China are racing to be at the forefront of the sector by the year 2045, according to the bulletin.

The agencies warned companies to beware of foreign intelligence entities masked as legitimate businesses to steal data and technical experts, or acquire or invest in order to infiltrate their organization.

U.S. enterprises should report any suspicious activity to the FBI or AFOSI, and create monitoring and insider threat programs to protect their data and talent from FIEs.

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Reggie Robinson Elevated to SVP of Government Relations at BAE Systems
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Reggie Robinson Elevated to SVP of Government Relations at BAE Systems

Reggie Robinson has been selected to supervise the full range of BAE Systems’ government work as senior vice president of government relations.

Effective immediately, Robinson will lead BAE Systems’ relationships with Congress members, the White House, the Department of Defense and other public sector organizations and officials, the company announced from Falls Church, Virginia on Monday.

“Reggie is a proven leader with extensive experience and a unique blend of industry, military, congressional, and diplomatic expertise,” said Tom Arseneault, president and CEO of BAE Systems and a two-time Wash100 Award winner.

He added that in the position, Robinson will “play a crucial role” in cultivating strong relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies and policy makers “to create a favorable environment for BAE Systems, Inc. to operate and grow.”

Robinson’s appointment is a continuation of his nine years with BAE Systems. He joined the organization in 2014 as director of government relations, and after seven years in the role, he was promoted to his most recent position as vice president of executive branch and international government relations.

In his new role, Robinson will report to Arseneault. He will also serve as a director on BAE Systems’ board.

Prior to joining the company, Robinson spent over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, during which his assignments included combat zone deployments, policy-related roles and positions at both the State Department and Capitol Hill. He retired from the Air Force as a colonel.

BAE Systems has recently made multiple leadership changes. In May, the enterprise appointed Elaine Luria, a former congresswoman and retired Navy commander, to its board, and days earlier, Craig Brower was selected as senior vice president of U.S. sales for the company’s Bohemia Interactive Simulations subsidiary.

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US, Japan, South Korea Convene to Advance Security, Tech & Economic Cooperation; Lloyd Austin Quoted
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US, Japan, South Korea Convene to Advance Security, Tech & Economic Cooperation; Lloyd Austin Quoted

Leaders from the U.S., Japan and South Korea expressed their commitment to strengthening security, economic and technology cooperation during the inaugural Trilateral Leaders’ Summit at Camp David in Maryland.

U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to further build up trilateral security cooperation by advancing multiyear trilateral defense exercises, activating a data-sharing process to improve cooperation on ballistic missile defense and countering threats posed by foreign information manipulation, according to a White House fact sheet published Friday.

“We are working more closely than ever with the ROK and Japan in support of a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The agreements our three countries made today will further our shared commitments to meeting the challenges we face together,” Lloyd Austin, secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense and a three-time Wash100 awardee, said in a statement published Friday.

To further deepen technology and economic cooperation, the three countries will launch a supply chain early warning system pilot program aimed at identifying critical minerals and other priority materials and products and developing approaches to rapidly share data on potential disruptions to supply chains.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories will cooperate with their counterpart labs in Japan and South Korea to pursue scientific collaboration in emerging tech areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced computing, materials research and climate and earthquake modeling.

The U.S. will also work with South Korea and Japan to broaden collaboration on tech protection measures and advance tech standards cooperation.

Top Government Contracts Won by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.
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Top Government Contracts Won by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.
Photo by Bjoern Wylezich/Shutterstock

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense Inc., is a part of one of the leading global aviation companies, Airbus. It boasts a diverse portfolio in research and development and subject matter expertise for the Department of Defense, National Security Agency, and other aerospace-focused agencies. There are top government contracts won by Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc.

5 Top Government Contracts Won by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.

Take a look at the top government contracts won by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., since operating as a new business unit in 2020.

 

The U.S. Army Awarded Airbus U.S. Space & Defense Inc. a Follow-on CLS Contract for UH-72A and UH-72B Lakota

UH-72 Lakota
Photo from military.com

 

  • Contracting activity: U.S. Army
  • Contract type: Modification to contract
  • Value: $1.5 billion
  • Contract date: May 2022

 

The U.S. Army awarded Airbus U.S. Space & Defense a follow-on contract for Contractor Logistics Support (CLS). The agreement outlined providing spare parts, materials, and engineering solutions for the UH-72A and UH-72B Lakota fleet, including 482 utility and training helicopters. Lakota’s CLS spanned a base period of six months and an option period of 4.5 years.

Under the $1.5 billion contract, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense supported 67 Lakota sites worldwide, covering the National Guard bases across 43 states and Fort Rucker in Alabama. The Lakota platform is one of the most affordable twin-engine helicopters of the U.S. Army, equipped with a modern glass cockpit, flight control, and navigation systems.

The UH-72A Lakota fleet has supplied the Army with exceptional product and support services for nearly two decades. It has propelled the military’s aircraft capabilities and has been pivotal in counter-drug missions along the Southwest border. Meanwhile, UH-72B Lakota has received support for its management from 40% of U.S. military veterans.

 

ACC Finalized a Contract Modification for UH-72 Lakota Fleet’s Logistics and Engineering Services

 

  • Contracting activity: Army Contracting Command
  • Contract type: Modification to contract
  • Value: $297.5 million
  • Contract date: December 8, 2022

 

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. was awarded the third modification for logistics support and engineering services for the UH-72 Lakota. The contract performance commenced in Grand Prairie, Texas, through the expected completion date of December 31, 2023. Funds came from the Fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance (Army) funds, with $76.4 million obligated at the time of the award.

The initial contract awarded for the UH-72 Lakota helicopter contractor, amounting to $14.8 million, was finalized on May 20, 2022. The estimated completion time was set for December 31, 2026, with the funding coming from the fiscal 2022 fixed-firm-price funds. Subsequent contract modifications include:

  • On September 27, 2022, the contractor was awarded an $8.4 million contract modification with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2026.
  • On November 16, 2022, the contractor secured another contract modification worth $42.6 million, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2022.

The U.S. Army Contracting Command was the contracting activity for all the contract modifications. In contrast, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers served as the contracting activity for the initial firm-fixed-price basis contract.

 

ACC Extended Airbus U.S. Space & Defense’s Contract to Provide Various Support Services to the UH-72 Lakota

ACC Extended Airbus U.S. Space & Defense's Contract to Provide Various Support Services to the UH-72 Lakota
Photo from military.com
  • Contracting activity: Army Contracting Command
  • Contract type: Modification to contract
  • Value: $119.8 million
  • Contract date: June 7, 2021

 

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense secured the fifth contract modification to a firm-fixed-price award for contractor logistics support to the UH-72 Lakota helicopter fleet. The contract extension tasked the company to continue CLS for another year. Work performance commenced in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2022.

Earlier contracts were awarded to Airbus Helicopters, Inc., prior to the establishment of the current business unit. The earliest contract awarded for this project, worth $17.4 million, was dated December 19, 2017. It stipulates parts, support, and sustainment work for the Army’s U-72 helicopters, including program management, engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, and other contractor services.

Subsequent contract modifications were contracted for various logistics support related to the UH-72 Lakota fleet. The follow-on contracts included:

  • On February 1, 2017, Airbus Helicopters finalized a $25.3 million contract modification with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2017.
  • On March 6, 2017, the global aviation enterprise was awarded another follow-on contract, amounting to $15.6 million, through the estimated completion date of December 31, 2017.
  • On July 12, 2017, the helicopter manufacturing company secured the third modification to the existing contract, worth $35.2 million, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2017.
  • On August 21, 2017, the contractor won the final contract modification as Airbus Helicopters Inc., worth $34.5 million, with work commencing through April 30, 2018.

The U.S. Army Contracting Command has been the contracting activity for all contracts and modifications regarding the CLS project for the UH-72 Lakota helicopter fleet.

 

NRO CSPO Worked With Airbus U.S. Space & Defense for Data Evaluation Duties of Synthetic Aperture Radar

NRO CSPO Worked With Airbus U.S. Space & Defense for Data Evaluation Duties of Synthetic Aperture Radar
Photo from gisgeography.com
  • Contracting activity: The Commercial Systems Program Office of the National Reconnaissance Office
  • Contract type: Study contract
  • Contract date: January 20, 2022

 

The Commercial Systems Program Office of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO CSPO) collaborated with Airbus U.S. Space & Defense to conduct data evaluation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for potential applications in national security, defense, and space. The partnership leveraged the contractor’s knowledge and experience in commercial SAR for the defense sector.

Work elements under the study contract included modeling, simulation, demonstrations, and mission use validation. The primary objective of the study contract was to provide world-class SAR data to warfighter capabilities of the U.S. Aside from Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, the NRO CSPO also contracted four different contractors, such as Capella Space, Iceye U.S., PredaSAR, and Umbra.

Synthetic Aperture Radar works by bouncing the microwave radar signal off the Earth’s surface to map its physical properties. Although the federal government is the leading user of SAR imagery in monitoring targets and activities on the ground, industries depending on agriculture, energy, finance, and construction also take advantage of images of the Earth’s surface.

 

SDA and Northrop Grumman Secured a Contract to Supply 42 Satellite Platforms and Support Services

SDA and Northrop Grumman Secured a Contract to Supply 42 Satellite Platforms and Support Services
Photo by gyn9037 from Shutterstock.com
  • Contracting activity: Space Development Agency
  • Contract date: July 5, 2022

 

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense works with Northrop Grumman to provide 42 satellite platforms and a range of assembly, integration, and test (AI&T), launch, and space vehicle commissioning support services. The contract was secured to satisfy the requirements of the U.S. Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer prototype constellation (T1TL) award.

Finalizing the T1TL award was pivotal to SDA’s National Defense Space Architecture, serving as the backbone of its defense applications that boosted low-latency military data and worldwide connectivity. Airbus U.S. Space & Defense’s contractor work underscored its commitment to developing and delivering critical technologies for the United States warfighter portfolio.

For this T1TL award, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense took advantage of its experience designing adaptable spacecraft platforms. The company also utilized Airbus OneWeb Satellites and other ventures to develop required satellite platforms under the award for Northrop Grumman and the SDA.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.?

 

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense is one of the leading government contractors and partners of satellites, geospatial intelligence, cyber communications, space exploration missions, unmanned aerial systems, military helicopters, and other aviation-focused products and solutions. The company anchors on over 50 years of commitment from its parent company, helping the federal government achieve mission success and support to people and communities.

Although Airbus U.S. Space & Defense was officially established as a new business unit in 2020, its predecessor divisions, including Airbus Defense & Space and Airbus Helicopters, have been a long-time supplier and partner to the U.S. government. They have nurtured excellent government relations, particularly for agencies such as NASA, DARPA, NGA, and other service branches.

 

What are the products and services of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense?

 

As a part of one of the largest global aviation companies, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense holds a diverse portfolio of products and services related to aerospace and cyberspace. Here’s a list of the notable solutions offered by the contractor:

  • Military helicopters: UH-72 Lakota, AH-125 and MH-125 Ares, and MH-65 Dolphin
  • Military aircraft: A400M, C295, C212, MRO, Unmanned aerial systems
  • Communications & Intelligence: ECTOCRYP Black, Laser Communication, RCT 4.0M, AGNET, TETRAPOL, TETRA, GEOINT, MOTAC NG
  • Space: LEO Constellations, Small Satellite Manufacturing, Moon 2024 and Beyond, LEO Human Spaceflight & Commercialization

 

Where is Airbus U.S. Space & Defense headquarters located?

 

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense headquarters is based in Arlington, Virginia. The enterprise’s parent company has a significant presence in over 180 locations across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. The global headquarters is located in Blagnac, France.

 

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense: Offering Trusted Solutions for the Nation’s Critical Missions

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense: Offering Trusted Solutions for the Nation's Critical Missions
Logo from Airbus

The top government contracts won by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. have helped the federal government solve its challenges in military aerospace capabilities. The company’s trusted solutions have propelled the government’s wings to fly through and address the nation’s most critical missions.

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OSTP Promotes Assistant Telecom Director Austin Bonner to Deputy CTO for Policy
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OSTP Promotes Assistant Telecom Director Austin Bonner to Deputy CTO for Policy

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy named Austin Bonner, its assistant director for spectrum and telecommunications policy, as deputy U.S. chief technology officer for policy, she announced in a LinkedIn post.

Bonner joined the agency in July 2022, while she was an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center.

She developed her expertise in communications mostly through government-related work. In October 2004, she was deputy press secretary of the Democratic Leadership Council/Progressive Policy Institute. She served the same role in the House Committee on Small Business in 2007.

Bonner was appointed as director of communications and media relations at One Economy Corporation, a role she held for three years. In September 2010, she was chosen as a legal intern at OSTP.

In 2019, she became affiliated with the Federal Communications Commission, as legal advisor to Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. She later took the position of acting chief of staff to Starks.

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NIST Requests Comments on Draft Cybersecurity and Privacy Mapping Guide
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NIST Requests Comments on Draft Cybersecurity and Privacy Mapping Guide

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s new draft report examining how cybersecurity and privacy content sources relate to each other has been opened for public comment.

The NIST Internal Report 8477 proposes a mapping approach to determine relationships between cybersecurity and privacy concepts such as controls, recommendations, technologies, functions, processes and skills, the agency said Thursday.

Users may use the approach to map relationships involving NIST cybersecurity and privacy publications, including mapping the equivalent of the technical references included in the initial version of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework in support of CSF 2.0.

NIST also intends to use the approach to establish a single concept system that provides a cohesive set of relationship mappings of cybersecurity and privacy concepts from different sources.

Interested parties have until Oct. 6 to comment on the report’s initial public draft.

AFRL Highlights STEM Contributors at 2023 New Mexico Excellence in STEM Awards Ceremony; Gabe Mounce Quoted
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AFRL Highlights STEM Contributors at 2023 New Mexico Excellence in STEM Awards Ceremony; Gabe Mounce Quoted

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Tech Engagement Office honored winners of its 2023 New Mexico Excellence in STEM Awards during a ceremony held in June.

Since its establishment, the award has annually recognized top contributors in STEM fields across New Mexico, AFRL said earlier this month.

“The 2023 STEM winners are an outstanding group of individuals and organizations that are doing great work in STEM education,” said AFRL Tech Engagement Office Director Gabe Mounce.

He was sure to mention the large number of qualified nominees, which made it “difficult to narrow down the list.”

“That is a testament to the qualifications of this year’s winners and the strength of STEM education initiatives in New Mexico overall,” said Mounce.

Created in 2018, the award is intended to broadcast STEM achievements outside of the immediate STEM community and across the state. This year’s winners came from Albuquerque, Socorro, Los Alamos, Tucumcari, Las Cruces and southeastern New Mexico.

Awardees were selected from 12 categories, with several recognitions for students, teachers, advisors and mentors as well as honors for academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and small and large businesses. Individual awardees received $1500 scholarships.

Three students – Aaron Chand, Ixchel Valentino and Journey Allison – were identified as “standout” candidates. Chand, a high schooler, finished in 6th place at the 2022 Global Conference of Educational Robotics Competition. A homeschool graduate, Valentino has won multiple robotics awards since kindergarten, and Allison, a middle school student, has already enrolled in college-level math courses.

Also recognized was Jennifer Nilvo, a teacher at Valencia County’s School of Dreams. Her selection was driven by successful efforts to build one of New Mexico’s most comprehensive STEM programs, and her work helped secure funding for the state’s only BioSafety Level 1 and 2 STEM Research Lab within a public K-12 school.

The full list of winners is as follows:

  1. Student K-8: Journey Allison – Albuquerque Institute for Math and Science
  2. Student 9-12: Ixchel Valentino – Homeschool
  3. Student 9-12: Aaron Chand – Tucumcari High School
  4. Educator K-8: Carolyn Torres – Chamisa Elementary (White Rock)
  5. Educator 9-12: Jennifer Nilvo – School of Dreams Academy
  6. School: Desert Willow Family School
  7. Higher Ed: Engineering Student Success Center – University of New Mexico
  8. Advisor/Coach: La Tonya Jenkins – Greater ABQ National Society of Black Engineers Jr. Chapter
  9. Mentor: Dr. Curtis O’Malley – New Mexico Tech
  10. Non-Profit: Asombro Institute for Science Education
  11. Small Business: Construction Survey Technologies Inc.
  12. Large Business: Permian Strategic Partnership
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15 Projects to Receive DOE Funding for AI Advancement in Nuclear Physics Research
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15 Projects to Receive DOE Funding for AI Advancement in Nuclear Physics Research

The Department of Energy will distribute $16 million in funding to support 15 projects that will explore the use of artificial intelligence technologies in nuclear physics research efforts.

Researchers at eight national laboratories and 22 universities will use AI and machine learning tools and processes to perform nuclear physics simulation and experiments to speed up scientific discovery, DOE said Thursday.

“Particle accelerator facilities and nuclear physics instrumentation face a variety of technical challenges in simulations, control, data acquisition, and analysis that artificial intelligence holds promise to address,” shared Timothy Hallman, associate director of science for nuclear physics at DOE.

DOE selected the projects through a competitive peer review process and supports the initiatives through the office of science’s Nuclear Physics Program.

Projects include the use of AI and ML tools for accelerator beam optimization and identification of a signal for studying physics of fundamental symmetry in rare nuclear decays through the development of deep learning algorithms.

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