Newsletter 7/25/23: Funding on Critical Minerals Supply Chain and Cybersecurity, Grant Applications for Underserved Communities, SBIR/STTR Trends, and More

Week of July 25, 2023

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $32 Million to Strengthen Nation’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain

The U.S. DOE allocated $32 million for projects producing rare earth elements from domestic coal-based resources, aiming to strengthen clean energy technology and reduce foreign dependency. The program funds research and development for facilities to produce rare earth elements and other critical minerals from coal-based resources, fostering a domestic supply chain for clean energy and national security. Interested parties can apply through FedConnect by September 11, 2023.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

Federal Agencies Set Record-Breaking $163 Billion in Federal Procurement Opportunities to Small Businesses

Federal Agencies exceeded their small business contracting goal in FY 2022, awarding 26.5% of federal contract dollars to small businesses, a historic $162.9 billion investment. Several agencies earned high grades in small business contracting. Small Disadvantaged Business, Service-disabled Veteran-owned small business, and Historically Underutilized Business Zone spending achieved notable milestones. Women-owned Small Businesses received $28.1 billion, slightly below the 5% target, but with significant growth in set-aside awards. Small business subcontracting also reached its goal, awarding $79.1 billion.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

Amazon Web Services Awards 18 State and Local Agencies for Tech Achievements

Amazon Web Services (AWS) recognized 18 state and local IT agencies at an event in Sacramento for their commitment to modernizing and innovating government processes. The awardees were selected for their positive impact on transparency, efficiency, and outcomes for citizens using cloud technology. The Los Angeles Public Defender’s office was among the winners, recognized for their use of automation and AI to improve the criminal justice system, including consolidating systems and implementing an AI platform to enhance their digital filing system.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Program Office Opens Applications for FY 2024 Grant Competitions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Program Office invites applications for research funding to address climate variability and change. The program aims to tackle environmental issues like extreme heat, droughts, and coastal changes and seeks to enhance climate models and applications. Applications for the six competitions are due by November 17.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

Subscribe to the Critical Tech Market Insider to get important market insights on critical tech markets and to become part of our 20,000+ community

__________________________________________________________________________

National Science Foundation to Launch Grant Program for Research Security Studies

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched the Research on Research Security Program, funding projects to address research security risks. The program aims to improve transparency and collaboration in data disclosure. Proposals will be accepted until September 25, with grants awarded by December. The NSF will organize a workshop and webinars to raise awareness and identify study topics for the project.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

National Security Innovation Network | Defense Innovation Funding Opportunities

Businesses and academics with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and large language models (LLMs) that might address the climate crisis, promote equity, bolster our economy, or improve the experience of government customers, may submit their solutions to GSA for the opportunity to win part of a $100,000 prize purse. Submissions are due July 26. Read More

Companies with large-diameter unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) capable of clandestinely navigating payloads over long distances may submit their solutions for the opportunity to receive a contract agreement from DIU. Submissions are due July 28. Read More

Biomedical innovators with advancements in the care and performance of humans or canines through medical devices, drugs, and biologics are eligible for potential awards with the U.S. Army. Submissions are due July 31. Read More

__________________________________________________________________________

Drones Reach Stratospheric Heights in Race to Fly Higher, Longer

New high-altitude drones are being developed to fly higher and longer than ever before, providing intelligence beyond radar reach for militaries and beaming internet services for commercial users. BAE Systems’ solar-powered drone can stay in the air for up to a year, while Airbus’ Zephyr drone has already flown at 70,000 feet for 64 days. These drones offer a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to satellites.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

Transportation Security Administration to Host Industry Discussion Forum with Procurement Leaders

The TSA will host a discussion forum on August 1, 2023, to introduce the industry to its Contracting & Procurement (C&P) Senior Leadership and Operational Divisions. The purpose is to facilitate an understanding of how to do business with TSA. No pre-registration is needed, and the call will be limited to 200 callers for a maximum of two hours.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Virtual Mini Industry Day to Cover Cybersecurity Division

The DHS CISA will hold regular Virtual Industry Day events in FY23 to facilitate discussions on cybersecurity capabilities, challenges, and innovative technologies. The upcoming event on July 26, 2023, will feature speakers from CISA’s Cybersecurity Division and include a Q&A session. CISA aims to enhance the security and resilience of the cyber ecosystem to protect critical services and the American way of life.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

NCSA to Deploy AI-Enabled Supercomputer Under NSF Award

The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) has received a $10 million award from the National Science Foundation to develop DeltaAI, an AI-based supercomputer. DeltaAI is expected to triple NCSA’s AI-enabled computing capacity, offering advanced web-based interfaces for research efforts. The project aims to enhance data science and simulation capabilities while democratizing high-performance computing.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

New Bill Aims to Simplify Federal Grant Applications, Boost Funding for Underserved Communities

Lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill to streamline federal grant applications, increasing access for under-resourced communities. The Streamlining Federal Grants Act aims to modernize and simplify the application process, implement common data standards, and appoint officials overseeing reforms. The bill builds upon a 2019 law and aligns with efforts to improve grant application processes in various sectors, such as infrastructure and disaster recovery.

Read More…

__________________________________________________________________________

PSF-In Depth Analysis: SBIR/STTR – Trends and Opportunities

Excited to announce the release of our SBIR/STTR report – the first of Public Spend Forum‘s series on investments in critical tech.The questions we are focusing on:

•How are investments aligned by critical tech?

•Where geographic regions/clusters are emerging across the country?

•What use cases and needs is technology addressing?

•Which agencies are investing in similar tech areas and use cases?

•What types of investments are being commercialized and lead to commercial capital (in progress)?

Here is the link to download the report!

To get early access to the dashboard and comprehensive data behind the analysis, please reach out to us at support@publicspendforum.net

__________________________________________________________________________

Customer Testimonial: Deep Tech and Market Analysis with Air Force Research Labs

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND COMPLEX MARKETS, QUALIFY SUPPLIERS AND MANAGE SUPPLIER RISK

If you would like to put our comprehensive market, supply chain, demand and tech data on millions of suppliers and tech markets along with our expert advisory services/workshops to work for you, please reach out to us at support@publicspendforum.net.

We can help in three ways:

The key questions we help you answer:

Subscribe to the Critical Tech Market Insider to get important market insights on critical tech markets and to become part of our 20,000+ community

0