Newsletter 12/2/2024: Stories on NASA’s Ask ME Anything Webinars, DOE Funding to Support Research Institutions, and more!

Public Spend Forum

8 months ago

This Week’s Tech Highlights:

NASA’s Webinar for SBIR/STTR Phase I Solicitation: NASA will host a series of Ask Me Anything webinars from December 9-13, 2024
DOE Funding to Support Research Institutions Across the US: DOE awarded $31 million to 42 projects across 36 institutions in 24 states
DLA’s Strategy for Change: DLA emphasizes collaboration, data sharing, and innovation with the industry for modern defense challenges

Tech Sector News:

Microelectronics: Dept. of Commerce will invest up to $300 million in advanced packaging research projects in Georgia, California, and Arizona
Clean Energy: $2.2 billion in funding for two Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) to accelerate the deployment of clean hydrogen
Alternative Maritime Fuels: DHS S&T assesses ammonia’s risks as a maritime fuel to enhance port safety and support the clean energy transition
National Security Tech: DHS S&T partners with CBP and HSI to develop cost-effective technologies to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking
AI: U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute announced the formation of the Testing Risks of AI for National Security (TRAINS) Taskforce

And more!

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GENERAL EMERGING TECHNOLOGY NEWS

2025 NASA SBIR/STTR Phase I Subtopic Ask Me Anything (AMA) Webinars

NASA will host “Ask Me Anything” webinars from December 9-13, 2024, to help small businesses and research institutions prepare for 2025 SBIR/STTR Phase I solicitations. The webinars, organized by technology area, will feature live Q&As with subject matter experts and cover research subtopics released on December 2. Sessions will also be recorded and accessible online.

Click Here to Join…

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Defense Innovation Unit Announces Software Vendors to Support Replicator

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) awarded contracts under the Replicator Initiative to advance resilient command & control and collaborative autonomy for attritable autonomous systems. Selected vendors, including Viasat, Anduril, and L3Harris, will enhance C2 resilience and swarm coordination. These solutions aim to enable effective autonomous operations across domains, supporting rapid deployment and scaling within the Joint Force.

DOE Announces $31 Million to Build Research Capacity at Academic Institutions Across the United States

The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $31 million to 42 projects across 36 institutions in 24 states through its Funding for Accelerated, Inclusive Research (FAIR) initiative, fostering research in physics, chemistry, materials science, and more. The funding strengthens partnerships between academic institutions and DOE labs, supporting diverse institutions and advancing research in areas like clean energy, machine learning, and fusion technology.

Department of Defense Signs MOU to Expand Opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises

The Department of Defense and the Minority Business Development Agency signed an MOU to boost minority business enterprises’ participation in the defense supply chain. The partnership focuses on supplier diversity, training, capacity building, and access to defense procurement opportunities, aiming to strengthen national security and foster a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient defense industrial base.

DOE’s HPC for Energy Innovation Program Announces Funding for New Projects

The Department of Energy’s High-Performance Computing for Energy Innovation (HPC4EI) program has awarded $4 million for 10 projects aimed at energy efficiency and CO2 reduction, including collaborations with national labs like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to enhance carbon capture and reduce emissions. The fall 2024 solicitation invites new industry proposals for decarbonization-focused projects, offering up to $400,000 per project, with concept papers due December 11.

Commentary: How to Fix a Broken Defense Department to Beat China and Russia

In a recent commentary in War on the Rocks, Steve Blank, co-founder of Hacking for Defense, talks about how the ways that the Defense Department needs to evolve in order to meet new geopolitical challenges. While Blank applauds innovation programs such as DIU, Replicator, and Office of Strategic Capital, he also argues that the DOD still needs to move much faster to bring in new and innovative contractors into their portfolio. He suggests a model based off the WWII Office of Scientific Research and Development, which focussed on speed and innovation to solve very specific problems.

DLA Shares Strategy for Change, Demand Projections with Industry

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) emphasized transparency, collaboration, and technology to tackle supply chain challenges during its recent Demand Forecast meeting. Key points included leveraging AI, dashboards for industrial base health, and additive manufacturing to enhance readiness. Fiscal 2024 saw record contract obligations, with an increasing focus on agility, contested logistics, and flexible contracts to address emerging challenges and industry needs.

DOT Announces Nearly $580 Million for Ports to Strengthen American Supply Chains and Lower Costs

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced nearly $580 million to fund 31 port improvement projects in 15 states and one U.S. territory. The funding aims to boost supply chain resilience, enhance port efficiency, lower emissions, and improve safety. Key projects include upgrades in Alaska, California, Georgia, and Rhode Island, supporting cargo movement, energy efficiency, and infrastructure modernization.

DOE Announces Nearly $71 Million to Continue Strengthening America’s Auto Communities and Modernizing Manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $70.8 million to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers in advanced vehicles, battery recycling, and smart manufacturing. Key initiatives include retooling auto facilities in five states, enhancing battery recycling in seven states, and advancing smart manufacturing in five states. These efforts aim to modernize manufacturing, reduce waste, and support energy-efficient technologies.

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TECHNOLOGY SECTOR-SPECIFIC NEWS

Microelectronics: CHIPS for America Announces Up to $300 Million in Funding to Boost U.S. Semiconductor Packaging

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced plans to invest up to $300 million in advanced packaging research projects in Georgia, California, and Arizona. The funding comes from the CHIPS and Science Act and will support innovations in semiconductor substrates for AI, high-performance computing, and energy efficiency. Projects will also enhance domestic manufacturing, develop workforce programs, and establish cutting-edge technologies critical for advanced semiconductor packaging and global competitiveness.

Microelectronics: CHIPS for America Announces New Proposed $285 Million Award for CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute for Digital Twins, Headquartered in North Carolina

The U.S. Department of Commerce is also negotiating a $285 million investment to establish SMART USA, a Manufacturing USA institute in Durham, North Carolina. With $1 billion in combined funding, SMART USA will focus on using digital twin technology to advance semiconductor manufacturing, design, and packaging. The initiative aims to reduce costs, accelerate innovation, and train 100,000 workers.

Microelectronics: Dept. of Commerce Announces CHIPS Incentives Award with GlobalFoundries to Strengthen Essential Chip Supply for Key U.S. Industries Including Auto and Defense

The U.S. Department of Commerce additionally awarded GlobalFoundries up to $1.5 billion under the CHIPS Incentives Program to enhance U.S. semiconductor production. The funding supports GF’s $13 billion investment in New York and Vermont manufacturing sites, focusing on automotive, aerospace, and defense technologies. The investment is expected to create 10,000 jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity, and enhance supply chain resilience.

Microelectronics: Dept. of Commerce Announces CHIPS Incentives Awards with BAE Systems, Inc., and Rocket Lab to Expand Production of Chips Critical for U.S. National Security and Space

The U.S. Department of Commerce has finalized CHIPS Incentives Program awards for BAE Systems and Rocket Lab, providing up to $35.5 million and $23.9 million, respectively. BAE will modernize its Microelectronics Center to boost production of critical defense and satellite chips while Rocket Lab will expand its space-grade solar cell production by 50% to meet rising demand. Both projects aim to strengthen U.S. semiconductor supply chains and create jobs.

Clean Energy: DOE Announces Awards for Up to $2.2 Billion for Two Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has committed up to $2.2 billion in funding for two Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) to accelerate the deployment of clean hydrogen. The Gulf Coast and Midwest H2Hubs will leverage local energy resources to produce low-cost, clean hydrogen, supporting decarbonization in industries like steel and heavy-duty transportation. The investment aims to create tens of thousands of jobs and reduce emissions, advancing U.S. energy security and competitiveness.

Alternative Maritime Fuels: DHS S&T Conducts Market Research on Hazards with Alternative Fuel Production

DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently released a report exploring the potential risks of using ammonia and other alternative fuels in the maritime sector, particularly regarding their storage and handling at U.S. ports. The research identifies hazards such as toxic ammonia spills and the need for better preparedness and mitigation strategies. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with federal agencies, port authorities, and the private sector to improve safety and reduce environmental risks during the energy transition.

National Security Tech: DHS S&T Collaborating on Tech for Fentanyl Detection

DHS S&T’s Forensics and Criminal Investigations Program partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to explore new technologies for detecting and disrupting fentanyl trafficking. During a workshop at Chicago O’Hare Airport, the team discussed non-intrusive inspection methods, explosive detection adaptations, and the use of artificial intelligence. They aim to identify cost-effective technologies that do not disrupt legitimate commerce while enhancing security against illicit fentanyl.

AI: U.S. AI Safety Institute Establishes New U.S. Government Taskforce to Collaborate on Research and Testing of AI Models to Manage National Security Capabilities & Risks

The U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute announced the formation of the Testing Risks of AI for National Security (TRAINS) Taskforce, which brings together various federal agencies to address the national security and public safety risks posed by evolving AI technology. The task force will conduct research, risk assessments, and develop new AI evaluation methods to ensure the safe and secure development of AI.

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