This Week’s Tech Highlights:
- DLA Supplier Pathway program: DLA launches a new search tool to help small businesses connect with supply chains for contracting opportunities
- DoD First Cohort Under SBICCT: SBICCT initiative funds set to invest over $4 billion in U.S. critical technology areas and component processes
- DOD PPBE Reform Reports: DoD unveils expanded PPBE reform implementation report to strengthen national defense strategy
Tech Sector News:
- Fire Safety: DHS working group pushes for NFPA 70 revisions to improve fire safety at EV charging stations around the nation
- National Security Tech: DIU launches ANTIDOTE project to enhance biosecurity with advanced wastewater surveillance technology
- Quantum: DOE announces $71 million in funding for quantum information science projects in high energy physics
- EV Tech: DOE Invests $68 Million in Innovative EV Charging Projects for Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks
- Climate Tech: NASA invites entrepreneurs to develop commercial climate solutions with earth science data
- Microelectronics: Department of Commerce finalizes $218 million in CHIPS funding for U.S. semiconductor manufacturing projects
- Clean Energy: Heartland and Mid-Atlantic hydrogen hubs receive $38.8 million to advance clean hydrogen production
And more!
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GENERAL EMERGING TECHNOLOGY NEWS
New Supplier Pathway Program Links Small Businesses to DLA Supply Chains
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has launched a new search tool on its Small Business webpage, enabling small businesses to find contact information for supply chains managing their goods or services. Part of the Supplier Pathway program, this tool simplifies government contracting by providing relevant codes, supply chain contacts, and procurement details, with future enhancements planned to outline certifications and processes, fostering easier access for small businesses to partner with DLA.
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DOD and SBA Publish Names of First 18 Licensed and Green Light Approved Funds for the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies Initiative
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the first cohort of funds under the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies Initiative (SBICCT Initiative), a partnership with the SBA to channel over $4 billion into 1,700 companies across 14 critical technology areas. These funds underwent rigorous vetting and will be invested across private capital stages, supporting national and economic security. Seven funds are now fully operational.
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Special Competitive Studies Report on Advanced Manufacturing
A recently released report highlights the concerning trend of China’s dominance in manufacturing, holding 35% of global output, compared to the U.S. at 12%. China also leads in robotics, batteries, EVs, and legacy chips, deploying more industrial robots in 2023 than the rest of the world combined. However, only 4% of Chinese manufacturers have reached cutting-edge digitalization. Meanwhile, the U.S. excels in generative AI and advanced manufacturing techniques that could offset China’s lead.
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DHS S&T Outlines Goals for the New Year
In a recent blog post, DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) reflects on 2024 achievements as well as plans for 2025 innovations to support homeland security. Through R&D investments, partnerships, and programs, S&T enhances frontline capabilities, including border patrol, law enforcement, and disaster response. These efforts advance technology for operations like coastal patrol, passenger screening, and rescue missions, ensuring safety and security across the U.S.
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SBA Administrator Outlines New MySBA Digital Experience Transforming How Business Owners Interact with SBA
The SBA has launched the MySBA digital platform to streamline and enhance small business interactions. Improvements to loans, certifications, and learning services have reduced processing times, centralized resources, and increased efficiency. This customer-first approach supports entrepreneurs with modernized tools and aligns with federal priorities for transforming public service delivery through digital-first experiences.
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NSF-Supported Educators and Researchers Honored by the White House for Excellence in STEM Leadership
The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently honored STEM leaders with prestigious White House awards: PAEMST for exceptional K-12 educators, PAESMEM for mentors enhancing STEM participation, and PECASE for outstanding early-career researchers. These awards celebrate innovation, inspire future STEM professionals, and advance scientific discovery, highlighting excellence in education, mentorship, and research.
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DOD Releases Planning & Budgeting Implementation Report
The Department of Defense released an updated report on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) reform, replacing the March 2024 plan. Addressing 26 reform initiatives, the report outlines phased efforts to enhance agility, flexibility, and responsiveness, aligning with the National Defense Strategy. Collaboration with Congress is vital to modernize the 60-year-old PPBE system and ensure U.S. military superiority by 2028.
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Is Bad Data to Blame for Missing Weapon Parts?
The Army’s supply chain struggles with delayed and back-ordered parts due to disconnected systems. To address this, the Army launched the Army Materiel Command Predictive Analysis Suite (APAS) in December 2024. APAS improves data sharing with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), enabling accurate forecasting, part availability insights, and predictive analytics to prevent shortages and replenish stockpiles efficiently. A Pentagon-wide effort aims to standardize data sharing by 2025.
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PSF ANALYSIS & INSIGHTS
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- Understand market demand, customers, and the demand signal
- Conduct deep vendor and investment due diligence
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TECHNOLOGY SECTOR-SPECIFIC NEWS
Fire Safety: Changes to the National Electrical Code Will Enhance the Safety of Firefighters and the Public at EV Fast Charging Stations
In response to safety concerns, the Big City Fire Working Group (BCF) has collaborated with industry experts to revise NFPA 70, adding a requirement for emergency disconnects at EV charging stations. This change, aimed at improving first responder safety, mandates easily accessible, visible, and operable disconnects to address electrical hazards at fast-charging stations. The revision is set for approval in 2025.
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National Security Tech: DIU Demonstrates Capability To Find Novel Threats in High Complexity Wastewater Data
The Defense Innovation Unit’s recently launched ANTIDOTE project aims to enhance biosecurity by using wastewater to detect both known and novel pathogens, addressing the limitations of PCR technologies. Partnering with the DoD, DIU has contracted Embleema, PHC, and RTX-BBN to create systems that analyze genomic data and provide early warnings. Successful demonstrations in October 2024 showed the platforms’ ability to detect and report threats in disconnected environments.
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Quantum: DOE Announces $71 Million for Research on Quantum Information Science Enabled Discoveries in High Energy Physics
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $71 million for 25 high-energy physics projects leveraging quantum information science. These initiatives aim to explore fundamental questions about the universe, advancing theories of gravity, spacetime, and dark matter. Key projects include using quantum sensors to detect previously undetectable signals and developing quantum technologies for new discoveries in particle physics.
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EV Tech: DOE Invests $68 Million in Innovative Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $68 million investment in 25 projects through its SuperTruck Charge initiative to develop and demonstrate high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. These projects aim to improve grid resilience, support long-haul EV use, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The funding will also help expand charging capacity along major freight corridors like I-10 and I-15.
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Climate Tech: NASA Opens New Challenge to Support Climate-Minded Business Models
NASA’s Sustainable Business Model Challenge invites entrepreneurs, startups, and researchers to create commercial solutions using NASA’s Earth system science data to address climate challenges. Participants will submit a business concept paper detailing how they will use NASA data to develop a product or service. Ten winners will receive $10,000 and 10 weeks of training to strengthen their future proposals. The deadline to apply is June 13, 2025.
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Microelectronics: U.S. Department of Commerce Announces CHIPS Incentives Awards with Corning, Edwards Vacuum, and Infinera to Increase Domestic Production Capacity of Chips
The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded funding through the CHIPS Incentives Program to support three semiconductor manufacturing projects. Corning received up to $32 million, Edwards Vacuum up to $18 million, and Infinera up to $93 million. These investments aim to enhance domestic semiconductor production, creating jobs and advancing U.S. technology leadership in the sector.
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Clean Energy: OCED Awards Final Two Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs to Establish Critical Energy Infrastructure in America’s Heartland and Mid-Atlantic
The Heartland Hydrogen Hub, led by the University of North Dakota, received $20 million to begin Phase 1 activities for producing clean hydrogen. The Hub aims to lower costs for farmers and reduce CO2 emissions by 525,000 metric tons annually. The Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub also received $18.8 million to produce hydrogen for industrial use and transportation, cutting emissions by 1 million metric tons per year.
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Clean Energy: DOE Announces $584.5 Million Loan Guarantee to Subsidiaries of Convergent Energy and Power Inc. to Build Solar PV and Energy Storage in Puerto Rico
The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $584.5 million loan guarantee to Convergent Energy and Power Inc. for solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage projects in Puerto Rico. The projects aim to enhance grid stability, reduce energy costs, and cut CO2 emissions by 2.5 million tonnes annually. The investment will create 540 construction jobs and 20 full-time jobs, supporting Puerto Rico’s clean energy goals.
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