The Cyber Statesman’s Post

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has begun constructing the Leadership-Class Computing Facility at the University of Texas at Austin, set to be operational in 2026. This facility, housing Horizon, the largest academic supercomputer dedicated to open-scientific research, aims to enhance computational resources for addressing critical challenges. Horizon promises a 10x improvement in simulation performance over its predecessor, Frontera, and a 100x leap for AI applications. This project supports the National AI Research Resource, providing essential computational and data resources. With a $457 million investment, this initiative involves collaboration with several institutions, expanding access and capabilities nationwide. #computing #supercomputer #nsf #research #ai #science #technology #innovation #collaboration #hpc Source- https://lnkd.in/gBa6zpBv

The Department of Commerce announced a $1.6 billion competition under the CHIPS and Science Act to boost semiconductor advanced packaging R&D. The CHIPS for America program will award around $150 million each to projects in five key areas: equipment, power management, connector technology, chiplets ecosystem, and co-design/electronic design automation, with a special focus on prototype development for AI applications. This initiative, championed by President Biden, aims to establish a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem and create quality jobs, reducing reliance on Asia. Follow CHIPS.gov for updates on this critical investment in America's tech future. #semiconductors #advancedpackaging #techinnovation #rdfunding #chipmanufacturing #usjobs #bidenadministration #commercecompetition #chipstechnology #aidevelopment Source- https://lnkd.in/gWxQRCBs

The FBI, in collaboration with international partners, has dismantled two websites and nearly 1,000 accounts on the X social media platform that were part of a Kremlin-led AI-powered disinformation campaign targeting the U.S. and abroad. The operation involved a bot farm managed by the Russian state-run news organization RT, aimed at influencing public opinion and spreading propaganda. This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to combat foreign interference, particularly as elections approach. The bot farm, initiated in 2022, leveraged AI to amplify disinformation, primarily around Russia's actions in Ukraine, and the FBI's takedown marks a significant step in addressing these threats. #fbidismantlesbots #kremlinai #disinformationcampaign #botfarm #russianpropaganda #aisecurity #electioninterference #cybersecurity #fbi #socialmediasecurity Source- https://lnkd.in/gVsdWgpV

For over two decades, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been transforming from a paper-based agency to a digitally advanced organization. With a robust AI use case inventory and a new data-tracking tool, SSA’s tech leaders are optimistic about their digital journey. Chief Information Officer Marcela Escobar-Alava highlights the cultural shift towards customer-driven service delivery. Commissioner Martin O’Malley’s introduction of SecurityStat, inspired by the NYPD’s CompStat, focuses on improving performance metrics for the 70 million Social Security beneficiaries. Despite staffing challenges, SSA’s AI tools, like the Intelligent Medical Language Analysis Generation (IMAGEN), streamline disability determinations and enhance efficiencies. As SSA embraces modernization, ongoing digital initiatives and Congressional support for increased staffing and funding will be crucial for sustaining their momentum. The agency's leadership remains dedicated to connecting the dots between technology and improved service delivery for the public and employees. #socialsecurity #digitaltransformation #ai #modernization #customerexperience #dataanalytics #technology #govtech #performanceimprovement #ssa Source- https://lnkd.in/dMpZmE9G

Secure access to rare Earth minerals is a critical national security issue for the United States, heavily reliant on minerals primarily found in China. DARPA has partnered with HyperSpectral, a company using AI to analyze spectroscopic data from satellites or drones to detect hard-to-find minerals. HyperSpectral, known for food safety applications, now aims to revolutionize mineral detection. CEO Matt Thereur explains that AI helps overcome the noisy nature of real-world samples, combining various spectroscopic analyses into a coherent data picture. This technology could vastly improve intelligence collection and defense applications, helping the Pentagon secure rare Earth materials and enhance front-line supplies. #nationalsecurity #rareearthminerals #AI #spectroscopy #defense #technology #DARPA #mineraldetection #Hyperspectral #Pentagon Source- https://lnkd.in/eaS7hQk3

Radha Plumb, the Pentagon’s Chief Digital & Artificial Intelligence Officer, is spearheading significant initiatives with her Open DAGIR model, designed for modular, interoperable data and AI solutions. Open DAGIR aims to foster rapid innovation by engaging multiple vendors, not just defense giant Palantir. This approach promises diverse technological advancements, enhancing mission command, enterprise analytics, and tactical operations. Plumb emphasizes the importance of government-owned data infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration and flexibility across various military and administrative functions. Her strategic vision seeks to leverage existing investments, promoting a competitive, multi-vendor ecosystem for the Department of Defense's evolving needs. #ai #defense #innovation #digitaltransformation #datainfrastructure #militarytech #pentagon #openDAGIR #governmenttech #RadhaPlumb Source- https://lnkd.in/d7SCB_pX

The U.S. Air Force is advancing its low-cost surveillance capabilities with the ULTRA drone, developed by DZYNE Technologies. This drone, which can fly autonomously for over three days, is already operational in the Middle East. ULTRA, revealed at Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE, marks a shift from costly legacy ISR aircraft. Designed under the DoD’s SBIR program, ULTRA is more affordable and versatile, with a $35 million budget for four units in 2025. Its long-endurance and cost-efficiency make it ideal for missions in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, addressing urgent reconnaissance needs with commercial parts and adaptable payloads. #usairforce #drone #surveillancetechnology #militaryinnovation #defensetech #drones #ultralongendurance #aerospace #airforcetech #militarydrones Source- https://lnkd.in/gAVxqeD8

The Defense Department’s Joint Chiefs of Staff are advancing their AI capabilities, recently concluding a 90-day review of generative AI applications to enhance internal processes. Lt. Gen. Todd Isaacson highlighted the team's exploration of commercial AI tools to streamline tasks like contract awards and data analysis. The initiative, which evaluated eight use cases with ten more pending, has sparked significant interest. The J6 review team will now recommend whether to appoint a Joint Staff Chief Data and AI Officer, emphasizing digital transformation through people, infrastructure, and rapid adoption of innovative tools. This effort aims to maintain the department's competitive edge in leveraging emerging technologies. #defensedepartment #jointchiefsofstaff #generativeai #aitechnology #digitaltransformation #militaryinnovation #commandcontrol #dataanalytics #emergingtech #aiforward Source- https://lnkd.in/gN3fc32u

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and CDAO Matthew Graviss have unveiled AI.State, a new AI resource hub at the State Department, aimed at enhancing efficiency and innovation within the workforce. AI.State offers comprehensive training resources, internal AI tools, libraries of prompts, and use cases. Notable features include Northstar, a generative AI tool for media translation in over 200 countries, and StateChat, an internal chatbot optimized through rigorous testing. Additionally, the DCT AI research assistant significantly reduces time spent on research. This initiative empowers employees to leverage AI for complex problem-solving and operational efficiency, marking a significant step towards integrating advanced technology in governmental operations. #AI #StateDepartment #AIState #AntonyBlinken #MatthewGraviss #GenerativeAI #Northstar #StateChat #TechInnovation #GovernmentAI Source- https://lnkd.in/g6yS5gxJ

FedRAMP has announced that starting August 31, vendors can submit generative AI tools for expedited review under its new emerging technology prioritization framework. This includes AI tools for chat interfaces, code generation, debugging, and prompt-based image generation. The prioritization process will occur twice a year and aims to ensure prioritized technologies meet security standards while providing agencies with access to necessary emerging technologies. Initial prioritization determinations will be announced by September 30, and FedRAMP plans to prioritize up to 12 AI-based cloud services initially. The program has introduced new forms and a governance process to streamline evaluations, and it will maintain an evolving list of prioritized technologies with input from agencies and industry. #fedramp #generativeai #cloudsecurity #aiapproval #emergingtech #priorityreview #cloudservices #aitechnology #govtech #cybersecurity Source- https://lnkd.in/gxPyKDky