NIST awards nearly $3M to commercialize public safety communications system
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded $2.99 million in grant funding for new interoperable public safety communication systems. Initially funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology... Read More »
Legislation seeks to increase funding for Caribbean Basin Security Initiative
U.S. Reps. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and Mark Green (R-TN) introduced last week legislation seeking to increase funding to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). The measure garnered advancement in the U.S. House of Representatives last year as efforts with the executive branch continue... Read More »
Bipartisan senators seek updated public transportation travel, mask guidance
A group of lawmakers recently forwarded correspondence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding travel and mask guidance updates. U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar... Read More »
New report calls for ASPR reforms, greater interagency coordination
A new policy brief released this week by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) assessed the role of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) during the COVID-19 pandemic and concluded that reforms are necessary both within the agency and beyond to improve federal pandemic... Read More »
Two small businesses awarded DHS funding for machine learning technologies
Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), based in Andover, Mass., and Alakai Defense Systems, Inc. (Alakai), based in Largo, Fla., recently announced that they have secured funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The businesses, which... Read More »
Legislation seeks to address Arctic region security
U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Elaine Luria (D-VA) recently joined U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME) in introducing legislation that focuses on assessing Arctic region security while also establishing Department of Defense (DOD) resources there. The Arctic Security... Read More »
DHS S&T awards more than $105,000 to Florida-based Bloodstone Division to develop longer-lasting COVID-19 disinfectant
A small, veteran-owned business in Florida, Bloodstone Division, LLC, earned a $105,877 award from the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to fund the development of an antiviral disinfectant for COVID-19 and beyond. Traditional disinfecting... Read More »
Senate HELP Committee to oversee three new areas U.S. public health, medical preparedness efforts
Committee leadership for the U.S. Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee announced that it would provide oversight and investigation of three new areas to improve the nation’s pandemic preparedness effort. “More than 600,000 Americans have died as a result of... Read More »
Bill targets cybersecurity literacy effort
A group of lawmakers recently introduced legislation seeking to increase knowledge and awareness of cybersecurity risks via a cybersecurity literacy campaign. U.S. Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) presented the... Read More »
Marine Corps touts benefits of wargaming venue under construction
Marine Corps officials are espousing the benefits of its Wargaming and Analysis Center currently under construction. The 100,000 square-foot venue will house various capabilities to enhance warfighter preparedness. “This facility is a big deal to us, to the commandant and to those [young... Read More »
Rep. Duncan proposes new office to oversee NTIA cybersecurity efforts
With the introduction of new legislation last week, U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) has proposed the creation of the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity (OPDC) within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to advance national cybersecurity... Read More »
FirstNet expands public safety access to more than 100 portable cell sites
The FirstNet network expanded the number of unthrottled, deployable network assets for fire, EMS, law enforcement, and other public safety personnel to more than 100 land-based and airborne portable cell sites as of last week. “When disaster strikes, FirstNet is there to support first... Read More »
EB-5 Regional Center Program reauthorization blocked
The EB-5 Regional Center program, which is slated to expire June 30, will likely remain temporary now that the U.S. Senate blocked a proposed reauthorization and reform bill. U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, yesterday brought up his EB-5... Read More »
UNC vaccine research targets coronaviruses
University of North Carolina (UNC) Gillings School of Global Public Health researchers are exploring the potential of a universal vaccine protecting mice against other coronaviruses and variants. Scientists noted coronaviruses continue to be a threat after causing the SARS outbreak 18 years ago,... Read More »