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Technology
National Security Implications
Theme: Alignment - Lawful Collaboration - Strategic Integration
Our Focus: Private Equity - Infrastructure - Actionable Strategy
Research Program Lead: Pacific Enterprises International Syndicate (PEIS)
Project Lead (Deep Space): Afro Eurasian Coalition (AEC)
Project Lead (Hybrid Manufacturing): AMCO Engineering
Program Lead: Mohammad Afzal Mirza, President, AEC LLC USA
Certifications
USA DOD CAGE CODE: Active
AEC-PEIS NAICS Code: 541690 Scientific & Technical Consulting
AEC-PEIS SIC Code: 87420501; PEIS SA FCC FRN #: 0034792853
Emerging Technologies such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Inter-Satellite Optical Communications, Composite Materials, 6G, Space Optical System, Electromagnetic Pulse, Renewable Energy are reshaping the Security Environment.
In order to Assess the Value of and Threats Associated with Emerging Technologies through the work of its deep bench of experts across engineering, technology, and policy disciplines.
National Security Implications
Some of NSRD’s recent cross-cutting research questions focused on the implications of emerging technologies include:
What are the implications of emerging military capabilities for deterrence and escalation management?
What can be done to better align research and engineering efforts in DoD and industry with emerging chemical and biological defense threats?
What are the risks and opportunities associated with emerging technologies as they transition toward commercialization?
Are the military services meeting the training and equipping requirements for cyberspace forces? Is a different model of force generation advisable?
Technology Readiness Levels Frameworks
Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a standardized measurement system used to assess the maturity of a technology during its research, development, and deployment phases.
These TRL Frameworks are particularly critical in national security contexts, as they provide a systematic way to evaluate risks and make informed decisions about adopting and implementing new technologies into critical systems like weapons, satellites, and homeland security infrastructure.
Image Source: NASA
Image Source: DOD-CTO
The Basic Framework
9 Levels of Maturity: TRLs are typically represented on a scale from 1 to 9, where TRL 1 signifies the lowest level of maturity (basic principles observed and reported) and TRL 9 represents the highest level (actual system proven through successful mission operations).
Progressive Development: Each level corresponds to a specific stage in a technology's development lifecycle, moving from theoretical concepts to laboratory validation, prototype demonstrations in relevant or operational environments, and finally, successful deployment and operation.
Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA): TRLs are determined through a TRA, a process that examines program concepts, technology requirements, and demonstrated technology capabilities.
Why TRLs are Vital for National Security:
Risk Management: TRLs help the Department of Defense (DoD) and other national security agencies assess and mitigate risks associated with integrating new technologies into defense systems. A technology at a lower TRL poses a higher risk for near-term deployment.
Informed Decision Making: By providing an objective benchmark for technology maturity, TRLs support informed decisions regarding resource allocation, schedule for technology maturation activities, and overall program management.
Standardized Communication: TRLs provide a common language that facilitates communication and collaboration between diverse stakeholders involved in national security projects, including different branches of the military, contractors, and technology developers.
Compliance and Regulation: TRLs help ensure compliance with defense acquisition regulations, as the Defense Acquisition System (DAS) mandates the use of TRLs.
Cost and Schedule Management: Technology maturity is crucial for managing costs and schedules in complex national security acquisitions. Immature technologies can lead to program delays and cost increases.
Adaptations and Considerations
USA DoD Adaptations: The DoD and NASA has tailored TRL Scale to meet their specific needs, including emphasizing demonstration in relevant or Operational Environments (TRL 6 and 7) and integrating TRLs with Systems Engineering Processes and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs).
Beyond the Number: While the TRL is a crucial indicator, a TRA involves more than just assigning a single number. It is a detailed assessment spanning several years, considering various factors and aiming to identify potential concerns early in the development process.
Dynamic Landscape: It's important to remember that technology readiness is a dynamic concept. TRLs provide a snapshot at a specific point in time and don't necessarily predict future advancements or unexpected challenges.
In essence, the Framework of TRLs and their associated assessment processes are indispensable tools for national security organizations to ensure the responsible and effective integration of advanced technologies, minimizing risks and maximizing the potential benefits for defense and security.
Assessing the Impact and Readiness of Technologies, Vital for National Security, involves various Frameworks and Metrics beyond just the technology itself.
Metrics can be Categorized into Several Key Areas:
Operational Effectiveness
Survivability: How well can the technology withstand and function in hostile environments and during attacks?
Lethality: In military contexts, this measures the effectiveness of a technology in neutralizing threats.
Cyber Vulnerability: Assessing the susceptibility of the technology to cyberattacks and data breaches.
Supply Chain Security and Resilience: Evaluating the security of the components and manufacturing process, as well as the ability to maintain production and delivery under pressure.
Speed of Relevance
Efficiency in bringing technologies to market: How quickly can the technology be developed and deployed to meet national security needs?
Integration with the warfighter's needs: Ensuring the technology is trusted and usable by military personnel.
Technology Maturity
Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs): A standardized system used to assess the maturity of a technology based on its testing and development stage. TRLs range from Level 1 (basic research) to Level 9 (technology proven in operational environment).
Dual-Use Potential: Evaluating the potential for the technology to be used for both military and civilian purposes.
Investment and Innovation
Government spending and investment: Tracking investment in critical technology areas is a key indicator of national security priorities.
Private sector innovation and investment: The growth of private sector innovation in relevant fields can significantly contribute to national security capabilities.
Adversarial advancements: Monitoring the technological progress of potential adversaries is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
Ethical and Responsible Use
Transparency and accountability: Ensuring that the technology is developed and used legally, morally, and ethically.
Addressing societal risks: Developing policies and regulations to mitigate the negative impacts of technological advancements, such as privacy concerns and the potential for misuse.
Cybersecurity Specifics
Outcome-oriented performance measures: Assessing the effectiveness of cybersecurity strategies and interventions in reducing harm and risk.
Secure cloud services and zero-trust architecture: Metrics related to the adoption and implementation of these security measures.
Supply chain security and software standards: Metrics for ensuring the security of software development and distribution.
Incident response and threat detection: Metrics related to the speed and effectiveness of response to cyber incidents and the detection of malicious activity.
In summary, metrics for national security technologies are evolving and becoming increasingly complex, encompassing operational performance, innovation ecosystem health, and responsible use considerations.
Technologies Trends up to 2050
Lead Policy Advisor
Pacific Enterprises International Syndicate - PEIS
The Lawful Technology Transfer & Commercialization (T2C) Partners
USA System for Award Management (SAM) & DoD CAGE Code Status: Active
USA Prime NAICS Code: 541690 Prime SIC Code: 87420501
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) FRN #: 0034792853
Product: Digital Infrastructure Distributed Clusters (DIDC)
Cybersecurity Framework: Post-Quantum Advanced Encryption Standard (PAES)
User Friendly Interface: Autonomous Digital Assets Management (ADAM)
Critical and Emerging Technologies
Areas Having Particular Importance to the National Security
As per one legal definition, Underlying Technology MEANS "the level of technology that Underlies Multiple Applications, at least one application of which is outside of the Business, as of the Closing Date, rather than being directed to only a specific application, but only to the extent such technology is common to such applications."
👉 In an environment of rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats, the continued reliance on the Data Encryption Standard (DES) and other Non-Standard Encryption Algorithms poses a significant threat to the security of sensitive Data and Information Systems.
👉 In accordance with the OECD and the U.S. Laws, Policies and Guidelines, we are developing Suits of Algorithms to Lawfully Strengthen and Integrate Interoperability and Compatibility of existing Digital Infrastructures.
👉 As currently, one of the major challenges include to overcome the vulnerabilities of the continued use of the deprecated DES and other non-standard algorithms.
Augmented Reality (AR) | Blockchain |
Combined Heat & Power (CHP) | Digital Twin |
Directed Energy Deposition (DED) | Distributed Ledger |
Electric Propulsion | Geothermal | Infrared Remote Sensing | LiDAR |
Microwave Reaction Technology (MRT) |
Machine Learnings (ML) | SMART Contracts | Virtual Reality (VR)
Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Subfields
Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Subfields are detailed breakdown of specific areas within broader Technology Categories that are considered Vital for National Security and Economic Competitiveness. These subfields provide a more granular view of the scope of each CET area.
The CET subfields are constantly evolving as new technologies emerge and existing technologies advance. These subfields are considered to be of strategic importance to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.
Each identified CET Area includes a set of Key Subfields
Advanced Computing
Supercomputing
Edge computing
Cloud computing
Data storage
Computing Architectures
Data Processing and Analysis
Materials by design and material genomics
Materials with new properties
Materials with substantial improvements to existing properties
Material property characterization and lifecycle assessment
Additive Manufacturing
Clean, Sustainable Manufacturing
Smart Manufacturing
Nanomanufacturing
Gas Turbine Engine Technologies
Aerospace, Maritime
Industrial Development and Production Technologies
Advanced and Networked Sensing and Signature Management
Payloads, Sensors, and Instruments
Sensor Processing and Data Fusion
Adaptive Optics
Remote sensing of the Earth
Signature Management
Nuclear Materials Detection and Characterization
Chemical Weapons Detection and Characterization
Biological Weapons Detection and Characterization
Emerging Pathogens Detection and characterization
Transportation-sector Sensing
Security-sector sensing
Health-sector sensing
Energy-sector sensing
Building-sector sensing
Environmental-sector sensing
Nuclear energy systems
Fusion energy
Space nuclear power and propulsion systems
Nucleic Acid and Protein Synthesis
Genome and Protein Engineering including design tools
Multi-omics and other Biometrology, Bioinformatics, Predictive Modeling, and Analytical Tools for Functional Phenotypes
Engineering of Multicellular Systems
Engineering of Viral and Viral Delivery Systems
Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing Technologies
Air
Maritime
Space
Surfaces
Radio-frequency (RF) and Mixed-Signal Circuits (MSC), Antennas, Filters, and Components
Spectrum Management Technologies
Next-Generation Wireless Networks including 5G and 6G Optical Links and Fiber Technologies
Terrestrial / Undersea Cables (TUC)
Satellite-Based Communications
Hardware, Firmware, and software
Communications and Network Security
Mesh Networks / Infrastructure Independent Communication Technologies
Distributed ledger technologies
Digital assets
Digital Payment Technologies
Digital Identity Infrastructure
Augmented reality
Virtual Reality
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)
Human-Machine Teaming (HMT)
Propulsion
Aerodynamics and Control
Materials
Detection, Tracking, and Characterization (DTC)
Defense
Quantum Computing
Materials, Isotopes, and Fabrication Techniques for Quantum Devices
Post-Quantum Cryptography
Quantum Sensing
Quantum Networking
Renewable generation
Renewable and Sustainable Fuels
Energy Storage
Electric and Hybrid Engines
Batteries
Grid Integration Technologies (GIT)
Energy-Efficiency Technologies (EET)
Design and Electronic Design Automation Tools
Manufacturing Process Technologies (MPT) and Manufacturing Equipment
Beyond Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) Technology
Heterogeneous Integration and Advanced Packaging
Specialized / Tailored Hardware Components for Artificial Intelligence, Natural and Hostile Radiation Environments, RF and Optical Components, High-Power Devices (HPD), and other Critical Applications
Novel Materials for Advanced Microelectronics
Wide-Bandgap and Ultra-Wide-Bandgap Technologies (WUBT) for Power Management, Distribution, and Transmission
On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing
Commoditized Satellite Buses
Low-Cost Launch Vehicles
Sensors for Local and Wide-Field Imaging (LWFI)
Space Propulsion
Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM)
Spacecraft Entry, Descent, and Landing (SDL)
Research References Sources
GOV OECD POLICY Autonomous Regulators
GOV USA DOD SPACE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM OPERATIONS
GOV USA DOD CYBERSPACE 2023-2027 Cyber Workforce Strategy - Implementation Plan