SPI Insights

As current and emerging cyber threats spread from the online world into proliferating commercial technologies, cybersecurity leaders and educators are partnering to research ways to mitigate the risks.

The relationship between the National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC) at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is a prime example of an effective synergy between military and academia.

The two organizations recently signed a new $18 million federal research contract, Advanced Capabilities for Cyber Resilient and Assured Missions (ACCRAM), that will fund UTSA researchers and students as they work with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to integrate innovative cyber-related solutions into technologies in support of the USAF’s needs.

Specifically, the research will address cybersecurity and resiliency of those systems and databases identified as the Air Force’s highest priority challenges such as:

By advancing these solutions, UTSA and AFRL will support the transition of these capabilities from academia and industry into military operational use for Air Force personnel.

ACCRAM also will allow for a greater partnership with a broader team of researchers and operators and acquisition experts including Air Force Life Cycle Management, Cyber Proving Ground, and Air Force Modeling and Simulation.

The contract is not limited to Air Force research. Other Department of Defense agencies and divisions, such as Army Futures Command and Department of Homeland Security, as well as federal government partners will be able to utilize the studies and research to tackle common objectives.