December Advisory Board Meeting

Summary:

The discussion focused on initiatives to enhance telecommunications infrastructure and address cybersecurity concerns in Puerto Rico. Gail Nolan CEcD highlighted a $3.5 billion investment in the region's telecommunications, including advancements by Aeronet Wireless and a new submarine cable system to improve connectivity. David Simpson addressed cybersecurity vulnerabilities and proposed establishing a Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Analysis Center, along with a satellite ISAC for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. He introduced the Recharge project, which aims to integrate energy and communication resiliency, focusing on optimizing 5G technology for critical services during emergencies.

The conversation returned to Puerto Rico's infrastructure, where Nolan discussed the UP-TIMETraining Program proposal, aimed at improving network redundancy through partnerships and aligning with the White House's Genesis project on AI applications. The program includes distributing weather stations to schools and establishing a centralized data repository, focusing on collaboration among stakeholders to secure funding.

Concerns about the rapid integration of AI into various sectors were raised, with Eliut stressing the need for widespread reskilling to prepare individuals for upcoming changes. Nolan supported this view, emphasizing the importance of training and user capabilities. The meeting also touched on advancements in AI for 911 call center training, with discussions on the challenges posed by adversarial AI.

Nolan informed the group about a request from the Puerto Rico government for recommendations on AI and workforce development experts and outlined upcoming grant opportunities from the EDA. The meeting concluded with plans for a follow-up roundtable and a reminder of the next scheduled meeting.

Chapters & Topics:

Updates on Communication Infrastructure and Cybersecurity in Puerto Rico

Gail Nolan CEcD outlined significant investments in Puerto Rico's telecommunications infrastructure, including upgrades by Aeronet Wireless and plans for a new submarine cable system. David Simpson emphasized the cybersecurity threats facing U.S. telecommunications, particularly from foreign actors, and discussed the establishment of a Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Analysis Center to enhance network security.

* Communication infrastructure investments in Puerto Rico.

* The role of private sector partnerships in funding and supporting projects in Puerto Rico.

* Updates on the recharge project and its alignment with national security.

* The potential for a satellite ISAC to enhance cybersecurity in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Funding Strategies for Puerto Rico Infrastructure Projects

David Simpson outlined the funding hurdles for a project linked to the CHIPS Act, emphasizing the need to present their proposal to the Department of War despite current funding constraints. Gail Nolan highlighted the Army Corps of Engineers' available funds and the VIPER Infrastructure consortium's efforts to access unspent FEMA disaster funding, suggesting a collaborative approach to secure necessary resources for community resiliency.

Uptime Training Program and Telecommunications Resiliency

Gail Nolan CEcD outlined the Uptime Training Program, which involves collaboration with Hub Advanced Networks and LaserLight Communications to bolster telecommunications infrastructure in Puerto Rico. The project emphasizes redundancy and resiliency, incorporating weather data distribution through a network of weather stations in schools. Additionally, the initiative aims to create a centralized data repository and co-working spaces for research and application development.

* The Uptime Training Program proposal and its focus on technology infrastructure and training.

Collaboration on AI Training and Technology Access

Eliut Flores, PhD, highlighted the urgency of reskilling individuals across professions to adapt to the impending impact of AI. He noted that many people lack understanding of AI and its applications, which could lead to job displacement. Gail Nolan CEcD agreed, stating that the project's focus on training is crucial for industry advancement and effective technology use.

AI Innovations in 911 Call Centers

Lin Wells shared insights on the use of AI in 911 call center training, emphasizing a transition where AI captures and inputs data, allowing trainees to concentrate on quality control. David Simpson added that his team is researching the adversarial use of AI, particularly in relation to fraudulent calls, and will present findings at an upcoming conference. He mentioned the potential for collaboration with Puerto Rico on similar initiatives.

Updates on Puerto Rico's AI and Space Initiatives

Gail Nolan CEcD highlighted the request from the Puerto Rico government for names of individuals with expertise in AI and workforce development, noting that many attendees were recommended. She shared updates on grant opportunities, including deadlines for disaster and public-private partnership funding, and discussed the status of a vertical launch site proposal at Roosevelt Roads, which is currently under review by a committee.

Action Items:

* David Simpson will work with Gail to prepare a proposal for a satellite ISAC that focuses on cybersecurity in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

* Gail Nolan CEcD will distribute the project outline and funding NOFO for the Uptime Training Program to interested partners. Eliut Flores and Miguel Velez indicated interest.

* Eliut Flores, PhD will review the grant guidelines for the Uptime Training Program to assess alignment with the mission of Atrapalante or UPR.

* David Simpson will send information to Gail Nolan CEcD about the SHIELD IDIQ for potential involvement.

NOTE: The January meeting will be held on January 8th.