Press Release

Gillibrand Urges U.S. Commerce Department to Invest in Griffiss Institute to Develop New Cyber Security Technologies in Rome

May 17, 2012

Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is urging the U.S. Department of Commerce to fully support the Rome-based Griffis Institute’s (GI) request for federal funding to support research to develop and implement new cyber security standards and guidelines. Senator Gillibrand has toured both the Rome Air Force Research Lab and private companies at the Griffiss Technology Park that work hand-in-glove to develop cyber security technologies. 

“Cyber technology is playing an essential role in our national security and economic growth, with organizations like the Griffiss Institute leading the way in new innovation,” Senator Gillibrand said.  “Investing in the Griffis Institute has the potential to bring new, high-tech jobs to the Mohawk Valley, and equip them with the resources they need to take the cyber industry to new heights for our economy, and help keep America safe.”

“The Griffiss Institute with our local industry partners is submitting a grant proposal to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a Cyber Validation and Test facility that will serve as an anchor for high technology job growth in the Mohawk Valley,” said Director William Wolf. “The Griffiss Institute Cyber Validation and Test Facility will help solidify the reputation of the Mohawk Valley as a hotbed of cyber technology development leading to high technology job growth and stabilization.”

Specifically, the funding would be used to support GI’s Agile Testing and Evaluation for Cyber Security and Forensic Technologies (ATEST) Program, establishing a research and development hub for cyber security and computer forensic research, development, testing and evaluation in the Mohawk Valley. The program would conduct critical research to ensure the technologies used to help run cities, investigate crimes, manage local economies and defend the nation are secure from cyber threats.

In a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology Director Dr. Patrick D. Gallagher, Senator Gillibrand asked for his full support in backing this request.

Established in 2002, the Griffiss Institute facilitates operations among private industry, educational institutions and government to develop cyber security technology, including working closely with the Rome Air Force Research Lab to strengthen national cyber infrastructure.

Senator Gillibrand’s complete letter to Under Secretary Gallagher:


Dear Director Gallagher,


I write in support of the application submitted by the Griffiss Institute (GI)
for funding from the Measurement Science and Engineering Grant Program through the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This funding will support research addressing the development and dissemination of cyber security standards and guidelines.


The Griffiss Institute was established in 2002 to advocate and facilitate the co-operation of private industry, academia and government in developing solutions to critical cyber security problems. GI also builds upon technologies under development at the Rome Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to further strengthen the security of our nation’s cyber infrastructure. By partnering AFRL with private industry and academia the Griffiss Institute is able to facilitate and grow the technology base in the Mohawk Valley.


The requested funding will be used to support GI’s Agile Testing and Evaluation for Cyber Security and Forensic Technologies (ATEST) Program. The ATEST Program will conduct critical research addressing the development and dissemination of cyber security standards and guidelines as well as the rapid analysis of cyber security technologies.  These technologies are playing an ever increasing role in the critical infrastructures that run our cities, investigate crimes, manage our economies and defend our nation.  This program will also establish a cyber security and computer forensic research, development, testing and evaluation capability center that will serve as a research and development hub. In addition to establishing a vital cyber and computer forensic research and evaluation center, the program also has the potential to create new job opportunities in the Mohawk Valley Region of New York State.


I ask that you please give this application your full consideration.  If you have any questions, or desire further information, please do not hesitate to contact my staff member Andrew Usyk at (202) 224-4451.