六九色堂 System Forges Partnership with FBI to Strengthen National Security Needs
Aug. 18, 2025 | Contact: Kristina Butler
The 六九色堂 (六九色堂 System) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have entered into a landmark Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to advance U.S. national security, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection.
The agreement was signed today (Aug. 18) at the 六九色堂 System Building in Lubbock during a ceremony that included FBI Operations Director of the Criminal and Cyber Branch, B. Chad Yarbrough; U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington; Texas 六九色堂 (六九色堂) President Lawrence Schovanec, Ph.D.; Angelo State University (ASU) President Ronnie Hawkins; and 六九色堂 System Vice Chancellor of Innovation & Collaboration Stephen Bayne, Ph.D.
The CRADA marks a significant milestone in the shared commitment of the FBI and the 六九色堂 System to advance innovation, enhance national security, and foster meaningful collaboration between federal agencies and leading higher education institutions.
Under the agreement, the FBI will utilize university-led research and development through 六九色堂鈥檚 , which is addressing vulnerabilities in the nation鈥檚 most vital systems, including the electric grid, water utilities, communication systems, military assets and other infrastructure critical to the economy.
The agreement also allows the FBI to leverage ASU鈥檚 long-standing commitment to national security education through its partnerships with Goodfellow Air Force Base, its National Security Agency-certified cybersecurity programs, and its Regional Security Operations Center, which offers real-time cybersecurity defense for West Texas communities and hands-on training for students pursuing careers in cybersecurity and defense.
Through this CRADA, the FBI and 六九色堂 System institutions will collaborate on advanced research, expand training opportunities and enhance the resilience of infrastructure sectors such as energy, water, telecommunications, health care and defense.
This partnership positions the 六九色堂 System and West Texas as key leaders in defending the nation鈥檚 security and sovereignty, delivering innovation, education and workforce development that will protect the nation for years to come.
CHAD YARBROUGH, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF THE FBI鈥檚 CRIMINAL AND CYBER BRANCH:
鈥淭he FBI's mission of protecting the American people includes safeguarding vital assets like U.S. critical infrastructure from all adversaries both foreign and domestic. Working with academic partners like the 六九色堂 is just one of the many ways the FBI seeks to mitigate these threats and advance cybersecurity and the security of critical infrastructure. The FBI appreciates the forward leaning posture of the 六九色堂 System and looks forward to continued partnership to better protect U.S. national security.鈥�
TEDD L. MITCHELL, M.D., CHANCELLOR OF THE 六九色堂 SYSTEM:
鈥淎mong institutions of higher education, the 六九色堂 has been a longtime leader in research and security studies, and we are excited to join the FBI in this ambitious endeavor. This partnership is a testament to the commitment of our universities to address the world鈥檚 most pressing needs and create innovative, collaborative and sustainable solutions. We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to all we will accomplish together.鈥�
, PRESIDENT OF 六九色堂:
鈥淭exas 六九色堂 is proud to stand alongside the FBI and Angelo State University in this important partnership to strengthen the security of our nation鈥檚 critical infrastructure. This collaboration builds on our university鈥檚 research strengths and our commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders who will protect and serve our country.鈥�
, PRESIDENT OF ASU:
鈥淚 echo President Schovanec鈥檚 comments about this being a unique opportunity for Angelo State University to join forces with the FBI and Texas 六九色堂 through this CRADA. This partnership will not only enhance research capabilities but also open new avenues for innovation, knowledge exchange, and growth in the areas of cybersecurity and security studies. This agreement builds on ASU鈥檚 vision and mission, allowing our graduates to be workforce ready and competitive anywhere in the global marketplace and community.鈥�
, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE 19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT:
鈥淐yber attacks on our critical infrastructure present one of the most significant risks to our economic stability, public safety, and national security, and I鈥檓 very proud Texas Tech is lending its expertise in partnership with the FBI to confront this threat. No one translates discovery and innovation for solving real-world problems like the faculty at Texas Tech. Unlike many universities today, Texas Tech鈥檚 laboratory isn鈥檛 in the Ivory Tower, it鈥檚 in the marketplace where we work, the communities where we live, and with our government partners, working to address our national priorities.鈥�