IT-Telecom and SGS Latest Corporations to Join OmniAir

/in /by

OmniAir is pleased to announce two new members to our growing transportation technology association: IT-Telecom of Korea and inspection, verification and testing company, SGS of Switzerland.

IT-Telecom is the leading vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions company in Korea. ITT specializes in Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) technology. ITT has supplied ITS systems for DSRC, RSE and OBU solutions for major metropolitan Korean cities including Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Sungnam, Gwangju and Daegu.

SGS has more than a decade of experience in ITS device testing and reporting requirements for the transportation sector. The combination of SGS’s extensive experience in the transport industry, big data and data analytics solutions, and the operation of intelligent transport systems they have become recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity.

“We are excited to have SGS and ITT join OmniAir as they are both well positioned and respected corporations in the growing interoperable, connected vehicle and V2X transportation spaces,” said Jason Conley, executive director for OmniAir. “We look forward to collaborating with our new members on one or all of our many working groups that are helping to shape the future of transportation.”

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

OmniAir Applauds General Motors – V2V Now Standard Equipment In Cadillac CTS

/in /by

When a V2V-equipped vehicle ahead is detected to have a StabiliTrak, traction control or anti-lock brake event, 2017 Cadillac CTS drivers will get a “Slippery Road Ahead” alert, allowing them to slow down and carefully proceed.

In September of 2014, General Motors CEO Mary Barra announced that Cadillac would begin offering advanced “intelligent and connected” vehicle technologies on certain 2017 model year vehicles at the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) World Congress in Detroit.

Fast-forward to March 9, 2017, Cadillac, under Barra’s leadership, lived up to their claim and is introducing Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications this month in their CTS performance sedan, currently in production.

“When OmniAir learned that Cadillac was including V2V as a standard feature we could not have been more pleased,” said Jason Conley, executive director for OmniAir. “This forward-thinking approach, incorporating V2V as a standard feature instead of an option, will help speed up the deployment of this life-saving technology.”

Cadillac’s V2V solution uses Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) and GPS and can handle 1,000 messages per second from vehicles nearly 1,000 feet away. The V2V technology on the 2017 CTS operates on the 5.9 GHz spectrum allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The 5.9 GHz spectrum has been a hotly debated topic. In fact, the FCC, headed by Commissioner Pai, is looking at opening more of the 5 GHz band for unlicensed use. Those in favor of spectrum sharing claim sharing the spectrum could provide a more robust and universal wireless coverage for consumers and more manageable networks for providers, while proponents of preserving the spectrum for DSRC safety messages claim the network could become clogged and increase latency.

The increased time it will take each device to communicate vital safety messages between V2V, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connected devices may hinder DSRC’s potential to improve highway safety and save lives.

OmniAir is optimistic that this is a step in the right direction. Although the Cadillacs equipped with their V2V system can only communicate with other compatible Cadillac V2V systems, OmniAir and its members are working tirelessly on a set of protocols and are launching a certification program this summer that will ensure all connected devices certified by OmniAir can communicate flawlessly with one another, regardless of the manufacturer. Once this occurs, multiple V2V-equipped vehicles will create a wireless network that allows for the transfer of safety information without relying on sight lines, good weather conditions, or cellular coverage.

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

Changes Impacting H-1B Applications! April deadline approaching…are you ready?

/in /by

 

Many of OmniAir’s members utilize H-1B visas to hire high-skilled foreign employees for crucial engineering and technical jobs.   A recent change in premium processing of H-1B petitions may impact OmniAir’s members.   We thought it was important to provide information our members would find beneficial and therefore partnered with DC-based immigration law firm Syed Law Firm, PLLC  to provide guidance.

On Friday, March 3, 2017, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that it will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions filed on or after April 3, 2017. Premium Processing is an expedited filing service offered by USCIS for an additional fee of $1,225 for certain filings guaranteeing a response within 15 calendar days. This temporary suspension of premium processing applies only to H-1B petitions. It does not apply to I-140 petitions or other temporary visa classifications, such as L-1, O-1, TN, and E-3 petitions. Despite the temporary suspension, USCIS will still consider expediting certain H-1B petitions in rare circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

“The success of an H-1B petition depends on a careful assessment of the employer profile, the job description and employee qualifications,” said DC-based immigration attorney Mohammad A. Syed, principal at Syed Law Firm, PLLC.  “An experienced immigration attorney can help determine areas of weakness and present evidence in manner that minimizes the risk of rejection.  An experienced attorney can also help with a successful appeal of an initial denial.”

The suspension may last up to six months. USCIS has noted this temporary suspension will help it reduce overall H-1B processing times. USICS will make a public announcement before resuming premium processing for H-1B petitions.

Filings impacted by this suspension:

  • All FY 2018 cap-subject H-1B cap petitions (those subject to the U.S. master’s cap and regular cap),
  • Any H-1B petitions (not subject to the H-1B cap) filed on or after April 3, 2017 requesting a change of employer, change of status, extension of status, or amendment, or any cap-exempt H-1B petitions filed on or after April 3, 2017

The basic criteria for H-1B employees:

Detailed guidance issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

Requirement 1 – You must have an employer-employee relationship with the petitioning U.S. employer.

Requirement 2 – Your job must qualify as a specialty occupation by meeting certain specified criteria.

Requirement 3 – Your job must be in a specialty occupation related to your field of study.

Requirement 4 – You must be paid at least the actual or prevailing wage for your occupation, whichever is higher.

Requirement 5 – An H-1B visa number must be available at the time of filing the petition, unless the petition is exempt from numerical limits.

Who can apply for the H-1B visa?

The applicant must be a well-qualified person who has been offered a job in the United States for a term of three years or less at the outset.  If the visa is granted, it can be extended for a further three years if the employer still requires the visa holder’s services at that stage.

The H-1B annual lottery

Each year, there is a cap on the number of people who may be granted an H-1B visa.  In the last few years, the cap was immediately met on the first day. The cap is presently at 65,000 a year. The actual number of H-1B visas issued each year tends to be much higher than 65,000, as people who work at universities, non-profit research centers, and government research centers are not included in the cap.  In addition, the first 20,000 applicants who already hold U.S. master’s degrees or higher are also not subject to the cap.

Processing times

As long as there is sufficient preparation time before the April 2017 filing deadline, H-1B applications can be submitted and processed in a matter of weeks.  Once the employer and employee agree that they would like to pursue an H-1B visa application, the attorney needs some time to complete the LCA electronic filing.  The approval of the LCA can take 10-15 days, though it can happen sooner.

For additional information about H1-B visas or other immigration related questions, please visit Syed Law Firm, PLLC website or call Mohammad Ali Syed (Mo) at 202-503-1425 for a consultation.

Mr. Syed founded The Syed Law Firm, PLLC in 2011 and has developed a thriving immigration, litigation, and international business practice.  His past experience includes several years in the antitrust and business disputes section of the law firm of King & Ballow with offices in Nashville, TN and La Jolla, CA. 

Mr. Syed graduated cum laude from the University of Rochester (1997) and obtained his law degree from the George Washington University Law School (2000).  In 2007 he completed the Harvard Law School Program of Instruction for Lawyers (mediation workshop).

OmniAir Hiring Director of Technology Programs

/in /by

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for directing OmniAir Consortium, Inc.’s technology programs. This person will manage OmniAir’s device testing and certification programs for V2X connected vehicle and tolling technologies. Additionally, he or she will perform program management for OmniAir’s USDOT-funded contracts.

As a small trade association, with an expanding connected vehicle device certification program, the successful candidate must be able to embrace change and be willing to ask questions and look for ways to refine, simplify, and make processes smarter and leaner. We are not a start-up but are looking for a person that can thrive in a small work group, whether working in the D.C. office or working remotely anywhere in the country.

The successful candidate will serve as liaison to OmniAir’s certification and technical working groups, test laboratories, and vendors seeking device certification.

The person in this role will report directly to OmniAir’s Executive Director and will interface at senior levels internally and externally (with OmniAir Members, customers, and government officials).

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing all aspects of OmniAir’s government-funded projects for Connected Vehicle and RFID device testing.
• Administer OmniAir’s device testing and certification program for RFID toll tags and readers.
• Help develop and administer OmniAir’s Connected Vehicle Certification program.
• Writing proposals for government funded projects and industry cooperative research; reviewing proposals for technical merit and completeness.
• Identifying, proposing, and implementing new revenue generating projects in advanced technology areas such as vehicle connectivity, vehicle automation, cybersecurity, etc.
• Staff OmniAir’s Technical and Certification Working Groups.
• Contributing to the achievement of OmniAir’s organizational goals.
• Additional projects as assigned.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field.
• Five years of demonstrated engineering experience and knowledge of automotive or wireless communications technology.
• Proven hands-on experience in vehicle connectivity (or related) technology.
• Experience with program management for federally-funded contracts.
• Work experience with device certification, laboratory testing, and standards organizations preferred.
• Work experience with trade associations or other membership organizations welcome.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to review and evaluate laboratory reports.
• Budget planning and forecasting experience.
• Strong presentation and meeting facilitation skills.
• Excellent computer skills including Web, MS Office Suite, MS Project.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Overnight travel is required, estimated at 25%.

Job Location

Washington, DC

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

Reports to

Executive Director

About OmniAir Consortium, Inc.

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

To apply for this position

Please submit resume to hr@omniair.org. No phone calls will be accepted.

Equal Opportunity Employer

OmniAir Consortium, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

OmniAir, SWRI and OmniAir Members Danlaw and 7Layers Participating in USDOT CV Plugfest May 8-12

/in /by

 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will hold its next Connected Vehicle PlugFest in San Antonio, TX, from May 8 through 12, 2017.  These events provide a venue for vendor-to-vendor connected vehicle device testing as needed to develop certification services for multi-vendor connected vehicle networks.

Three certification service providers (Danlaw, OmniAir, and 7Layers) will be on site to demonstrate certification testing products developed through the USDOT Certification Testing Program. Testing will focus on verifying conformance to current baseline standards for vehicle-to-infrastructure communications (i.e., IEEE 802.11, IEEE 1609.2, IEEE 1609.3, IEEE 1609.4, RSU 4.1). Provisions will be available to support continued testing of vehicle-to-vehicle communications as time permits.

An introduction and orientation session will be held on Monday afternoon, with testing available Tuesday through Friday.

  • May 8, 2017 (afternoon): Orientation and introduction session to facilities, schedule, and logistics for the week.
  • May 9-12, 2017: Breakout sessions will focus on certification testing activities for organizations that are developing products, software, and systems for the Connected Vehicle Pilot sites. The event will also provide opportunities for interoperability testing. An outdoor test track will be available for testing both roadside units and onboard units.

Private indoor areas can be reserved to conduct bench testing and vehicle testing if needed. However, the USDOT will not be providing vehicles.

To register for this PlugFest, please visit: https://goo.gl/forms/lsekgy2GDpLd4yPn1.

To learn more about the ITS JPO, visit: www.its.dot.gov.

V2X Companies Join OmniAir at a Record Pace! Chemtronics newest OmniAir Member

/in /by
OmniAir welcomes its newest associate member, Chemtronics. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with the Chemtronics team and incorporating their insights and contributions to OmniAir’s growing connected vehicle device certification program.

Chemtronics is an industry leader developing some of the latest automotive technology which is helping to drive the connected vehicle industry towards more intelligent, safer vehicles. With their steady efforts in research and development, Chemtronics has expanded its business scope into automotive electronics and is now ready to impress the world with its in-house developed and standard-compliant automotive solutions: V2X transceiver modules, V2X on board units (OBU), smart antenna systems, and vision-based HD surround view monitoring (SVM) systems. Chemtronics’ automotive solutions are designed to provide protection to drivers, passengers, and other road users.

“Vehicle-to-everything communications is an exciting, cutting-edge field where our members are creating devices that can share information quickly and securely across multiple device platforms with a focused goal of saving lives,” said Jason Conley, OmniAir’s executive director.

Chemtronics has a strong and stable manufacturing and engineering platform and produces quality wireless systems that have been incorporated in automotive electronics. Chemtronics boasts a growing list of product lines in the industry. For more information, please visit www.chemtronics.co.kr

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

Savari’s Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Technology to Deploy in Tampa

/in /by

Savari was awarded a major connected vehicles contract with The Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA). Savari is a member of OmniAir, a device certification consortium whose members develop standards to ensure devices are interoperable, to freely communicate by both sending and receiving critical safety messages.

“OmniAir congratulates Savari for being selected to supply devices and provide expertise for the connected vehicle project in Tampa,” said OmniAir’s executive director Jason Conley. “We are always pleased to see OmniAir members successfully advance the deployment of V2X.”

Savari, an innovator in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications, is the major V2X technology provider for the Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle roll-out in Tampa, Florida. The roll-out will equip 1,250 cars, 10 buses, and 10 trolleys with V2X technology. In addition, the roll-out is equipping 40 intersections and 500 pedestrians. The pedestrians will be connected via a mobile app on their smart device. Each device will be sending and receiving critical safety information in an effort to improve roadway safety.

Most of us are familiar with vehicles that provide safety information to a driver about their vehicle, such as blind spot monitoring, autonomous braking, and lane departure warning. Now, imagine the safety benefits of sharing that information with other vehicles and your vehicle receiving data from other drivers, intersections and pedestrians. Your vehicle will know if there is a disabled vehicle around the corner, a person in the crosswalk even thought they might not be visible to you as the driver.

“In numerous trials conducted by the Department of Transportation, V2V technology was predicted to prevent 80 percent of traffic incidents, said Savari’s CEO, Ravi Puvvala. “The reduction of traffic incidents will save lives, lessen commute times and improve air quality due to a drop in emissions as fewer vehicles sit idle, stuck in traffic.”

The information gathered from V2X technology in the Tampa Connected Vehicle Roll-out will be used to optimize traffic light timing, relieve congestion during rush-hour commutes times and to prevent wrong-way entries onto the freeway especially on the reversible express lanes that alternate traffic flow patterns depending on the direction of heavy traffic.

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

Security Innovation’s SI-Embedded Division becomes OnBoard Security Inc.

/in /by

Security Innovation, the producer of the award-winning Aerolink® Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) message authentication and user privacy security platform for Connected Vehicle systems, announced that it intends to spin off its SI-Embedded business and create a parallel company called OnBoard Security.

OmniAir is excited to welcome aboard OnBoard Security Inc., the sister company of our long-term member Security Innovation. “Over the years, Security Innovation’s staff, now OnBoard Security’s staff, has been and will continue to be an integral partner of OmniAir,” said Jason Conley, executive director of OmniAir. “OnBoard Security brings a deep understanding of the technical specifications and interoperability that is required to make highly secure platforms for Vehicle-to -Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) solution providers and we look forward to our continued relationship.”

OnBoard Security will consist of the SI-Embedded business unit that has in recent years emerged as a leading provider to the V2V security, trusted computing and advanced cryptography markets. The move sharpens the strategic focus and shareholder value of both companies.

Peter Samson will be named president of the new company. He is currently the senior vice president responsible for the SI-embedded business.

“We will continue to be the security expert that car makers, PC manufacturers, cryptographers and IoT companies have admired and trusted for years,” Samson said. “As an independent company, we will intensify the already laser-like focus on our niche products and global customers while accelerating the new research and development needed to continue delivering innovation and thought leadership.”

OmniAir members may find value in the Connected Vehicle security presentation by William Whyte Chief Scientist, Security Innovation at a NIST Standards Research meeting.

Global Device Testing Powerhouses Keysight and Intertek Join OmniAir

/in /by

Both Intertek and Keysight deliver device and product certifications to industries worldwide and have automotive divisions focusing on connected vehicles, V2X, V2V and V2I testing for short range communication, autonomous vehicles and security platforms.

Each corporation is a major global player in product certifications. Keysight has over 10,000 worldwide employees and serves customers in more than 100 countries. Intertek currently employs 40,000 global workers in 1,000 locations in over 100 countries.

“OmniAir and our members are excited to partner with Intertek and Keysight and we look forward to our mutual collaboration on the development of new standards and protocols for devices that will provide improved safety to roadway users,” said Jason Conley, OmniAir’s executive director. “The addition of these two global device testing corporations serves to reinforce OmniAir’s OCS-Certification mark as an important tool for our members to bolster their portfolio to serve clients in the growing connected vehicles market.”

Both members are committed to helping OEMs and operators adopt new technologies to ensure device interoperability, reliability and quality to meet the goal of reducing and possibility eliminating roadway accidents.

If you feel your company or agency would benefit from becoming a member of OmniAir as Keysight and Intertek both did, please contact Jason Conley directly for a consultation. 202-503-1421; jconley@omniair.org

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

OmniAir member Atkins helps accelerate Nevada’s Go-NV Summit

/in /by

Atkins, one of the world’s leading design, engineering, and project management consultancies, helped Nevada organize a first-of-its-kind transportation summit in collaboration with CES®2017 on January 3 at Mandalay Bay. CES® is a global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshow that takes place every year in Las Vegas, Nev. with total attendance of more than 175,000.

Nevada’s GO-NV Summit brought together industry executives and leaders who have pioneered the implementation of advanced transportation technology and are leading the charge to accelerate progress on a global scale. Themed around the Elvis Presley lyric: “a little less conversation, a little more action please,” the event showcased recent accomplishments of those making tangible strides in advancing mobility, and helped Nevada advance its position as a national leader in the implementation of transportation technology.

“While we are focused on achieving statewide benefits, Nevada recognizes that mobility changes are taking place on a global scale,” said Tina Quigley, general manager of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. “We’re looking to cultivate new partnerships and collaborations across the US and around the world to help rapidly advance capabilities for Nevada’s residents and 42 million annual visitors.”

Atkins has a strong presence in Nevada, employing more than 100 in the state and serving as lead designer on Project Neon, the largest public works project in Nevada’s history. Jim Hanson, director of intelligent mobility for Atkins in North America stated, “Atkins is dedicated to helping make our cities ready for connected and autonomous vehicles, and we’re excited to bring our clients and partners together to help spur collaboration and progress.”

“OmniAir and its members like Atkins strive to develop technical specifications and requirements to promote interoperability for tolling, connected vehicle, and other ITS technologies, to help the drive the nation forward to reduce crashes and move traffic more efficiently through technology, “said Jason Conley, executive director for OmniAir. “To achieve this goal OmniAir develops and manages robust certification programs and exclusively issues OCS-Certified awards to devices and systems that pass its rigorous test programs at independent test labs.”

Atkins collaborated with five Nevada agencies to organize and host the event, including the City of Las Vegas, the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems. Presenters included Carolyn Goodman, mayor of the City of Las Vegas; Mark Hutchison, Nevada lieutenant governor; Dr. Mark Rosekind, administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Jay Rogers, CEO of Local Motors; Michael Talbot, head of strategy at the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (United Kingdom); Kirk Steudle, director, Michigan Department of Transportation; and Carlos Braceras, executive director, Utah Department of Transportation.