AGP Executive Report

UOG Accountability: Guam’s Office of Public Accountability issued a clean audit for the University of Guam’s FY 2025 financials and federal compliance, finding no questioned costs and labeling UOG low-risk, while highlighting stable tuition revenue and steady enrollment. UOG Enrollment Pressure: In the same audit coverage, UOG is down nearly 600 students and net tuition is about 50% lower than pre-pandemic levels, with operating expenses up $23.4M—raising pressure even as degrees awarded remain strong. Invasive Species Training: UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and Joint Region Marianas hosted an all-ages Brown Treesnake Control Workshop and SnakeHunt at Tarague Beach, teaching identification, safe handling, and humane dispatch with partners including NPS and USDA-Wildlife Services. Local Energy Tech Watch: Guam Power Authority says it has only had informal discussions about nuclear microreactors (not formal DoD talks), though it has been approached by companies after Project Pele’s Guam assessment. STEM & Coral Monitoring: UOG REEF fellows presented coral health findings from Yap and Kosrae using AI-assisted Coral Net tools, reporting steady declines tied to water-heating events. Workforce Pipeline: A Guam-focused push to turn talent gaps into training pathways highlights private-sector partnerships for cybersecurity, engineering, and skilled trades. Naval Base Leadership: Capt. Shawn William took over command of Naval Base Guam during a change-of-command ceremony, with emphasis on readiness and mission support. Education Access: Career Tech Academy unveiled a 3-year plan for a Career Tech Deaf Academy, aiming for a trilingual, tricultural model integrating ASL, English, and CHamoru. Pacific Climate Prep: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño now underway, emphasizing early action and staying informed. Defense Drills in the Marianas: Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 kicked off June 22 across Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Japan, and at sea, training multi-domain interoperability.

Guam Tech & STEM: UOG REEF fellows Dominic Torres, Ale’a Duenas and Angelie Denguines used AI tools on the Coral Net platform to monitor reefs in Yap and Kosrae, finding steady coral declines tied to water-heating events. Education & Workforce: Career Tech Academy Charter School unveiled plans for a 3-year Career Tech Deaf Academy, aiming to blend ASL, English and CHamoru culture while pairing disability access with workforce and college readiness. Energy & Policy: Guam Power Authority says it has only had informal discussions about potential nuclear microreactors, even as a DoD authorization push could mandate deployment in the Indo-Pacific by 2030. Infrastructure & Tech: Keppel’s Bifrost subsea cable system is planned to route new high-capacity fiber via Guam to boost bandwidth and lower latency between Southeast Asia and the U.S. West Coast. Public Finance & Accountability: Guam’s public auditor urged the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission to hire an accountant and get QuickBooks access to keep the fiscal 2025 audit on track. Health & Legal Risk: Residents are seeking $167.5M in dieldrin-related government claims tied to GWA and Guam EPA handling of cancer-linked pesticide exposure.

Guam Energy & Nuclear Policy: Guam Power Authority says it has had only informal talks about nuclear microreactors, even as Congress considers a rule that could require deployment in the Indo-Pacific by 2030—GPA notes it met “Project Pele” years ago and has fielded interest from companies, but no formal DoD discussions. Pacific Climate Readiness: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after WMO’s Pacific Regional Climate Centre declared the event underway, stressing early action and staying informed. Marianas Security Training: U.S. Pacific Command and allies will run Valiant Shield 26 (June 22–July 1) across Guam, CNMI, Japan and at sea, training multi-domain detection and engagement. Data & Connectivity for Guam: Keppel’s Bifrost subsea cable plans a Guam route to boost bandwidth and lower latency between Southeast Asia and the U.S. West Coast. Local Water Safety: Residents are seeking $167.5M in government claims tied to dieldrin contamination in GWA and Guam EPA handling, with more court action expected. UOG STEM & Coral Monitoring: UOG REEF fellows used AI tools to monitor reefs across Yap and Kosrae, reporting steady coral declines linked to warming events. Youth & Conservation Jobs: Guam Green Growth launched the G3 Youth Conservation Corps with eight students for hands-on resilience and sustainability work. Transportation Tech & Policy: DMV is revamping Guam’s driver licensing and testing process while lawmakers consider letting adults skip parts of the learner phase if they still pass an on-road test. Education Infrastructure: GDOE warns F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School may open late due to construction delays and pending public health inspections. Guam Governance Transparency: A new Territorial Review site section puts Guam senators’ legislative records online and searchable, aiming to show what each lawmaker actually put into the Guam Code. Defense Hardware Aging Watch: Coverage continues on the B-52 crash investigation and what it could mean for the aging bomber fleet’s future.

Defense & Aviation Contract: The U.S. Navy awarded Boeing an $880M contract to modernize P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol training systems, aiming to keep crews and maintainers ready for evolving undersea threats. Guam Infrastructure & Storm Recovery: DPW estimates about $104M in Sinlaku damage along Marine Corps Drive, with major follow-up needed for sand and debris clogging drainage. Mariana Trench Fishing Policy: Guam and CNMI officials are weighing Trump’s move to reopen commercial fishing in Pacific marine monument waters, stressing community input and cross-boundary impacts on reefs and fish stocks. Local Governance & Tech: Territorial Review launched a free portal that lets the public track Guam senators’ legislative records and performance, linking laws to hearings and code changes. STEM & Coral Research: UOG’s REEF program wrapped up with students using AI tools to monitor reef health across Yap and Kosrae, where declines tied to warming events were observed. Business & Data Skills: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU to build student experience in data and technology starting Fall 2026. Education Updates: GDOE warned F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School could open late due to construction delays and pending public health inspections. AI Procurement Controversy: Guam lawmakers renewed scrutiny after the legislature’s AI bill-drafting contract was terminated, with senators questioning the “sweetheart arrangement” and vendor readiness. Coastal Protection Funding: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans launched a petition to save the Guam Coastal Management Program from proposed NOAA funding cuts. Youth Conservation: Guam Green Growth launched the G3 Youth Conservation Corps with eight students to connect workforce development with hands-on environmental work.

Coral Research & AI in the Marianas: UOG REEF fellows Dominic Torres, Ale’a Duenas, and Angelie Denguines presented reef monitoring results using AI tools on the Coral Net platform, finding steady coral declines in Yap and Kosrae tied to water-heating events. Mariana Trench Fishing Policy: Guam officials are weighing President Trump’s move to reopen commercial fishing in Pacific marine monument waters, stressing community consultation and warning that impacts can cross political lines. Guam Legal/Tech Governance: Guam AG Douglas Moylan faces a complaint alleging he violated non-partisan rules for the 2026 race, while lawmakers also scrutinize a terminated AI bill-drafting contract tied to TRST-Guam. Infrastructure & Data Tech: Keppel’s Bifrost subsea cable plans a Guam-linked data route to boost bandwidth and lower latency between Southeast Asia and the U.S. Local Tech & Services: DMV is revamping driver testing and licensing, and Pinpoint Guam is partnering with UOG on data/tech internships starting Fall 2026. Coastal Funding Fight: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans launched a petition to save the Guam Coastal Management Program from proposed NOAA funding cuts.

Mariana Trench fishing fight: Guam and CNMI officials are weighing Trump’s move to reopen Pacific marine monument waters to commercial fishing, with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero warning that decisions made without deep local engagement can still ripple across reefs and fish stocks. Legal/AG politics: Guam AG Douglas B. Moylan says he remains non-partisan after a complaint filed with the Guam Election Commission alleges false swearing and improper party affiliation tied to his Republican listings. Defense hardware aging: A B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base killed eight and is triggering renewed scrutiny of the aging bomber fleet and modernization plans. Nuclear power for the region: Guam Delegate James Moylan voted against a House NDAA provision that would require deploying transportable nuclear microreactors in the Indo-Pacific by 2030, citing the need for transparency and Guam-focused evaluation. Disaster recovery costs: DPW estimates about $104M in Sinlaku damage along Marine Corps Drive, with additional drain impacts still being assessed. Data/tech for Guam: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU to build local data and tech talent, starting Fall 2026. STEM conservation: UOG REEF fellows used AI coral tools to monitor reefs across Yap and Kosrae, feeding into regional reef data efforts. Coastal program at risk: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans launched a petition to save the Guam Coastal Management Program from proposed NOAA funding cuts. Local governance tech: Territorial Review launched a free portal to let the public track Guam senators’ legislative records and performance. AI procurement controversy: Guam lawmakers are pressing for answers after an AI-assisted bill-drafting contract was terminated, raising concerns about vendor access, training, and security. Transportation policy: DMV is revamping driver licensing and testing, while a bill would let adults skip the permit and education phases if they still pass an on-road test.

Nuclear Power Policy: Congress is weighing a requirement that the U.S. deploy transportable nuclear microreactors in the Indo-Pacific by Jan. 1, 2030, with Guam Del. James Moylan voting against the provision and urging transparency and engagement with Guam leaders. Infrastructure Damage Update: Guam DPW estimates about $104M in Super Typhoon Sinlaku damage along Marine Corps Drive, including roads, seawalls, embankments, and drainage—while noting stormwater drain impacts may not be fully counted yet. Data & Connectivity: Keppel’s Bifrost subsea cable is planned to route major new bandwidth between Southeast Asia and the U.S. West Coast via Guam, aiming to cut latency and boost capacity for cloud and data-heavy industries. Local Tech & Education: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU to give students hands-on data and technology experience starting Fall 2026. Public Services Tech: DMV is revamping Guam’s driver licensing and testing after lawmakers advanced a bill that would let adults skip the permit phase if they still pass an on-road test. Coastal Planning Funding: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans launched a petition to protect NOAA-linked funding for the Guam Coastal Management Program, warning termination would halt key shoreline and hazard work. Coral Research: UOG’s REEF program highlights student reef monitoring using the Micronesia Coral Reef Monitoring data portal and Coral Net AI tools.

Guam Security & Defense: A Chinese military research paper reportedly lays out how to attack a U.S. carrier strike group from about 3,000 km away, and local analysts say Guam is being pulled into an arms race with little civilian survival planning. Aging Airpower: A B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base killed eight, renewing questions about how long the Cold War-era bomber can stay mission-ready as modernization continues. Local Tech & Data: Pinpoint Guam and the University of Guam signed an internship MOU to build student experience in data and decision work starting Fall 2026. Civic Transparency: A new Territorial Review portal lets the public track Guam senators’ legislative records and performance by linking laws to hearings and code changes. Education Infrastructure: Guam’s Department of Education warns F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School may open late due to construction delays and pending health inspections. Road Safety Policy: DMV is revamping driver licensing and testing; a bill would let adults skip the permit and supervised driving phases if they still pass an on-road test. Environment & Health: Yap launched an investigation into water discoloration and mass fish mortality, with harmful algal bloom suspected. Coral Research: UOG’s REEF fellowship highlights AI-assisted coral monitoring across Micronesia, feeding into regional reef data tools. Procurement & Oversight: OPA dismissed an appeal tied to the delayed Simon Sanchez High School rebuild because DPW hadn’t issued decisions on underlying protests; DPW says it’s moving the project forward. Coastal Funding Risk: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans is petitioning Congress to protect NOAA coastal program funding that could be cut in FY2027. Youth & Conservation: Guam Green Growth launched its G3 Youth Conservation Corps with eight students to connect workforce development with hands-on conservation.

Guam Coastal Protection Fight: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans launched an online petition to save the Guam Coastal Management Program from proposed NOAA funding cuts, warning that shoreline management, hazard mitigation, and coastal permitting capacity could stall without federal support. Local Education & Construction: GDOE Superintendent Judi Won Pat said F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School may open late for 2026-27 due to construction delays and pending public health inspections, as the system moves away from double sessions and continues the Simon Sanchez High School relocation. DMV Licensing Overhaul: DMV is revamping Guam’s driver testing and licensing program, including re-analyzing past test results and gathering input from staff and driving schools, as a bill would let adults over 21 skip the permit and supervised driving phase if they still pass an on-road skills test. UOG + Private Sector Data Skills: Pinpoint Guam and the University of Guam signed an MOU for formal internships starting Fall 2026, aiming to build local talent for a data-driven economy. Coral Research in Action: UOG REEF fellows used AI tools on the Coral Net platform to monitor reefs across Yap and Kosrae, supporting science-based management for the Mariana region. Procurement & Legal Pressure: OPA dismissed a Simon Sanchez procurement appeal because DPW hadn’t issued decisions on prior protests, while a separate cemetery expansion contract review is tied up in DPW-OAG concerns over a key $15.4M grant timeline. Regional Tech & Finance: A Micronesia-focused report looks at how fintech can function as “infrastructure” across dispersed islands, improving access without relying on physical branches everywhere. Pacific Weather Watch: SPREP says El Niño conditions are confirmed, with Western Pacific countries likely facing drier-than-usual conditions and higher drought risk. Defense Tech & Safety: Multiple reports track the U.S. Air Force B-52 crash at Edwards during a radar modernization test mission, with all eight aboard confirmed dead and investigations underway.

Guam Coastal Protection Fight: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans launched an online petition to save the Guam Coastal Management Program after NOAA funding is slated to end under the FY2027 federal budget request, warning that shoreline management, hazard mitigation, and coastal permitting capacity could stall. Local Procurement & Schools: The Office of Public Accountability dismissed General Pacific Services’ appeal over the long-delayed Simon Sanchez High School rebuild because DPW hadn’t issued decisions on the underlying protests, while DPW says it remains committed to moving the project forward. Cemetery Expansion Under Pressure: DPW is reviewing concerns from the Attorney General’s office tied to the $15.4 million Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion in Piti, a dispute that could jeopardize grant timing. AI Governance Clash: Guam Democrats are demanding accountability over an AI-assisted bill-drafting contract for the legislature, after senators said the vendor failed to meet basic terms and the platform was left “unvetted” and unsecured. UOG Reef Science: UOG’s REEF program is using coral monitoring tools and AI-assisted identification to help Guam and CNMI students track reef health across Micronesia. Pacific Resilience Tech: Saipan moved off FEMA generators as water wells and a sewage lift station were connected to the power grid, restoring islandwide 24-hour water service. Defense Tech Watch: A B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base killed eight during a radar modernization test mission, underscoring how tightly Guam-area Pacific readiness efforts depend on major systems upgrades.

Coral Science in Guam & CNMI: UOG’s REEF fellowship wrapped up with three undergraduate researchers using Coral Net AI and the MCRM Data Portal to monitor reef health across Yap and Kosrae, aiming to strengthen science-based management across Micronesia. Coral Spawning Fieldwork: A UOG Marine Lab team documented Porites rus spawning at Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve as part of an Indo-Pacific effort, marking the first documented spawning north of the equator. Local Procurement Watch: OPA dismissed a Simon Sanchez High School reconstruction procurement appeal because DPW never issued a decision on related protest letters, leaving the protest unresolved at DPW. Guam Infrastructure Deadline Pressure: A $15.4M Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion faces possible rescission amid a dispute between veterans leadership and the AG over contract processing and compliance ahead of a Sept. 30 federal obligation deadline. Defense & Readiness: The 9th Mission Support Command welcomed a new commander at Fort Shafter Flats, Hawaii, as the Army Reserve boosts readiness across the Indo-Pacific. Regional Resilience Tech: Saipan moved off FEMA generators for key water and sewage systems, restoring islandwide 24-hour water service. Pacific Climate Signal: SPREP says El Niño is confirmed, with Western Pacific drying risk and drought concerns ahead. Major U.S. Test Crash: A B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base killed eight during a radar modernization test mission; investigations are underway.

Aviation & Defense: A Boeing B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California during a radar modernization test mission, killing all eight aboard; the Air Force says the crash was “not survivable,” and the investigation could take months, with victims including active-duty personnel, government civilians, and contractors (including two Boeing employees). Indo-Pacific Readiness: The U.S. plans a permanent, war-ready Marine Corps weapons and equipment stockpile in Australia’s southeast Victoria, using “critical forward provisioning” to keep supplies accessible beyond most Chinese missile ranges, with capacity targeted by 2028. Local Infrastructure & Procurement: Guam’s $15.4M Veterans Cemetery expansion faces a Sept. 30 federal obligation deadline as officials clash over whether legal review and contract processing delays will derail design work and compliance. Climate Watch for the Pacific: El Niño conditions are confirmed, with SPREP warning Western Pacific countries may see drier-than-usual conditions and higher drought risk, while some central/eastern areas could get above-average rainfall. STEM Education in Guam: BTACS is seeking to expand from high school into middle school grades (6–8), aiming to bring earlier career exploration and STEM-focused learning to more Guam students.

Guam Governance & Procurement: A $15.4M Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion is at risk after a dispute between the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs and Attorney General Douglas Moylan, with a Sept. 30 federal deadline tied to whether design and consultant contract steps clear legal review. Local Infrastructure: Hagåtña Pool renovations are now expected to finish in November, with the project about 50% complete and delays traced to permitting and construction start timing. STEM Education: BTACS wants to expand from high school into middle school (grades 6–8), aiming to bring earlier career exploration and STEM learning to more Guam students. Defense Tech & Safety: A U.S. Air Force B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base killed eight people during a radar modernization test mission, with the cause still under investigation. Regional Climate Science: El Niño is confirmed for the Pacific, with Western Pacific countries likely facing drier-than-usual conditions and higher drought risk. Indo-Pacific Military Logistics: The U.S. plans a permanent Marine Corps war-ready weapons stockpile in Australia’s southeast coast, using tender documents and positioning it beyond most Chinese missile ranges.

Guam Tech & STEM Watch: Business Technology Academy Charter School (BTACS) is pushing to expand from high school into middle school (grades 6–8), aiming to start with 100 students in August and bring earlier career exploration plus STEM-focused project learning. Local Governance & Tech Contracts: Guam’s Legislature terminated a nearly $200,000 AI software contract tied to bill drafting and revision support, and asked the vendor to return access materials. Energy & Infrastructure: Guam’s new 198-megawatt Ukudu power plant is expected to cut fuel oil use by about 3,000 barrels per day and improve efficiency, with officials also hinting at future liquid natural gas options. Military Tech & Guam Construction: Tutor Perini (with Black Construction) won about $651.8M for electrical upgrades at Naval Base Guam, replacing overhead feeders with underground, concrete-encased distribution work. Climate Risk: SPREP says El Niño is now established, with Western Pacific countries likely facing drier-than-usual conditions and higher drought risk. Global Tech/Defense Context: The U.S. plans a permanent Marine Corps weapons stockpile in Australia’s Victoria state, while a B-52 crash near Edwards Air Force Base killed eight crew on a radar modernization test mission.

Military Infrastructure: Tutor Perini (with Black Construction) won a ~$651.8M Naval Base Guam electrical upgrade to replace overhead feeders with underground, concrete-encased duct banks—aimed at improving reliability and cutting load-shedding risk. Local Governance & Tech: The Guam Legislature terminated a nearly $200K AI software contract (TRST-Guam LLC) for bill-drafting support, ordering return of materials and access credentials. Energy & Resilience: Guam’s new 198MW Ukudu power plant ribbon-cutting highlighted major fuel-oil burn reductions (3,000 fewer barrels/day) and potential LNG use, targeting better efficiency and stability. STEM & Education: Business Technology Academy Charter School is expanding into middle school, adding 100 students in August after a public hearing. Environment & Climate: SPREP confirmed El Niño conditions, warning Western Pacific communities to plan for drier-than-usual weather and higher drought risk. Marine Science Funding: Guam’s ocean research and reef protection programs face shutdown in FY2027 as NOAA budget cuts threaten long-running grants. Public Safety & Health: Guam could receive $5M from a federal agriculture bill for hospital, fire/emergency response, and forensic DNA lab upgrades. Defense Tech & Strategy: A B-52 crash at Edwards AFB killed eight on a radar modernization test mission; officials called it “not survivable” and launched an investigation.

Cybersecurity & Emergency Comms: IRT Cyber Guam 2026 brought 60 service members to work with GovGuam’s Office of Technology to assess vulnerabilities and upgrade Guam’s emergency radio and cyber networks across military and government sites. Defense Infrastructure & Procurement: AECOM won a nationwide DHS infrastructure modernization contract covering Guam and other territories, while the S.A.M.E. Guam Industry Forum (July 28–30) is set to connect DoD priorities with local contractors and workforce needs. Local Governance & AI: The Guam Legislature terminated a nearly $200K AI software contract used for bill drafting and revision, and demanded return of access credentials and materials. Marine & Climate Funding Pressure: NOAA’s proposed FY2027 cuts could end key Guam ocean research and reef protection programs, just as El Niño conditions are confirmed and SPREP urges coordinated regional water planning. Energy Costs: A proposed $100 power bill credit faces funding hurdles as ratepayers brace for an estimated $58 average bill hike. Public Safety & Health Funding: Del. James Moylan says Guam may receive over $5M for hospital, fire/emergency response, and forensic/DNA lab upgrades. Environment & STEM for Guam: The annual Fanihi Count tallied 269 Mariana fruit bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, and UOG’s BBQ Bootcamp returns June 20 for hands-on rib smoking skills. Marianas Maritime Policy: Trump’s proclamation restores commercial fishing access in parts of Pacific monuments, including areas around the Marianas.