LEGAL NOTICE AND POLICIES

Effective Date September 23 2026   |   Last Updated September 23 2026

These Legal Notice and Policies govern access to and use of AFAAS.us and its related programs, including NIIAwards.us, including their pages, forms, private or invitation-only materials, and related online services (collectively, the "Sites"). The America First Academy of Arts & Sciences™ and its programs are owned and governed by AFAAS, LLC, ("AFAAS" or the "Academy"). The National Intelligence Infrastructure Awards™ (NII Awards™) is an Academy program of AFAAS.us and is not a separate company or legal entity. This is standard for all the Academy programs.

America First Network, LLC ("AFN") provides operational services on behalf of AFAAS, including operations, networks, production delivery, and distribution for the Sites and Academy programs. AFN does not own, govern, present, confer, judge, or control the NII Awards™ or any other Academy recognition.

By accessing or using AFAAS.us or any of its program Sites, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these policies. If you do not agree, do not use the Sites. Additional terms may apply to particular programs, invitations, applications, agreements, transactions, or services. If a separately signed agreement conflicts with these website terms, the signed agreement controls for the subject it covers.

Contents

1  Terms of Use

2  Privacy Policy

3  Cookie Policy

4  Accessibility Statement

5  Intellectual Property and Public Use

6  Contact and Legal Notices

1 Terms of Use

1.1 Scope and Acceptance

These Terms of Use apply to both Sites and to all content, information, graphics, photographs, videos, documents, forms, trademarks, logos, seals, and other materials made available through them. We may update these Terms from time to time by posting a revised version and changing the Last Updated date. Continued use of the Sites after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms to the extent permitted by law.

If you use a Site or submit a request on behalf of an organization, you represent that you are at least 18 years old and have authority to provide the submitted information and act for that organization.

1.2 Institutional Status and Independence

The America First Academy of Arts & Sciences™ is an independent, patriotic, non-partisan, academy-governed institution governed by AFAAS, LLC. The NII Awards™ is an Academy program presented and governed by AFAAS. Neither the Academy nor the NII Awards™ is operated by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government entity, political party, candidate, or official America 250 commission. References to public policy, government priorities, public officials, or national commemorations are informational and do not imply government affiliation, approval, sponsorship, or endorsement.

1.3 Informational and Invitation-Only Materials

Site content is provided for general informational, institutional, archival, and invitation-related purposes. Access to a private Executive Briefing Center, invitation, allocation package, or other restricted material does not create a contractual relationship, confer any right or status, or constitute a public offer, promise, guarantee, or commitment by AFAAS.

Submitting an inquiry or request does not reserve, hold, secure, or allocate a Founding Partner position; guarantee an invitation, recognition, speaking opportunity, media placement, attendance, participant, broadcast, distribution, business outcome, or other benefit; or obligate AFAAS to proceed with any proposed relationship. All positions, invitations, recognitions, and opportunities remain subject to availability, eligibility, Academy approval, final documentation, and any applicable signed agreement.

1.4 Program and Event Information

Program, event, venue, date, schedule, participant, production, broadcast, streaming, distribution, hospitality, and benefit information may reflect current planning and may be changed, postponed, relocated, substituted, or withdrawn. AFAAS will use reasonable efforts to communicate material changes to affected parties, but Site content should not be relied upon as a guarantee of any particular event element or outcome.

1.5 Academy Governance and Recognition Decisions

AFAAS retains exclusive authority over its governance, institutional standards, invitations, nominations, eligibility, evaluation procedures, judging, recipient determinations, recognitions, categories, program content, and official record. No Site user, supporter, partner, sponsor, vendor, media organization, or other third party acquires control over Academy governance or recognition outcomes by accessing a Site, submitting information, providing support, or entering into a relationship with AFAAS.

Under the current program model, the NII Awards™ do not charge an entry fee, and formal nominations or participation are by invitation. A person may use an authorized contact form to identify an individual or organization for possible nomination consideration. Such a submission is not a public entry; does not constitute an official nomination, application, or acceptance into any judging or evaluation process; and does not create any right to review, selection, recognition, notice, response, or participation. AFAAS may change the program model prospectively by updating the applicable program materials and these policies.

1.6 Permitted Use

You may view and use publicly available Site content for lawful personal, informational, and internal organizational review. Private, confidential, invitation-only, or restricted materials may be used only by the intended recipient and only for the purpose for which access was provided. Except where AFAAS expressly permits otherwise, you may not:

copy, reproduce, republish, transmit, distribute, sell, license, modify, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit Site content; share passwords, restricted links, allocation materials, or confidential content with unauthorized persons; use any name, mark, seal, logo, image, or content to imply affiliation, sponsorship, certification, recognition, approval, or endorsement by AFAAS or the NII Awards™; scrape, crawl, harvest, index, probe, reverse engineer, disrupt, overload, or attempt unauthorized access to any Site, system, account, or data; introduce malicious code, interfere with security features, impersonate another person or organization, or submit false or misleading information; or use Site content, private Executive Briefing Center materials, archival documents, images, videos, data, or compilations to train, fine-tune, test, or develop an artificial-intelligence or machine-learning system without AFAAS's prior written permission; or use the Sites or their content in violation of law, regulation, third-party rights, or these policies.

The restriction on artificial-intelligence and machine-learning use does not limit the open public use of the term “National Intelligence Infrastructure” described in Section 5.3.

1.7 Submissions and Communications

You are responsible for the accuracy and lawfulness of information you submit. Do not submit confidential, proprietary, classified, export-controlled, sensitive personal, or third-party information unless AFAAS has expressly requested it and authorized an appropriate submission method. An authorized contact form may be used to identify an individual or organization for possible nomination consideration as described in Section 1.5. 

Unsolicited proposals, requests for recognition, and creative materials are not accepted unless expressly invited.

You retain ownership of content you lawfully submit. You grant AFAAS a limited, non-exclusive permission to receive, store, review, reproduce, and use the submission as reasonably necessary to respond, administer the applicable request or program, maintain records, comply with law, and protect AFAAS and others. This permission does not authorize public use of your submission unless you separately agree or public use is otherwise permitted by law.

1.8 Third-Party Services and Links

AFAAS uses AFN as its operational provider for operations, networks, production delivery, and distribution. The Sites may also contain links to, embed content from, or use services provided by other parties, including hosting, analytics, security, communications, document, electronic-signature, media, or social platforms. Third-party services are governed by their own terms and privacy practices. AFAAS does not control and is not responsible for third-party content, availability, security, or practices.

1.9 No Professional Advice

Site content does not constitute legal, tax, investment, financial, cybersecurity, procurement, regulatory, ethics, or other professional advice. You should consult qualified advisers regarding decisions that may affect your organization or legal rights.

1.10 Disclaimer of Warranties

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE SITES AND THEIR CONTENT ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE." AFAAS DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, TIMELINESS, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SECURITY, AVAILABILITY, AND FREEDOM FROM ERRORS OR HARMFUL COMPONENTS. AFAAS DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SITES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SUITABLE FOR ANY PARTICULAR DECISION OR PURPOSE.

1.11 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AFAAS, LLC, THE ACADEMY, THEIR PROGRAMS, AFN, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE GOVERNORS, TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, ADVISERS, CONTRACTORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND AGENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES; LOSS OF DATA, REVENUE, PROFITS, OPPORTUNITY, GOODWILL, OR REPUTATION; OR DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO SITE ACCESS, USE, INABILITY TO USE, RELIANCE, THIRD-PARTY SERVICES, OR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY. NOTHING IN THESE TERMS EXCLUDES LIABILITY THAT CANNOT LAWFULLY BE LIMITED OR EXCLUDED.

1.12 Indemnification

To the extent permitted by law, you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless AFAAS, LLC, the Academy, their programs, AFN, and their respective governors, trustees, officers, employees, advisers, contractors, and agents from claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and reasonable costs arising from your unlawful use of the Sites, violation of these Terms, infringement of another party's rights, or information you submit.

1.13 Suspension and Termination

AFAAS may restrict, suspend, or terminate access to any Site or restricted material when reasonably necessary to protect security, confidentiality, institutional integrity, legal compliance, or the rights of AFAAS or others. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect.

1.14 Force Majeure

AFAAS will not be responsible for delay, modification, interruption, relocation, postponement, cancellation, or nonperformance caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, severe weather, natural disaster, epidemic or public-health emergency, war, terrorism, civil unrest, labor dispute, utility or telecommunications failure, cyberattack, governmental action, venue or supplier failure, transportation disruption, or similar event. This provision does not limit obligations that cannot lawfully be limited and does not supersede any controlling provision of a signed agreement.

1.15 Governing Law and General Terms

These Terms are governed by applicable United States federal law and the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict-of-laws principles, except where applicable law requires otherwise. Any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Sites or these Terms shall be brought exclusively in a state court located in Hillsborough County, Florida, or, where federal jurisdiction exists, the United States District Court serving Tampa, Florida. Each party consents to personal jurisdiction and venue in those courts, unless a signed agreement provides otherwise or applicable law requires another forum. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. AFAAS's failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms, together with any incorporated policies and applicable signed agreement, constitute the relevant agreement concerning Site use.

2 Privacy Policy

2.1 Scope

This Privacy Policy explains how AFAAS collects, uses, discloses, retains, and protects personal information through the Sites and related communications. It does not govern information handled solely under a separate written agreement that includes its own privacy terms, or third-party services governed by their own policies.

AFAAS is responsible for the Academy and NII Awards™ programs information addressed by this Policy. AFN provides operational, network, production-delivery, and distribution services on behalf of AFAAS and may process personal information only as reasonably necessary to provide those services, support the Sites and Academy programs, protect security and integrity, and comply with applicable law.

2.2 Information We Collect

Information you provide may include: name, professional title, organization, professional email address, telephone number, and mailing or business contact information;

questions, comments, correspondence, requests, invitation responses, areas of interest, and Founding Partner position preferences; information submitted for organizational review, diligence, allocation, participation, event administration, or document execution; and communications preferences and other information you choose to provide.

Information collected automatically may include: Internet Protocol address, approximate location derived from IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, language, and identifiers; pages viewed, links selected, referring or exit pages, date and time, session information, and interactions with Site features; cookie, analytics, performance, security, fraud-prevention, and error-log information; and information processed by security tools, including Google reCAPTCHA, to help distinguish legitimate users from automated activity.

We may also receive professional contact information from service providers, event or institutional partners, referrals, or publicly available professional sources when relevant to legitimate institutional outreach, program administration, security, or legal compliance.

2.3 How We Use Information

We may use personal information to: operate, maintain, secure, troubleshoot, and improve the Sites; respond to inquiries and provide requested information or materials;

review and administer invitations, Executive Briefing Center access, Founding Partner requests, organizational diligence, allocations, agreements, and related communications; administer Academy programs, events, relationships, records, archives, and institutional operations; communicate about relevant programs, opportunities, updates, or events, subject to applicable law and communication preferences;

understand Site usage and measure performance and engagement; detect, prevent, and investigate fraud, abuse, security incidents, and violations of these policies;

comply with law, regulation, legal process, ethics requirements, recordkeeping obligations, and enforceable governmental requests; and protect the rights, safety, property, integrity, independence, and reputation of AFAAS, its programs, users, and others.

2.4 How We Disclose Information

We may disclose personal information to: America First Network, LLC, which provides operations, network, production-delivery, and distribution services on behalf of AFAAS; service providers that support website hosting, forms, email, analytics, security, reCAPTCHA, document management, electronic signatures, event operations, production, communications, or professional services; professional advisers, auditors, insurers, banks, legal counsel, accountants, and compliance advisers; institutional, event, production, hospitality, or program partners when reasonably necessary to administer an authorized relationship or requested participation; government authorities, courts, regulators, or other parties when required by law or reasonably necessary to protect rights, safety, security, or integrity; a successor or transaction party in connection with a merger, reorganization, financing, sale, transfer, or similar organizational transaction, subject to appropriate safeguards; and other parties with your direction or consent.

We do not sell personal information for money. We do not knowingly share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. If our practices change, we will update this Policy and provide any notice or choice required by applicable law.

2.5 Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, including responding to requests, administering relationships and programs, maintaining appropriate institutional and historical records, meeting legal or accounting obligations, resolving disputes, enforcing agreements, and protecting security and integrity. Retention periods vary according to the nature, sensitivity, context, and legal requirements applicable to the information.

2.6 Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure. No Internet transmission, system, or storage method is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

2.7 Your Privacy Choices and Rights

Depending on where you live and subject to applicable exceptions, you may have rights to request access to, correction of, deletion of, or a copy of personal information; request information about collection, use, or disclosure; withdraw consent where processing is based on consent; opt out of certain communications or legally defined sales, sharing, or targeted advertising; limit certain uses of sensitive personal information; appeal a denied request; and receive non-discriminatory treatment for exercising a privacy right.

To submit a request, email governance@afaas.us with the subject line "Privacy Request" or contact us using the information in Section 6. We may verify your identity and authority before responding. Authorized agents may submit requests where permitted by law, subject to verification. We will respond within the period required by applicable law.

2.8 Communications Choices

You may opt out of promotional email by using an unsubscribe mechanism when provided or by emailing governance@afaas.us. We may continue to send non-promotional communications concerning an inquiry, request, invitation, agreement, security matter, legal notice, or ongoing relationship.

2.9 Children

The Sites are intended for professional and general audiences and are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us so that we can review and, where appropriate, delete it.

2.10 International Visitors

The Sites are operated in the United States. If you access them from another country, your information may be processed and stored in the United States or other locations where our service providers operate. Those jurisdictions may have data-protection laws different from those in your country. Where required, we will use an appropriate legal basis and safeguards for processing or transfers.

2.11 Third-Party Privacy Practices

Third-party links, embedded media, social platforms, security tools, and other services may collect information under their own policies. For example, Google reCAPTCHA is used to help protect forms from spam and abuse and is subject to Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Review third-party policies before providing information or using those services.

2.12 Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in law, technology, Sites, programs, or practices. We will post the revised Policy and update the date above. Where required, we will provide additional notice or obtain consent.

3 Cookie Policy

3.1 Cookies and Similar Technologies

The Sites may use cookies, pixels, local storage, scripts, tags, and similar technologies to operate securely, remember preferences, understand usage, measure performance, and improve the visitor experience. A cookie is a small data file stored on or accessed through a browser or device.

3.2 Categories of Technologies

Strictly necessary and security technologies support core functions, form security, network management, fraud prevention, and service availability.

Functional technologies remember settings or choices and support enhanced Site features. Performance and analytics technologies help us understand aggregate traffic, navigation, engagement, errors, and Site performance. Third-party technologies may be used by embedded media, hosting, analytics, or security providers, including Google reCAPTCHA, under their own policies.

3.3 Consent and Controls

Where required, non-essential technologies will be used only after consent. You may use the Site's cookie banner or Manage Cookie Preferences control to accept, reject, or adjust available categories. You may also block or delete cookies through browser settings. Disabling necessary or functional technologies may affect Site operation.

3.4 Browser Signals

Browser-based Do Not Track signals are not interpreted consistently across the Internet, and the Sites may not respond to them. Where applicable law requires recognition of a legally valid opt-out preference signal and the Sites technically support it, we will process that signal as required.

3.5 Cookie Policy Updates

Technologies and providers may change as the Sites evolve. We will update this section when material practices change. Current choices remain available through the cookie settings control when enabled.

4 Accessibility Statement

AFAAS is committed to providing an inclusive digital experience and to improving the accessibility and usability of the Sites. We seek to design, maintain, and improve Site content with recognized accessibility practices in mind, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, while acknowledging that technology, third-party components, and content evolve.

We do not represent that every page or third-party component is fully conformant at all times. If you experience a barrier, need information in an alternative format, or require assistance with a form or Site feature, email governance@afaas.us with the subject line "Accessibility Request". Please identify the page, feature, and assistance requested. We will make reasonable efforts to respond and provide access or an alternative where practicable.

5 Intellectual Property and Public Use

5.1 Ownership and Reserved Rights

Except where otherwise stated, the Sites and their content are owned by or licensed to AFAAS, LLC and are protected by copyright, trademark, unfair-competition, and other laws. © 2026 AFAAS, LLC. All rights reserved. No rights are granted except as expressly stated in these policies or in a separate written authorization.

5.2 Academy and Program Marks

America First Academy of Arts & Sciences™, AFAAS™, National Intelligence Infrastructure Awards™, NII Awards™, related names, slogans, program titles, logos, seals, medallions, trade dress, and other official identifiers are proprietary marks or protected designations of AFAAS, LLC. Unauthorized use in a manner suggesting affiliation, sponsorship, certification, recognition, approval, or endorsement is prohibited. No Site access or relationship grants a trademark license or right to use official marks.

5.3 National Intelligence Infrastructure Public-Use Notice

National Intelligence Infrastructure™ (NII) is a term and strategic framework stewarded by AFAAS for broad public use. To promote public benefit, shared understanding, and industry alignment, AFAAS does not require formal permission, a license, attribution, or use of the ™ symbol for responsible public, academic, governmental, or commercial use of the term "National Intelligence Infrastructure." AFAAS encourages discussion, adoption, development, and responsible application of the terminology and framework in commerce, government, education, research, media, and public discourse.

This open-use permission applies to the term and strategic framework only. It does not authorize use of America First Academy of Arts & Sciences™, AFAAS™, National Intelligence Infrastructure Awards™, NII Awards™, or their names, logos, seals, designs, medallions, trade dress, or other official institutional marks in a manner that falsely suggests Academy affiliation, sponsorship, certification, recognition, approval, or endorsement. Those institutional names, marks, and identifiers remain subject to applicable intellectual-property rights.

5.4 Historical and Third-Party Materials

Historical documents, archival images, quotations, third-party marks, embedded media, and other materials may remain subject to third-party rights. Their display for historical, documentary, editorial, or informational purposes does not transfer ownership, grant a license, or imply current affiliation or endorsement.

5.5 Copyright and Trademark Concerns

If you believe Site content infringes a copyright, trademark, or other right, send a detailed notice to governance@afaas.us identifying the protected work or right, the challenged material and its location, your contact information, a good-faith explanation, and any authority under which you act. AFAAS may request additional information and will review notices in accordance with applicable law.

6 Contact and Legal Notices

Questions, privacy requests, accessibility requests, or legal notices concerning these policies may be directed to:

AFAAS, LLC
America First Academy of Arts & Sciences™
Owner and governing entity of the Academy and the NII Awards™ program
Email: governance@afaas.us
Websites: AFAAS.us and NIIAwards.us

For security and privacy, do not send passwords, payment-card information, government identification numbers, classified information, export-controlled information, or other highly sensitive information by ordinary email.

© 2026 AFAAS, LLC. All rights reserved.

Legal Notice and Policies  |  AFAAS.us and NIIAwards.us