Appendix, page 3 through a proof of concept technology demonstration that a long-range, low-cost missile interceptor can be developed as a cost effective means of defending against the proliferation of unsophisticated air-breathing weapon systems. The threat set for LCI includes first and second generation cruise missiles, which currently encompass 90% of the cruise class threat, and unmanned aerial vehicles. LCI is intended to be an adjunct missile that can be integrated into multiple weapon systems, including PAC-3 and the Surface Launched Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (SLAMRAAM) systems. LCI will enable these systems to save their more expensive missiles for use against more sophisticated threats. Prior year funding has resulted in successful prototyping and testing of components. Solid funding needs to continue for FY10-14 to achieve integrated flight tests against surrogate threats.
JEMS-CDS Tactical Message Interoperability Tool. Modification of the robust tactical message interoperability tool called the Joint Embedded Messaging System (JEMS) is needed to enable it to translate and send information across networks with different security classifications. Initial efforts will focus on a solution that provides the ability to bridge this network with a Cross Domain Solution (CDS) to meet shared Coalition and Joint Blue Force Situational Awareness security and interoperability requirements. More than 60 different Blue Force Tracker systems were employed during the initial combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Each of these systems has different protocols, transmission means and security levels. Because of the different formats and security concerns this information has not been displayed in a coherent fashion. Thus JEMS-CDS effort is vitally needed to address these interoperability and security requirements. JEMS is currently being funded by the US Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command. $5 million in Congressional funding would be used to address identified unfunded requirements and accelerate schedule milestones.
Vertical/horizontal Integration of Space Technologies and Applications (VISTA) The VISTA technology effort will develop an applicationbased software program to integrate space and missile defense products with the tactical Army’s Battle Command workstations using Multi-Agent and knowledge management technologies. The intent of VISTA is to enhance Army tactical planning and execution capabilities with near real time space
and missile defense products thereby normalizing space based capabilities within the Army. The program is currently in the Army’s POM. $5 million is requested for VISTA in FY09 to assist assist in addressing identified unfunded requirements and accelerate schedule milestones.
Sensor Interoperability Networking (SensorNet) The interoperability networking of a variety of sensors is needed to integrate multiple organizations in the North Alabama area to rapidly detect, access, identify, assimilate, and communicate knowledge regarding a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear threat, or other natural disaster or public safety event. The SensorNet node developed will be extensible to meet regional and national needs for both military and civil sectors. The SensorNet network will link multiple, critical infrastructure locations to allow real-time sharing of critical sensor information and improve the coordination and timeliness of responses to public safety situations. Locations will include Redstone Arsenal, the City of Huntsville, Huntsville International Airport and the Intermodal Facility, the county E911 Center and may include TVA’s Guntersville Dam and Browns Ferry Nuclear facility, Port of Decatur, and others. The program will be managed by the U.S. Army Garrison, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The SensorNet Program will benefit the community by the interoperable networking of multiple sensors and organizations to greatly enhance responses to emergency situations. FY09 funding is needed to begin the actual node development at operational locations in the Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal are requested.
Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (CRAM) Rockets, Artillery, and Mortars pose sever threats to U.S. and Allied Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) conducts the counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) Program, the objective of which is to develop innovative solutions to defeat that threat. The CRAM Program will provide the community the ability to develop and demonstrate innovative technical solutions to defeat the CRAM threat. Additional FY09 funding of the AMRDEC Program is essential to demonstrate the technical feasibility of innovative concepts to provide improved protection of our deployed forces against the RAM threat.
Federal Agenda 2009 Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama
An Open Letter to the Alabama Congressional Delegation Thank you for your leadership and service to our region, state, and country. You have helped build our region into a world leader in technology, research and development. While we are all facing an uncertain economic future, there are reasons to be optimistic about the growth that this region can expect. The office buildings that will provide workspace for almost 5,000 new jobs at Redstone Arsenal are on schedule and well underway. The rockets that will replace the Space Shuttle, taking crews beyond the leash of low earth orbit, will fly test missions this year. Today, some of the world’s leading biotechnology pioneers are laboring to develop life giving technologies in the same spot that just a couple of years ago produced cotton. Yes, there are reasons to be optimistic. The Obama Administration and the 111th Congress are likely to make changes to federal programs that have significant operations in the 5th Congressional District. We believe there is always room for improvement and look forward to working with the Congress and Administration to find ways to protect and, in some cases, increase funding for ongoing and future programs. Our country’s missile defense efforts are of tremendous interest, both for the impact that these programs have on our national economy, and also for the security that they provide in an uncertain international environment. Now is the time to press ahead with these important programs. Attracting and developing the workforce needed for the successful execution of the 2005 BRAC realignments will be the greatest challenge that our region faces over the course of the next couple of years. Your assistance will be important to the success of our efforts. Federal science and technology spending is a major factor in U.S. economic expansion and is a primary driver of further expansion of our local economy. A common thread running through many of the issues included in this agenda is the important role that federal science and technology (S&T) funding plays locally – and the dearth of funding that these activities receive. Adequate investments in S&T are essential for ensuring our nation’s future economic growth and job generation, ensuring robust national security, developing our future workforce, and improving our quality of life. According to many reports, the S&T capabilities that serve as the underpinning of the U.S. economic leadership are eroding at a time when our competitors in other nations are gaining strength. The U.S. must increase its investments in basic research and ensure healthy educational focus with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematical fields to retain our leadership position in the world. The following pages detail the many important federal programs with strong ties to our community. Huntsville has developed a workforce since the early days of space explorations that has the capabilities and capacities to support our Nation on the most complex programs. We take great pride in leading Alabama and our Nation into the future. We respectfully ask for your continued support. Thank you from the
Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County