2022 Federal Agenda by Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

Federal Agenda 2022

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER, ALABAMA

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ALABAMA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND THEIR STAFF:

We are grateful to the members of the Alabama Congressional delegation for their leadership on the issues critical to our Nation’s defense and space policies, especially those affecting the Huntsville/Madison County region. With your support, our region continues to prosper as a science and technology powerhouse.

We are confident that the Air Force made the correct decision to locate the permanent U.S. Space Command HQ at Redstone based on their evaluation of the merits of the potential sites. Continued vigilance is required to maintain the integrity of the site selection process and to ensure that the decision is not altered based on political pressures.

Our Federally focused business community functions best with predictable and dependable funding for federal programs. We request that our members vigorously support efforts to pass appropriations bills in a timely manner thus avoiding the prospect of continuing resolutions, which drive up program costs and adversely impact schedule delivery. We encourage Congress to support full funding for our Nation’s space exploration programs and defense programs, especially U.S. Army modernization programs. We urge Congress to continue its efforts to increase, across the board, overall funding for science and technology and advanced research and development for defense, justice and aerospace, programs. Implementing a responsible and transparent method of Congressionally directed appropriations (earmarks), would restore the Constitutional “power of the purse,” bring more lawmakers to the negotiating table, and make federal spending more responsive to the taxpayers’ needs.

During the COVID crisis, federal contractors have had limited access to federal facilities. Rather than idle this critical workforce, Congress incorporated Section 3610 into the CARES Act, allowing for federal agencies to use their funds to reimburse contractors’ employees who are unable to access the worksites and unable to telework during the pandemic. We urge Congress to extend this authorization until such time that all contractors have full access restored to federal facilities.

The Chamber requests the Delegation to indefinitely extend authorities granted by Section 1109 of the 2016 NDAA entitled “Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) Pilot Program on Dynamic Shaping of the Workforce,” that are currently set to expire at the end of 2023. These authorities provide STRLs, such as AvMC, with the ability to continually shape their personnel systems to meet their needs in attracting and retaining exceptional talent in today’s competitive economy. We also request that the Delegation would support reauthorization of the SBIR/STTR programs. These programs are the Nation’s largest source of early stage/high risk funding for start-ups and small businesses engaged in cutting edge research and technology development.

Huntsville/Madison County has prided itself with its proactive approach to infrastructure development. Average local commute times are a fraction of those in other peer cities. Continued burgeoning economic expansion however will challenge our existing infrastructure’s capacity and our ability to accommodate further growth. Investments now in key infrastructure including new and improved roads, upgraded air service and airport facilities and enhanced workforce development will be critical. One critical project would add additional capacity to the I-565 Interchange with U.S. Highway 231.

This Agenda summarizes the most critical federal issues facing our region. Additional information regarding these issues and a number of other important federal programs and issues that have significant local and national impact is included in an accompanying Issues Book THANK

YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO ON OUR BEHALF, THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

COVID VACCINE MANDATES

While the Chamber strongly supports COVID vaccination as the most effective tool to manage and eventually end the pandemic, vaccine mandates are regionally controversial. Employers from all industries have been impacted by employees who feel strongly vaccination should be a personal choice. Operating in a tight labor market with near full employment, the loss of even a small number of team members can have significant consequences. The specialized skillset of the local technology workforce makes the loss of key employees particularly problematic. Further, the differing rules for various employers – some administrated through OSHA, others through contract terms, and healthcare providers through their agreement with Medicare – complicate communication with employees. The Chamber recognizes the need to encourage vaccination and requests that vaccination policy be administered in a manner that provides employers with as much lead time and flexibility as possible while still achieving objectives.

U.S. HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT & EXPLORATION POLICY

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has a recognized 60year heritage leading complex engineering human-rated space transportation and propulsion systems, large space structures and systems, and scientific research to make human space exploration a reality. More than 7,000 jobs directly support the mission of MSFC, yielding a statewide economic impact of $4.3 B and 24,400 jobs. Just as importantly is the fact that Marshall’s programs impact almost every state in the nation yielding a nationwide impact of 43,700 jobs and $8.3 B to the U.S. economy.

Requested Actions:

PROGRAMMATIC

■ Ensure SLS funding continues at a level to support an initial in-service date no later than 2022, and complete development of core and upper stages capable of delivering 43MT to Trans-Lunar Injection (130 MT to low-Earth orbit); support Artemis 1-4 missions with SLS block 1B ready for launch by 2025; sustain a cadence of once per year thereafter;

■ SLS and Orion represent a multi-year strategic investment of our nation’s top engineering talent and taxpayer dollars to preserve American leadership in space. Encourage the fullest use of SLS and Orion as national assets for deep space exploration plans beyond Low Earth Orbit and renewed, science, and national security missions that can benefit from its unparalleled lift and payload capabilities; support development of SLS cargo capabilities to support these missions. They were designed specifically for these missions, and represent unique and enabling capabilities not available anywhere else.

■ Support Artemis and SLS program stability in the evolution of SLS from a development program to a more affordable and sustainable long-term Exploration Production and Operations Contract (EPOC), managed by NASA MSFC, to enable more robust exploration, national security, and scientific payload architectures.

■ It is important that predictable funding is maintained to ensure SLS and Orion vehicles are in production and ready to support missions. Delays and inconsistent funding adversely

impact production, which could result in job loss and potentially not have these capabilities available when they are needed.

■ Support MSFC’s leadership role as the Agency’s lead for human-rated and large cargo landing systems; including funding for completion and sustained service through the lunar exploration transportation services (LETS) contract.

■ Support Marshall’s agency leadership role in advanced Moonto-Mars systems, integration, and in-space transportation to offset the loss of critical skills and capabilities resulting in a planned significant workforce reduction to SLS activities beginning in 2023

■ Support MSFC’s leadership role in lunar surface operations, advanced manufacturing, and habitation systems (surface, orbital and transit);

■ Support MSFC’s leadership role in the design and development of nuclear-based transportation and surface power systems for long-duration exploration missions beyond low-Earth orbit;

■ Support continued funding of the ISS to realize the fullest science potential of the vehicle with utilization of MSFC ISS Payload Operations to include use of public private partnerships to support commercial space operations;

■ Maintain and enhance MSFC’s roles in Earth, Space and Planetary Science research, applications, and missions such as the Chandra, Fermi, and Lynx Observatories; Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), Solar Cruiser and Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV);

■ Support robust funding for NASA’s SERVIR, SPoRT, and IMPACT Earth Science programs, providing data for agriculture and disaster mitigation.

INSTITUTIONAL

■ Support utilization of MSFC engineering and management expertise, and unique capabilities and facilities by commercial interests in their development of space systems (specifically in the areas of propulsion, cryogenic fluid management, materials, and space structures/systems);

■ Sustain MSFC critical core technical and infrastructure capabilities by augmenting funding requested for the operation, maintenance and infrastructure recapitalization of the Center.

U.S. ARMY’S COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (DEVCOM) AVIATION AND MISSILE CENTER (AVMC)

The U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) has been a cornerstone of research and development (R&D) on Redstone Arsenal (RSA) for over sixty years. Since inception, the AvMC has evolved into a world-class organization employing approximately 12,000 engineers and scientists housed within laboratories and facilities exceeding 1.9 million square feet. AvMC’s three mission priorities are to 1) execute aviation and missile S&T projects to support Army modernization priorities; 2) provide engineering services to enterprise partners leading Army modernization efforts; and, 3) support readiness, lifecycle engineering and sustainment efforts with Army enterprise partners. As Redstone Arsenal has grown, so has the

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need for the valuable expertise and capabilities that reside within the Center. Approximately 84 percent of AvMC funding comes from reimbursable customers to include Intra-service (agreements within the Army); Intra-agency (agreements between DoD components); and Interagency (agreements between a DoD component and a federal agency) customers. The continued support for aviation and missile S&T research is necessary, along with investments in government and industry infrastructure, to develop advanced technologies capable of maturing into the weapons needed to defend against threats from near-peer nations or non-state actors.

National Impact:

Because of their extensive capabilities, the Army and Nation rely upon the AvMC as a crucial resource for solving critical engineering challenges. Presently, the AvMC serves as DEVCOM’s lead Center for modernization activities driven by two of the Army’s eight Cross Functional Teams (CFTs), Air and Missile Defense, and Future Vertical Lift. AvMC plays a critical role in support of Long-Range Precision Fires CFT and provides engineering support activities to the remaining CFTs; Advanced Precision Navigation and Timing (A-PNT), Next Generation Combat Vehicle, Soldier Lethality, Synthetic Training Environment and Network. These CFTs employ AvMC’s experienced scientists and engineers, specialized laboratories, and repositories of proven models and performance data to determine maturity, applicability, and robustness of candidate technologies required to address defined operational capability gaps. AvMC provides a critical enabling role in support of CFT demonstrations to accelerate fielding of critical technologies vice traditional acquisition approaches.

The complexity of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) requires weapon system capabilities to be addressed as system-of-systems vice as unique individual platforms. Additionally, enduring aviation and missile platforms must remain relevant through technology insertion acquisition phases to provide capabilities that complement the transition to modernization programs in MDO. Key modernization efforts ongoing within the AvMC include execution of the Future Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) demonstration program, development of modular open system architecture (MOSA) for Future Long Range Assault Aircraft and Army Aviation’s enduring fleet; Future Tactical UAS; Project Convergence demonstrations of reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA), electronic warfare/electronic attack (EW/EA), decoy and detect, identify, located and report (DILR) technologies for Air launched effects (ALE); Development of seeker technology and range extension technologies for Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 Capability; Development of the Advanced Hypersonic Technology Implementation plan; Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) Thermal Protection System (TPS) development for Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW); Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AMDL); and Next Generation Close Combat Missile development and test. AvMC serves as a key enabling organization in DoD microelectronic initiative, providing technical subject matter experts to ensure U.S. military has access to trusted and assured microelectronic devices for aviation and missile weapon systems. Finally, AvMC provides critical airworthiness engineers for the Army Airworthiness Authority and assesses all aircraft modifications for the Army to ensure they do not adversely impact flight safety. The insertion of multi-core processors, artificial intelligence and other non-deterministic systems are unique to the advancement of military capabilities which requires the AvMC airworthiness authority to invest in the development of more robust certification methods that are

far advanced from the airworthiness challenges currently being addressed by the FAA and other non-DoD airworthiness agencies. The airworthiness authority must keep pace with the model-based system engineering tools and engineering practices required to support robust and efficient acquisition processes required for fielded systems.

Community Impact:

Nearly one-quarter of Redstone’s 42,000 employees, including engineers and scientists from more than 250 Huntsville companies, work in the AvMC’s three directorates. The Center and its cost-reimbursable model create a win-win scenario. Funding organizations gain access to unparalleled engineering expertise and facilities within AvMC that would be cost-prohibitive to duplicate. The Army and AvMC, in turn, receive funds that sustain the essential laboratories and engineering talent needed to propel Army Futures Command priorities. The financial impact of a healthy and well-resourced AvMC is measured in hundreds of millions of dollars.

Requested Actions:

■ Continue to support and fund additional missile and aviation S&T research (6.2 basic research, 6.3 applied research) to provide engineering, development and testing of technologies relevant to Long Range Precision Fires, Air and Missile Defense, Future Vertical Lift, and Cyber & Electromagnetic Activities.

■ Increase and support aviation and missile 6.4 funding at a level that allows the Army to transition technologies that will keep enduring platforms technologically relevant and enable prototyping necessary to evaluate future capabilities.

■ Increase and support Army airworthiness 6.6 (D-092) and 6.7 (D-102 engine product improvements) funding lines to enable development of innovative airworthiness approaches and efficient and effective airworthiness assessments to increase flight safety as new manufacturing techniques (ex. Additive manufacturing), non-deterministic systems and model-based systems engineering methods are implemented on enduring and future Army aviation fleets.

■ Increase and support Army manufacturing technology 6.7 research line focusing on advanced ceramics and CMC development and protective technologies to close technological risk, manufacturing production and affordability gaps related to Army aviation and missile systems.

■ Support efforts to make permanent the authorities provided by Section 1109 of the NDAA for 2016 entitled “Science and Technology Reinvention laboratory (STRL) Pilot Program on Dynamic Shaping of the Workforce”. Authorities granted provide the ability for STRLs such as AvMC to continually shape their personnel systems to meet their needs in attracting and retaining exceptional talent in today’s competitive economy but expire on 31 Dec 2023.

HYPERSONIC WEAPONS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT & DEMONSTRATION (STRIKE AND DEFENSE)

National Impact:

Due to demonstrations of Hypersonic Strike Capabilities by nearpeer adversaries, the Department of Defense (DoD) has intensified

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its focus to ensure the U.S. has both offensive and defensive capabilities to exceed and counter these evolving threats. The Department’s sense of urgency, reflected in the 2018 National Defense Strategy, is demonstrated by numerous efforts to rapidly field hypersonic capability for ground, air, submarine, and ship launched long range strike missions. Similarly, MDA has responded to the National Defense Strategy prioritization with significant investment in bolstering the national BMDS to advance U.S. capability against hypersonic threats.

Community Impact:

Key organizations leading hypersonic weapon system development, the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) and MDA are headquartered on Redstone Arsenal. Numerous industry partners with a presence in the Huntsville area are actively involved in technology development efforts related to hypersonic materials, manufacturing capability, ground and flight test infrastructure improvements, program development and technical and acquisition program support to DoD agencies overseeing hypersonic weapon system development and demonstration. These programs provide positive impact to the Huntsville community through the creation of new jobs related to the development, integration, and fielding of hypersonic weapon systems.

An example is the recent Courtland, Alabama grand opening of Missile Assembly Building 4 (MAB4), a new digital factory for hypersonic strike production. Over the past two years, the Courtland facility has added a total of 117,000 square feet of manufacturing space. With this growth, is nearly 300 jobs to Courtland and Huntsville. Additionally, the National Hypersonics Production Facility, located in MidCity Huntsville, Alabama is the primary production facility of the Common Hypersonic Glide Body. As a result, the Huntsville community is developing a sustained workforce in hypersonics with experience in modeling and simulation, ground test and evaluation, and manufacturing of complex high-performance systems which will provide future offensive and defensive capability to address the evolving adversarial hypersonic threat.

Requested Actions:

■ Increased funding for additional procurement and fielding of Common Hypersonic Glide Bodies. This will support and maintain the hypersonic industrial base.

■ Add additional language and funding to support further affordability and produce-ability assessments of CHGB.

■ Fully fund Hypersonic Weapon System Development Programs to the FY22 President’s budget level in RDT&E, in all services, for development, testing, and future fielding of Hypersonic Weapons.

■ Continue to fund and support Technology Insertion plans and roadmaps that enable greater capability and disruptive technologies over adversaries.

DIRECTED ENERGY

Continued technological innovations in Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) are of increasing interest to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Justice (DoJ), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Most notably, the development of solid-state High Energy Lasers (HEL), advances in High Power Microwaves (HPM) technologies, and advances in the size reduction of weapon sys-

tem subsystems have transformed DEWs from “tomorrow to today.” HEL and HPM provide new and promising innovations that will keep the U.S. ahead of the power curve on the modern battlefield, whether against near-peer nations or in the fight against non-state actors. This perspective is reinforced by the shift in the National Defense Strategy from counterterrorism to great-power competition with near-peer adversaries. DEWs provide the Warfighter with the ability to engage a target at the speed of light and produce scalable effects from temporary to permanent, thereby reducing the possibility of collateral damage. They also provide a relatively unlimited number of low-cost shots, constrained only by the fuel supply of the platform, which greatly reduce the logistics tail and associated cost.

National Impact:

Hostile events witnessed throughout the world display real-world threats around practically every corner. Just a few examples of such events include attacks on Saudi Arabian oil refineries, the presidential assassination attempt in Venezuela, and drone attacks at Heathrow Airport in London. With the proliferation of low-cost yet capable small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), the U.S. government and military requires sophisticated systems to identify, classify and potentially destroy any threat with hostile intent. Threats are not limited to just UASs but also include Rocket, Artillery, and Mortars (RAM); rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft; guided missiles; and raid scenarios. DEW can pair well with kinetic interceptors and “thin the herd”, allowing for a more effective layered defense, while reserving kinetic options for higher priority threats. Senior leaders have expressed an urgent need to field efficient DEW systems to accurately counter these threats on foreign battlefields as well as on U.S. soil.

Community Impact:

The Army and the Joint Services are leveraging commonalities in DEW initiatives to increase combat effectiveness and maximize resources for possible future Programs of Record. As part of this focus, the Army has realigned DEW science and technology efforts in support of the Army’s modernization priorities. The Huntsville-based Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) has been created with the mission to execute the strategy to deliver prototypes with residual combat capability to operational combat units beginning in FY22. The RCCTO’s DEW focus is on two capability sets: Directed Energy-Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (DE-MSHORAD) and Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL). Additionally, RCCTO is exploring existing HPM solutions as part of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) and is partnering with DE counterparts at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to transition proven HPM technology.

Requested Actions:

■ Increase funding and add POM language to support additional procurement and fielding of DE-MSHORAD and IFPC-HEL. This assures the full fielding of the necessary residual combat capability to properly equip Army units with the tools to win on the battlefields of today and tomorrow and keep industry primed while Programs of Records are established.

■ Continue to fund and support technology follow-on DEMSHORAD and IFPC-HEL configurations in order to capitalize on DEW emerging technologies and capabilities.

■ Increase funding to support development and fielding of

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containerized DEW solutions in support of Army and Joint C-UAS critical capability gaps.

■ Continue to fund IFPC-HPM efforts in order to serve as a combat multiplier with other DEW capabilities already in Army combat formations.

■ Continue to support and fund Army S&T research (6.2 basic research, 6.3 applied research) to provide engineering, development and testing of DE technologies that provide innovative, advanced capability to our military.

■ Increase funding to support development of higher power DEW systems for complex longer range Missile Defense Agency capability.

BIOSCIENCE

Advancements in the biosciences through discoveries and their related applications are important to every state in our nation. These advancements occur in a variety of areas including human health and agriculture. Alabama’s federal delegation continues to prioritize and promote the biosciences for which the Chamber is immensely grateful.

National Impact:

North Alabama’s bioscience workforce continues to generate positive impact throughout the nation. In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the men and women working in the bioscience arena have made invaluable contributions to the region, state, and nation. From advancements and innovations in diagnostic testing, identifying transmission rates, and multiple products and services supporting the pandemic response, this region’s workforce has contributed greatly to the national efforts combating COVID-19. Many of these contributions were made possible due in large part to the support from Alabama’s federal delegation.

Beyond COVID-19, North Alabama contributes to the biosciences in the areas of human health and agriculture. Through collaborations between genomic scientists in Alabama and four southeastern states, families with sick newborns are receiving diagnoses that were previously elusive. Through collaborations across the country, plant scientists in North Alabama are fueling innovation, sustainability, and diversity through agrigenomics.

Community Impact:

In addition to the scientific advancements that impact people in North Alabama and across the country, there are economic and educational benefits of a robust bioscience industry. Within the state, the North Alabama region plays a vital part of the bioscience ecosystem with HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology leading the way with a $750M economic impact to the state over 20192020 and a cumulative economic impact of $3.2 B since 2006. With a proven record of success, the biosciences provide quality jobs, diversify the region’s economy, and advance human health and sustainable agriculture.

Additionally, the high-paying, knowledge-based jobs of today and tomorrow will continue to be driven by the need for a STEM-related workforce. Careers in the biosciences not only include training in biology, medicine, and genetics, but in engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity. In Alabama alone, nearly 850,000 STEM-related positions will need to be filled by 2026. Collabora-

tion and coordination between academic institutions and industry are vital to meet these near-term requirements.

Requested Actions:

■ To continue advancements within the biosciences, the Chamber supports an increase in basic research funding for the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Human Genome Research Institute, the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute for Mental Health; the Department of Energy, specifically the Office of Science/Joint Genome Institute; the Department of Agriculture, specifically the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the National Science Foundation and DoD.

■ Due to the benefits of academic and industry collaboration, the Chamber endorses prioritizing efforts between the public and private sector. Advancing the generation, analysis, storage and security of genomic data in human health and agriculture areas should also be a priority. Finally, cross-discipline and crossindustry initiatives in agriculture with regional and state value should be encouraged for national models.

GROUND-BASED STRATEGIC DETERRENT (GBSD) PROGRAM

National Impact:

U.S. strategists have determined a nuclear triad is the most strategically sound means to credibly deter adversaries. The GBSD program is the replacement system for the Minuteman III ICBMs, the current land leg of the nuclear triad. To remain effective, the U.S. must modernize its Cold War legacy nuclear forces. The GBSD Weapon System will be incorporating new air vehicle equipment, command and launch equipment and support equipment. New hardware and software will be integrated across all these systems while complying with nuclear surety, nuclear safety and cybersecurity requirements. Upgrading launch facilities, missile support base facilities and test facilities is also required. By investing in the GBSD replacement now, the U.S. avoids the risk and cost of a lapse in the protection provided by its ICBMs. The goal is to engineer, develop and build the most capable and cost-effective ICBM system that will serve as a deterrent through the end of this century.

Community Impact:

Northrop Grumman Corporation has opened a new facility in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park to support the U.S. Air Force’s GBSD program, adding new jobs to the region and expanding its role supporting critical national security and civil space programs in the state. Additionally, Aerojet Rocketdyne is ramping up work on GBSD at its new Advanced Manufacturing Facility in North Huntsville. The company will be developing and producing composite cases for GBSD’s large solid rocket motors.

Requested Action:

■ Continued support of GBSD and the nuclear triad is critical to maintaining these and many additional supporting subcontractor jobs in the region, recruiting new talent and ensuring this deterrent remains safe, secure and credible to protect the United States and its allies.

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INFRASTRUCTURE – ROADS

All infrastructure road projects on this list are considered high-priority roads. They are not listed in ranking order. All listed projects are listed on the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

■ Additional Lanes – Interstate 565

■ U.S. Highway 72 East (Corridor V)

■ I-565 Interchange with U.S. Highway 231

■ Northern Bypass (SR 255) Extension from U.S. Highway 231/431 to Winchester Road (CR-65)

■ Redstone Arsenal East Connector

■ U.S. Highway 72 West from Providence Main to County Line Road

■ Madison Boulevard

■ I-565 Interchange near Zierdt Road, Hughes Road Extension and Auxiliary Lanes on I-565

■ Resolute Way Interchange at I-565

■ Widening of Wall Triana Highway from Capshaw Road to Highway 72 West

■ Widening of Old Monrovia Road from the Huntsville City limits west to Jeff Road

■ Widening of Jeff Road from Douglass Road north to Highway 53

■ Widening of Slaughter Road from Madison Boulevard to Highway 72

■ Highway 53 Widening to the Tennessee State Line

■ Huntsville–Browns Ferry Road

DOD ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, 5G, MACHINE LEARNING, DATA ANALYTICS

National Impact:

The FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) dedicates considerable volume and funding to advanced technology across the DoD. Artificial Intelligence, 5G Cellular, Machine Learning and Data Analysis represent four complementary areas of advanced technology affecting Aviation, Missile, Space, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology systems. Systems designed, acquired, produced, and supported by activities across Redstone Arsenal. Since FY 2017, the DoD has invested over $100B in R&D for modernized weapon systems which are now emerging into the manufacturing and production phases. The FY22 DoD Budget includes explicit funding for Artificial Intelligence over $500M and another nearly $400M for 5G. The FY22 NDAA directs the DoD to apply AI, “SEC. 5206. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE READINESS GOALS … establish performance objectives and accompanying metrics for the incorporation of artificial intelligence and digital readiness into such platforms, processes, and operations.”

Execution of the Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) relies on the ability of the U.S. to adopt and deliver AI/5G/ML and massive data analytics equal to our national strategic competitor nations. The various NDAA and Defense Appropriations for Advanced Technology since FY17 have prioritized Defense-wide projects or early development. However, beginning in FY22 the intent of the NDAA is

focused on transitioning R&D into weapon systems. Therefore, to gain the effectiveness at the weapon-system level, the Advanced Technology projects must support both the Defense-wide applications and specific modernized weapon systems such as the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA), Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), Airborne Launched Effects (ALE), Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), and Precision Strike Missile (PRSM). All of these critical modernized weapon systems are being developed at Redstone Arsenal by PEO Aviation, PEO Missiles & Space, RCCTO, and Aviation & Missile Engineering Center (AvMC).

Community Impact:

Army PEO Aviation, PEO Missiles and Space, Missile Defense Agency, and the CCDC AvMC represent the technical and programmatic wealth for the DoD’s most advanced weapon systems. Therefore, investments in AI/5G/ML and Data Analysis benefits the greater Huntsville workforce while meeting the National Security objectives. All Federal and DoD activities located on Redstone Arsenal use or are directly affected by AI/ML/Data Analytics.

The Huntsville geographic area should be one of the DoD/Federal centers for AI/ML and Data Analytics considering the direct consequences in National Security and Homeland Security. Redstone Arsenal wide activities associated with the Army’s Project Convergence which is an effort focused on demonstration and integration of advanced threat sensing. Data, Cloud and AI technologies in Project Convergence generate transformational change in Army operations and enable joint force overmatch against the stated near-peer threats.

Requested Actions:

■ Proportionate resource allocation to Redstone Arsenal weapon systems development activities incorporating AI/5G/ML and Data Analysis into weapon systems.

■ Emphasize at OSD, Service and COCOM readiness and resource interactions with Congress the need to apply AI/5G/ ML and Data Analysis at the weapon system levels.

REAUTHORIZE THE SBIR / STTR PROGRAM

The SBIR and STTR programs are the Nation’s largest source of early stage/high risk funding for start-ups and small businesses engaged in cutting edge research and technology development. To be eligible, the small businesses must be American-owned, for-profit entity, with less than 500 employees. There are eleven Federal Agencies that participate annually in the SBIR program and five that participate in the STTR program. Funding is offered in three phases, depending upon technology maturation and commercialization potential. SBIR program is a pilot program that has to be reauthorized every 5 years – currently expires in Sept 2022

The time from a solicitation opening to the Phase I’s being awarded spans between six and twelve months. If Congress does not extend the programs soon, agencies may start to delay new solicitations as well as not funding recently selected proposals due to the potential that the SBIR and STTR program authority will expire. This would create a gap in new starts that cannot be made up.

Requested Action

■ The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber supports the reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs in 2022 for at least five years going forward.

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Sen. Richard Shelby (R)