2022 Federal Issues Book

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER, ALABAMA

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 that 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.

COVID RELIEF FOR HOSPITALITY & TOURISM SECTOR

In Huntsville, Madison, and Madison County, the largest market segment for the hospitality industry has direct ties with the federal government. Redstone Arsenal is home to over 70 federal agencies and commands and provides employment for nearly 45,000 on-base employees. The federal government employee travel restrictions enacted due to COVID-19 are still drastically impacting the visitation to our community.

The impact of COVID on the travel and tourism industry has been staggering. The devastating impact of the pandemic can been seen in the data contrasting 2019 industry performance against 2020:

■ The number of visitors was down by 847,084 – a 23.2 percent decrease

■ The average hotel room rate dropped by 12 percent

■ Hotel average occupancy rates dropped by 24.4 percent

■ Travel-related earnings dropped 22.6 percent - a loss of $116 M in revenue

■ Travel-related employment dropped 22.4 percent - with 4,257 jobs lost

The hospitality industry in Huntsville and Madison County rebounded modestly in 2021, with occupancy levels in local hotels and room rates up. However, additional costs of doing business, including higher wages and enhanced personal protective and cleaning measures, have kept industry performance well below pre-pandemic levels. Federal government travel is still severely curtailed and businesses in the hospitality and service industries are hard pressed to find adequate workforce to fill available positions.

The ARPA legislation made special provisions for the hard-hit travel, tourism, and venue industry. Federal relief funds should be provided for admission-funded attractions with negatively impacted attendance figures as compared to 2019, such as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, EarlyWorks Family of Museums, and others. Grants, special appropriations, and a concerted push for increased workforce development are needed to support the hospitality industry, which accounts for an estimated economic impact in Madison County alone in excess of $1.2B.

COVID RELIEF / ECONOMIC STIMULUS

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 worksites and 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.

FEDERAL BUDGET

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 & technology and advanced research & 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.

U.S. HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT & EXPLORATION POLICY

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) continues to generate significant economic impact to the state, region and Nation. Programs managed and supported by the Center have national significance and represent the most technically diverse portfolio of any NASA center. MSFC has a recognized 60-year 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 $4.3B 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 $8.3B 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 TransLunar 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 fullest use of SLS and Orion as national assets for deep space exploration plans beyond Low Earth Orbit and renew science and national security missions that can benefit from its unparalleled lift and payload capabilities; support development of SLS cargo

capabilities to support these unique and enabling capabilities and missions 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 MSFC, to enable more robust exploration, national security, and scientific payload architectures.

■ Maintain predictable funding 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 needed available capabilities.

■ 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 & MISSILE CENTER (AVMC)

The U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) has been a cornerstone of research and development (R&D) on Redstone Arsenal (RSA) for over 60 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; 3) support readiness, lifecycle engineering and sustainment efforts with Army enterprise partners. As Redstone Arsenal has grown, so has the 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 nonDoD 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 the enduring platforms technologically relevant and enable the 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.

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 system

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 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 (MDA) capability.

HYPERSONIC WEAPONS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT & DEMONSTRATION (STRIKE & DEFENSE)

National Impact: Due to demonstrations of Hypersonic Strike Capabilities by near-peer adversaries, the DoD has intensified 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 producability 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.

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. 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 U.S. and its allies.

MISSILE DEFENSE

GROUND-BASED MIDCOURSE DEFENSE (GMD) PROGRAM

National Impact: GMD is currently the only system designed and fielded to defend the entire U.S. homeland from a long range ballistic missile attack. The 44 Ground Based Interceptors (GBIs) deployed today in Ft. Greely, AK and Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA provide the President with the options to intercept and destroy long range ballistic missile threats launched against U.S. territory in their midcourse phase of flight. GMD is defending the Nation 24/7/365 from Rogue Nation Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) and is a critical element of MDA’s integrated and layered missile defense architecture.

To support flexibility in operations and sustainment of the GMD system, the new GBI Missile Field at Fort Greely, AK, remains under construction. The 20 new silos will allow for movement of GBIs in order to maintain maximum operations of the 44 GBIs currently in place as well as positioned to hold future NGI emplacements. MDA is pursuing four acquisitions under the GMD Futures Program aimed at increasing GMD system reliability for warfighter confidence, increasing performance to pace the threat,

improving cost consciousness through competition, and to ensure delivery of capability on time. These four acquisitions are System Integration Test & Readiness (SITR), GMD Weapon System (GWS), Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), and In-Service Fleet. In October 2021, MDA published an RFP for the next Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Weapon System (GWS) Program, a major milestone to reshape a long-term GMD contract that began in 2016 and went through near-annual overhauls. MDA is also preparing to publish a second competitive future GMD contract for Systems Integration, Test and Readiness (SITR). The agency is scheduled to announce winners of the two new contracts in early 2022

Community Impact: GMD supports over 3,000 government and industry jobs in the Huntsville area, which is the main center for management and technical oversight of the system. Without adequate funding, the Huntsville area is vulnerable to losing a knowledge base of extremely highly-skilled workers who support what is considered one of the most technically challenging efforts the government has ever undertaken.

Requested Actions:

■ To ensure balance between investment in near-term capability improvements and far-term system advances (i.e. NGI and GMD Futures), support increases in funding for the program in order to initiate critical system sustainment activities as well as updates to improve the performance and reliability of the existing GBI Fleet.

■ To ensure viability in the system going forward, strong investment in robust system sustainment and service life extension programs (SLEP) must be included in MDA funding.

■ To ensure the success and timeline of upcoming and newly awarded GMD Futures contracts, support increased funding for these programs (GWS, NGI, and SITR) to ensure synchronization of component delivery, integration, and on time fielding.

■ Support increased investment in robust system sustainment to increase warfighter confidence and ensure performance and reliability of the existing Ground System and In-Service GBI Fleet.

■ Support for including GMD options in the Department’s consideration for enhancements to near-, mid-, and farterm capabilities for the homeland missile defense mission, to include consideration of an expanded and dispersed homeland missile defense architecture (e.g. CONUS Interceptor Site for the East Coast).

NEXT GENERATION INTERCEPTOR (NGI)

National Impact: The critical technologies required for NGI are mature and ready to be transferred to a program of record. The requirements are clear and understood by industry. The NGI is a tip-to-tail All Up Round (AUR) intended to be an operational weapon system that meets the current ballistic missile threat with the ability to protect our homeland against future evolving threats. This capability is expected to be initially fielded in the late 2020s timeframe. The current GBI fleet with unitary kill vehicles is approaching its end of life and will be replaced with NGI to pace threat evolution.

The NGI acquisition began with a series of RFIs and draft RFPs from June 2019 through March 2020. The Request for Proposal was released in April 2020 and Industry proposals were submitted in August 2020. In March 2021, two contractors were awarded

initial development and demonstration contracts. The MDA plans to down-select to a single industry partner in the coming years.

Community Impact: The NGI program will support hundreds of government and industry jobs in the Northern Alabama area, including government and industry program management, engineering and production/manufacturing.

Requested Actions:

■ Support the President’s Budget request and the outyear budgets established by MDA.

■ Support MDA by funding two prototypes through a critical design review stage. To ensure the efficacy of the product, it is in the best interest of the MDA to observe the best technical solution for the mission, while fully understanding the criticality of schedule and cost from both competitors and to “Fly Before You Buy” as long as the operational need of USNORTHCOM is met at a relevant speed.

TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENSE (THAAD)

National Impact: THAAD is a key element of the U.S. BMDS capable of intercepting ballistic missiles in both the endo- and exo-atmospheres. THAAD is interoperable with the other joint MDS components, provides large area defense, and is the only MDS element that currently uses “hit-to-kill” technology to destroy threat warheads both within and outside the atmosphere. THAAD units remain operationally deployed today, defending against ballistic missile threats and enhancing regional security. THAAD’s unique ballistic missile defense capabilities and demonstrated success continue to increase U.S. and international demand for THAAD.

Community Impact: The THAAD program provides more than 475 government and industry jobs in the Huntsville area.

Requested Actions:

■ Support the President’s budget request for THAAD.

■ Support funding for THAAD follow-on critical capability development plans to provide enhanced capabilities to the warfighter and sustain critical engineering jobs in the Huntsville area.

■ Advocate for additional THAAD international sales in support of U.S. Cooperative Defense initiatives.

LONG-RANGE DISCRIMINATION RADAR (LRDR) & HOMELAND DEFENSE RADAR – HAWAII (HDR-H)

National Impact: Due to an evolving threat, the MDA is continuing to quickly field a land-based LRDR, with a DD-250 planned in 2022 in Clear, Alaska. MDA is also looking to field a second land-based HDR-H in Hawaii. These programs are the backbone of MDA’s layered defense strategy to protect the U.S. homeland from ballistic missile attack. LRDR and HDR-H will provide a persistent 24/7/365 midcourse acquisition, precision tracking, enhanced discrimination, improved reaction time, higher kill probability, highest operational availability, and scalable, open architecture (OA) growth capacity to counter evolving threats in the Pacific region. The program scope includes facilities construction, radar development, installation, initial operations, and sustainment. MDA is taking a long-term view of LRDR and HDR-H, with planned deployment for the next 40 to 50 years.

Community Impact: Positive impact to the Huntsville community through the creation of new jobs in modeling and simulation, al-

gorithm development, software and hardware. With the addition of HDR-H, new jobs include facility construction.

Requested Actions:

■ Fully fund the President’s budget request for LRDR and restore HDR-H to ensure the homeland can be defended against evolving threats from the Pacific Region.

■ Advocate for LRDR international sales in support of U.S. Cooperative Defense initiatives.

HYPERSONIC MISSILE DEFENSE

National Impact: The U.S. currently cannot defend against many of the hypersonic strike capabilities that our adversaries are rapidly developing. We cannot track them from birth to death; we cannot intercept many of them; and we do not have the command and control capabilities needed to address multiple classes of threat. Due to the rapid evolution of hypersonic threats, Congress has pushed the DoD in several successive budget cycles to accelerate national capabilities to detect and defend against adversary hypersonic weapons, particularly those that hold forward deployed forces at risk. In November 2021, MDA awarded three contracts to three competitors to develop the Glide Phase Interceptor, for regional hypersonic missile defense. The interceptors are intended to counter a hypersonic weapon during its glide phase of flight, a challenge as the missiles can travel more than five times the speed of sound and can maneuver, making it hard to predict a missile’s trajectory.

Community Impact: Hypersonic defense programs – including space-based sensors, new interceptors, and improved command and control – support hundreds of jobs in the north Alabama area.

Requested Action:

Press for increases to the President’s budget request for hypersonic defense programs to include the following:

■ Sustained Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) development

■ Enhanced space and weapon system tracking, discrimination, and sensing capabilities

■ Weapon system integration and upgrades

MDA MODELING & SIMULATION CONTRACTS

National Impact: MASC-F and MASC-T are MDA’s primary contracts that develops and sustains its modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities to test the Missile Defense System (MDS). These hardware-in-the-loop and digital environments provide MDA the capability to conduct numerous simulation-supported activities; to include concept analysis, element engineering, performance assessment, integrated and distributed ground test, flight test support, and training and exercises of the Combatant Commands. As the central integrating simulation component, these efforts under these contracts connect real world and joint all domain operations elements to enable the Agency to simulate complex missile defense scenarios. By utilizing these M&S capabilities the MDA is able to provide higher confidence in the system and explore more of the operational envelop than would be viable through live testing alone.

Community Impact: The MASC-F and MASC-T programs currently employ over 200 personnel and provide support to over 15 subcontractors, primarily in Huntsville. The critical talent required for these specialized activities creates a center of excellence for MDS M&S in the region.

Requested actions: Continue to support MDA budget for Modeling and Simulation activities.

NATIONAL TEAM-ENGINEERING (NT-E)

National Impact: Private industry has teamed together to support the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in its evolution of the Missile Defense System (MDS) to keep pace with the missile threat to our homeland, deployed forces, and allies. The industry National Team does this through sophisticated modeling and simulation, system engineering, and technical evaluations and assessments for MDA, its various programs and associated tests. The National Team is designed to provide independent technical support outside the purview of any particular program element of the MDS. The current National Team employs a trusted, proven collaboration mechanism among all MDA communities that protects industry proprietary and competition sensitive data allowing rapid development and access to emerging industry technologies and concepts.

Community Impact: Significant National Team work share is done in the north Alabama area across several major and small business employers, supporting about 250 employees.

Requested Actions:

Support the President’s Budget Request for MDA National Team funding.

INTEGRATED AIR & MISSILE DEFENSE BATTLE COMMAND SYSTEM (IBCS)

National Impact: IBCS is the cornerstone of the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) modernization program. Designed to connect the force for unified action against evolving threats, IBCS is a command and control system for the air and missile defense mission that integrates current systems to maximize employment flexibility in completely different ways than ever before. After a successful limited-user test in 2020, IBCS is currently conducting Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) to support the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) decision in Spring of 2022.

Community Impact: IBCS work is performed in Huntsville; supporting engineering, manufacturing, and program management jobs.

Requested Action:

Support the President’s Budget request for IBCS.

PATRIOT

National Impact: Patriot is the world’s most successful and effective air and missile defense capability and is employed by U.S. forces and 16 allied military partners. Since January of 2015, Patriot has intercepted more than 150 ballistic missiles in combat operations around the world. More than 50 percent of the total U.S. Patriot force is forward deployed, performing defense missions in support of our warfighters and allies. U.S. government estimates show that Patriot will be fielded in the U.S. combat forces beyond 2040. The system employs multiple fielded and combat proven effector configurations, enabling the system to deploy a mixture of interceptors to defeat current and emerging threats.

Community Impact: Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal are Patriot’s birthplace and home. Approximately 1,200 civilian and government jobs in the Huntsville area are critical to the Patriot program. All program actions for U.S. Military and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) are processed through offices on Redstone Arsenal.

Requested Actions:

■ Support the President’s Budget Request.

■ Support the execution of a comprehensive, highly integrated series of flight tests, ground tests, cybersecurity tests, wargames, and exercises to ensure that air and missile defense capabilities are credibly demonstrated and validated.

■ Advocate for continued efforts to support international sales.

■ Advocate for Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor and Lower Tier Future Missile modernization efforts.

STANDARD MISSILE 6 (SM-6)

National Impact: SM-6 offers the warfighter tremendous versatility with a multi-mission capability, including anti-air warfare, terminal ballistic missile defense, and anti-surface warfare. SM-6 leverages and sustains the 60+ year heritage of the Navy’s premier Standard Missile program with both defensive and offensive capabilities. SM-6 employs an active RF seeker for greater independence from ship illuminator systems, improved threat discrimination and targeting, and high velocity for faster time on target. The Navy and MDA have demonstrated an impressive record of successful flight tests, breaking engagement records for range and interoperability expectations by utilizing sensor systems like the E-2D Hawkeye and F-35 aircraft systems. Demand from international governments has been steadily increasing as new evolving threat sets and operational requirements identify SM-6 as the multi-mission system of choice.

Community Impact: SM-6 All-Up-Round production occurs at a dedicated facility within the Redstone Arsenal and provides hundreds of government and industry jobs in the Huntsville area. Additionally, with new missile configuration developments in progress, production capacity will soon increase.

Requested Actions:

■ Support the President’s Budget Request for the SM-6 and associated missile modifications and improvements.

■ Support production capacity increase for SM-6.

■ Advocate for SM-6 international sales to key allies in support of the U.S. Cooperative Defense initiatives.

STANDARD MISSILE 3 (SM-3 1B AND IIA)

National Impact: SM-3 is the most advanced sea/land deployable exo-atmospheric ballistic missile interceptor and is deployed globally by the U.S. and Japan. The SM-3 Block I was first fielded in 2004, and has had three major spiral upgrades to the current SM-3 Block IB (Threat Upgrade). The SM-3 Block I also served as the foundation for the U.S.-Japan Standard Missile Cooperative Development (SCD) program that produced a longer range and more capable interceptor, the SM-3 Block IIA, which complements the SM-3 Block IB in layered Ballistic Missile Defense. Designed to engage regional Medium Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs) and Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs), SM-3 has demonstrated over 40 successful exo-atmospheric engagements and the capability to defend against more challenging threats. In November 2020, the SM-3 Block IIA also conducted the first successful intercept against an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)-representative target. This was a critical milestone for the Aegis BMD SM-3 Block IIA program and a key step in the process of determining its feasibility as part of a layered homeland defense architecture. The sea/land based operational flexibility of the SM-3 and proven test performance allows for

rapid deployment and sustained protection against a range of ballistic threats. As the primary interceptor employed by Aegis Ashore, SM-3 has also demonstrated its value abroad in protecting regional territory and could be utilized in the same manner in the U.S. Community Impact: The SM-3 family is assembled in the Huntsville Raytheon Redstone Missile Integration Facility and supports a substantial number of jobs in the north Alabama area, including program management, engineering and manufacturing.

Requested Action: Support increased funding for SM-3 Block IIA procurement to meet critical warfighter requirements afloat and ashore and to accelerate the global deployment of the most advanced SM-3.

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE (O&M) FOR MISSILE DEFENSE

National Impact: Maintaining a high-state of operational readiness against tactical and strategic ballistic missile threats will continue to be one of the most critical priorities for the national security of the U.S. and our allies. To ensure the U.S. is able to deter and respond to any and all offensive attacks by adversaries, each missile defense program’s Operations and Maintenance (O&M) budget must be fully-funded to achieve Operational Availability (Ao) requirements within MDA (e.g. GMD, THAAD, Aegis), PEO Missiles & Space and the U.S. Army Materiel Command (PATRIOT, CMDS, IBCS). Program-specific Life Cycle Sustainment Plans (LCSPs) must continue to achieve cost-wise readiness using private/public partnerships between government capabilities and industry to achieve high materiel availability of fielded systems coupled with continuous training and maintainability improvements for soldiers using state-of-the-art technologies (e.g. virtual training, total asset visibility). To remain ready and adaptable to the constantly-changing threat, military operators of missile defense systems and military/ contractor maintainers must be provided a fully-integrated logistics and supply chain which can quickly respond to dynamic threats with materiel changes, technical manual improvements, available parts, and improved training and training devices.

Community Impact: Collectively, several hundred logistics, sustainment, and product support jobs within industry (OEMs, subcontractors, SETA contractors) and government (MDA, PEO MS, AMC, AMCOM) perform item management, maintenance management, training support, and readiness support in the north Alabama area. Without continued support of missile defense O&M budgets, our fielded weapon systems may not be capable of deterring or responding to attacks against the U.S. due to poor training, inadequate readiness, and lack of spare parts.

Requested Action:

Support full-funding for each program’s O&M budget and continue prioritization of high-operational readiness to deter enemy threats against U.S. interests.

MISSILE DEFENSE TESTING & VALIDATION – TARGETS

National Impact: Advanced targets production fabricates simulated enemy offensive missile capabilities (tactical through strategic) to test and validate U.S. missile defense systems. As our potential enemies continue to advance their capabilities, U.S. systems’ capabilities must continue to be tested, validated, and modernized as necessary. These adversarial advancements include the development of hypersonic and

other advanced missile threats that can exploit our existing and future missile defense systems (such as HD and NGI). Target representations that emulate such threats are not currently in production today.

Community Impact: MDA’s offices that lead efforts to develop and provide advanced representative targets are headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, and they work with numerous defense contractors in the northern Alabama region that provide support in the development, production, and mission execution of advanced targets to validate existing and emerging missile defense systems.

Requested Actions:

Support the President’s budget for testing and validation of missile defense systems.

ASSURED POSITION NAVIGATION TIMING

Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) is a foundational technology for the DoD. PNT is a critical enabler for most modern systems and provides precise location, spatial orientation, and time synchronization to warfighters and weapon systems. The Strategy for the DoD PNT Enterprise describes access to Assured PNT information as a “linchpin” to an effective Joint Force, “critical to meeting all Joint Force requirements for maneuvering in featureless terrain, important for conducting coordinated cross-domain efforts, relying on dispersed ISR sources, insuring precision sensor-to-shooter delivery of fires, coordinating command and control activities via distributed means, and achieving unity of effort with our allies and coalition partners in all-weather day-night operations. ”

National Impact: For several decades the DoD has relied on the Global Positioning System (GPS) as the primary source of PNT data. This reliance on GPS is well-known; however, and any modern conflict with a near-peer or peer adversary will require operations in Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) environments that degrade or deny GPS. The DoD must rapidly develop and field Assured PNT (APNT) systems that both harden and improve GPS as well as augment it with multiple alternate, diverse sources of PNT. These systems must include new sensor and PNT technologies that are capable of resilient operation in dynamic threat environments and make use of standards and open architectures to allow new PNT technologies to be integrated faster and at lower cost to effectively pace evolving threats.

Community Impact: The Huntsville community is heavily involved in the development and support of PNT systems for the DoD. The U.S. Army APNT/Space Cross Functional Team (CFT) is headquartered at Redstone Arsenal and is responsible for APNT and Navigation Warfare modernization strategies for the Army. Other key groups at Redstone Arsenal play a key role in the development of Assured PNT systems including the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), U.S. Army PEO Aviation, U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) and MDA. These groups (and others) provide significant development and procurement funding to Huntsville based businesses in the PNT technology area.

Requested Actions:

Increase support for programs in the Assured PNT technology area and in particular support for programs that include:

■ Improving the capability and resilience of GPS

■ Developing open architectures and standards for PNT systems

■ Providing combined NAVWAR and cyber-electromagnetic activities (CEMA) capabilities

■ Developing and fielding Assured PNT systems

■ Supporting Specific programs: U.S. Army Dismounted Assured PNT System (DAPS); U.S. Army Mounted Assured PNT System (MAPS); U.S. Air Force Resilient Embedded GPS/INS (R-EGI); U.S. Army Navigation Warfare Situational Awareness (NAVWARSA); OSD All Source Positioning and Navigation (ASP)

COUNTER SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (C-SUAS)

The DoD has implemented the 2018 National Security Strategy with Counter UAS (C-UAS) under the authority and responsibility of the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Logistics. The Department of the Army is the DoD Executive Agent for C-UAS and is executing this mission through the recently established Joint Counter Small UAS Office (JCO). Small, unmanned aircraft being those aircraft up to 1320 lbs. operated at low altitude and are hard to detect by radar. The Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office or RCCTO located at Redstone Arsenal headed by an Army 3-star general has the responsibility for material development in support of the Department of the Army Executive Agent.

National Impact: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones operated by malevolent interest have demonstrated the potential for negative impact on installations and infrastructure of U.S. Allies. UAS operated with hostile intent have become more prevalent in tactical warfare worldwide and pose a direct threat to homeland security by attacking vulnerability of DoD, Federal Installations and critical infrastructure. Drone attacks on U.S. allies (Saudi Arabia oil production) and the wide-spread use of drones by Turkey in the Syrian conflict show the increasing use of hostile drones in modern warfare.

Community Impact: 200-300 full time equivalent (FTE) positions located in or supporting Redstone Arsenal activities are linked to C-UAS activity. RCCTO in cooperation with PEO Missiles and Space (PEO M&S), and the Army Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), integrates the Army’s C-sUAS efforts and those of other Services (Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps) and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The DoD “center of gravity” for C-sUAS material development, system engineering, and systems rapid equipping and deployment is RCCTO.

The Secretary of the Army assigned the RCCTO as the materiel and acquisition lead for the Joint Counter – Small UAS Office or JCO. The JCO goal is to align existing and future C-sUAS technology solutions to best address operational needs, while applying resources more efficiently.

Requested Actions:

Support C-sUAS resourcing for Department of the Army and C-sUAS activities located at Redstone Arsenal. Two specific recommendations are:

■ Resource RCCTO in the Material Developer function for the DoD Executive Agent for C-sUAS. Resources would be supporting Defense-wide system capability development, system engineering, and rapid response for Homeland Security to counter potential attacks on DoD, Federal or CONUS Infrastructure.

■ Recognize the RCCTO C-sUAS mission as material and acquisition lead to the DoD JCO in the FY22 NDAA. Provide legislative definition for RCCTO as the material developer

in support the DoD’s C-sUAS Strategy. JCO performs as the central point for DoD integrating all DoD-wide C-sUAS solutions and aligning C-sUAS technology solutions with DoD and Homeland operational needs. The material developer functions include program synchronization, interoperability and operational suitability, and implementation of DoD best acquisition practices.

SUPPORT ARMY AVIATION PROGRAMS, AVIATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

The Army’s ability to apply aviation power remains critical to the execution of the National Defense Strategy and the evolving focus on Multi-Domain Operations. Army Aviation is indispensable in executing these missions both today and into the future. To ensure operational success over time, a holistic approach to managing the Army Aviation’s combined resources of the enduring and future fleets is essential.

Currently, this holistic approach balances the strategic emphasis on three primary areas: First, Supporting the Army’s Modernization Future Vertical Lift (FVL) programs such as Future Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA), Future Long Range Air Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), and Future UAS (FUAS) consistent with the six Cross Functional Team (CFT) priorities for the Army Futures Command. Second, Ensuring the readiness and relevance of the enduring aviation platforms and programs with targeted modernization efforts since these platforms will remain in the fight for many years to come. Third, Building the capability and capacity of our partner (Allied) nations for the coalition fight of the future.

Our Army Aviation objectives are enabled by our PEO Aviation workforce consisting of uniformed military, civil servants both core and matrixed, support contractors and the Army Aviation Industrial Base. Our organization, like all DoD, Federal, and commercial entities is adapting to a new, post-Covid work environment or Adaptive Work Environment (AWE), which balances our mission with the needs and desires of our workforce. PEO Aviation workforce consists of a cross-section of STEM, Business, and Logistics professionals, many with previous military service.

The key in maintaining today’s technological edge into the future is advancing and sustaining the aviation science and technology (S&T) base. Examples of promising S&T include Cybersecurity identification, protection and prevention; U.S. Aviation industrial base preparedness; autonomy, manned-unmanned teaming; and real-time battlefield actionable data processing. By driving transformational technology and enabling the continued migration of modernized technology into the Army Aviation fleets, we can continue to deliver overmatch capabilities to our combatant commanders.

Please follow the progress of PEO Aviation at www .army .mil/peoaviation or the latest update to the PEO Aviation Strategic Plan at www .army .mil/article/252753

National Impact: Army Aviation’s total obligation authority for Aviation Systems modernization and acquisition was reduced from $4.1B in FY21 to $2.8B, a 32 percent reduction in FY22. These changes impact the ability to preserve the minimum readiness of the fielded enduring fleet and the defense industrial base that supports this fleet.

Community Impact: Alabama is the epicenter of Army Aviation. There are more than 13,000 jobs in north Alabama that directly support the Army Aviation portfolio. Army PEO AVN manages a

Foreign Military Sales (FMS) portfolio of $54B to U.S. allies around the world. The co-location of the Program Executive Office, Aviation (PEOAVN), the Future Vertical Lift CFT (FVL CFT), the Redstone Test Center (RTC), the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (CCDC AvMC), and the Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) at Redstone Arsenal allows for the focused application of resources to maintain leadership in the Aviation arena. The full life cycle of Army Aviation assets is managed at Redstone Arsenal. Resourcing these commands is critical for the long term sustainment of the Army Aviation mission and for continued community growth.

Requested Actions:

■ Support the continued full funding and key modernization efforts for the enduring fielded aviation programs while simultaneously resourcing the Future Vertical Lift CrossFunctional Team (FVL CFT) related efforts. This assures priority readiness for aircraft conducting combat operations today while supporting the Army’s critical future priorities.

■ Increase and support Aviation S&T funding (currently at $130 M/year) that allows the Army to satisfy the Future Vertical Lift requirements and ensure that the enduring fleet remains technologically relevant.

ATTACK HELICOPTERS

The AH-64E Apache is the Army’s latest generation primary heavy attack helicopter. The Army Acquisition Objective is 812 AH-64E aircraft with an Army Procurement Objective of 791 aircraft. The Apache Attack Helicopter Project Office will deliver 56 AH-64E V6 aircraft, the latest production configuration, in FY22. In addition, the Apache Project Office will award the follow-on Multi-Year 2 production contract that will complete U.S. procurements. The Apache Project Office has an active Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, with 16 countries and over 500 aircraft across the globe with multiple partner nations processing requests to procure the AH-64E in the near future.

FY22-23 priorities include:

■ Safety and Welfare of our Workforce

■ Field and Train the first V6 units in Korea and the Army National Guard.

■ Maintain our focus on Apache Quality and Critical Safety Item compliance.

■ Award Multi-Year 2 production contract.

■ Prepare AH-64 fleet for the modernized battlefield.

National Impact: The AH-64E Apache Heavy Attack Helicopter is the world’s most sought after attack aircraft with more than 1300 Apache’s in service in the U.S. and allied nations.

Community Impact: All of the life cycle management and many of the support modifications, spares, and other services are performed by government and industry partners in Alabama. This directly impacts more than 600 government and contractor positions to include Redstone Test Center and MRO businesses like SES-I and Yulista.

Requested Action:

Continue to support the Army’s Apache Helicopter modernization and procurement objectives, including the second multi-year production contract and Apache modernization.

UTILITY HELICOPTERS

The Utility Helicopters Project Office (UHPO) provides life cycle management for the largest utility helicopter fleet in the DoD. This includes 2135 UH-60L/M/V Black Hawk and 478 UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters with various Mission Equipment Packages (MEPs). The Project Office also supports the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Special Operations forces, Other Government Agencies and our Allies.

The UHPO International Product Office has delivered 549 UH-60s and 6 UH-72s aircraft and continues to provide support through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. The Project Office manages more than $18B dollars in helicopter procurement, support services and foreign military sales contracts to 33 allied countries and partners around the world. The UH-60M is the “Workhorse” of the Army Aviation fleet and will remain a key component of the fleet into the future. To date, the Black Hawk fleet has 1.9 million combat hours (10.6 million total fleet hours) and maintains an average maintenance availability rate of 82 percent.

Current FY priorities include:

■ Award Multi-year 10 contract and continue to deliver H-60M/ UH-60V to U.S. Army/National Guard – 60V aircraft produced at Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD)

■ Deliver Capability to FMS Partners

■ Achieve UH-60V Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Certification

■ Complete Medical Interior Upgrade (MIU) User Assessment

■ Continue Improved Turbine Engine (T901) Integration on Utility aircraft

■ Continue delivering Black Hawk Aircrew Trainer (BAT) assets to USG units worldwide

National Impact: The Army’s Blackhawk is a Multi-Service, Multi-National helicopter used across the Active and National Guard throughout the U.S. The UH-60 Blackhawk is the most widely used helicopter in the DoD inventory. The Blackhawk helicopter will continue service in Multi-Domain and Joint All Domain Operations.

Community Impact: All of the life cycle management and many of the support modifications, spares, and services are performed and managed by government and industry partners in Alabama. This directly impacts more than 500 government and contractor positions to include Aviation and Missile Development Command, Redstone Test Center, and a host of other MRO businesses.

Requested Action:

Support the Army’s Utility Helicopter modernization and procurement objectives, including the current Multiyear 9 UH60M multi-year production contract, follow-on MY10 contract, UH-60V program and the UH-72B program.

CARGO HELICOPTERS

The Army’s CH-47 Chinook includes 460 CH-47F aircraft in the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve. Additionally, the U.S. has produced and delivered CH-47 aircraft to our Allied Partners. The CH-47F Block II program inserts incremental upgrades to maintain the platform’s relevance as the Army’s only heavy lift helicopter, capable of carrying 24,000 lbs. Block II upgrades include airframe mods, improved fuel, electrical, rotor and drive system updates as well as updated Common Aviation

Architecture System and flight controls. As the aircraft of choice in austere environments such as above 14,000 feet, the CH-47F remains highly attractive to several international partners.

FY22 priorities include:

■ Order final five (5) CH-47F Block I aircraft programmed as repair cycle floats

■ Procure CH-47F Block II Lot 2 – latest generation of CH-47F aircraft configuration

■ Complete CAAS 9.4/DAFCS 3.3 upgrades – improvements to aircraft safety and survivability

■ Complete 2 x CH-47F Diversion to Australia – building partner nation capability

■ Complete Maintenance Steering Groups-3 (MSG-3) package deployment for improved maintenance procedures/processes – 59 aircraft remain

National Impact: The CH-47 Chinook fleet is the world’s leading heavy lift helicopter supporting the Active Army in CONUS and OCONUS, National Guard, and Allied countries. The CH-47 is also the only heavy lift helicopter available for the Army’s heavy lift Joint All Domain Operational capability.

Community Impact: Life cycle management and many of the support modifications, spares or services are performed/managed by firms in Alabama. This directly impacts more than 450 Government and contractor positions.

AVIATION TURBINE ENGINES (ATE)

Army PEO Aviation consolidated the management of the Apache, Blackhawk, Chinook, FARA, FLRAA helicopter engines into one project office, the Aviation Turbine Engines (ATE) Project Office. The project office is responsible for the design, development, delivery and modernization for more than 10,000 turbine engines in the U.S. and Allied countries. The ATE Project Office manages the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP), an Electrical Power Systems (EPS) cell, and the current T700 and T55 engine programs. As one of Army Aviation’s top modernization priorities, the ITE will replace the current T700 family of engines for the Black Hawk and Apache fleets and will power the Future Vertical Lift’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft. The ITE conducted its Critical Design Reviews in FY20 and plans the First Engine to Test in 2Qtr/ FY22. In addition to aviation engine development and production, PM ATE has an Electrical Power Systems (EPS) Cell that is actively addressing all the on-board power requirements for the Army Aviation fleets.

The T700 engine has been a powerhouse for Army Aviation fleets since 1978 with T700 variants having accumulated over 50 million flight hours, six major performance upgrades, and integration into multiple premier helicopter platforms, including the Army’s Apache and Black Hawk, the Navy’s Seahawk, Super Cobra, and Super Huey, and the Air Force’s Pavehawk. The most recent T700 Production Contract was awarded on 25 November 2019 as a five year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract to ensure that the -701D engines powering Army Aviation will be produced through 2024 until introduction of the ITE .

During nearly six decades of service, the T55 engine program has logged over 12 million hours of operation while powering Army Aviation’s heavy lift capabilities. During FY21, PM ATE initiated an effort to conduct market research and explore potential alternate

engines to support the H-47 platform and help meet demand for readily available assets while enhancing mission effectiveness, increasing operational readiness, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing maintenance burden through improvements in condition-based maintenance and predictive diagnostics.

Current FY priorities include:

■ Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) First Engine to Test (2QTR/FY22)

■ Deliver T700 and T55 Engines to U.S. Army/FMS

■ Pursue New Electrical Power Sub-systems for Airborne Platforms (Generators, Batteries, APUs)

National Impact: The Improved Turbine Engine or ITE program will reinvigorate the rotary-wing industrial base for turbine engines with a potential production run of 10,000 engines. The 10,000 engines represent one of the largest manufacturing centers in the world and located in the U.S. As one of Army Aviation’s top modernization priorities, the ITEP’s T901 will regain lost capability and provide affordable, reliable power to support Army Aviation’s role in Multi-Domain Operations. The development of next-generation electrical power systems will reduce the growing power capability gap, provide holistic opportunities for superior performance against near-peer threats in Multi-Domain Operations, and facilitate maturation of emerging technologies.

Community Impact: All of the development and life cycle management efforts are performed in Alabama.

Requested Action:

Continue to support the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program and the emerging Electrical Power Systems initiatives.

FUTURE ATTACK RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT (FARA)

The Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) is one of the Army’s top six Modernization Priorities along with the Future Long Range Air Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and FUAS. FARA supports the Army’s Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) with a 21st century aircraft system designed to use the Improved Turbine Engine and inherent manned-unmanned aircraft operation. FARA will provide the Army with increased capabilities including essential improvements in speed, range, agility and endurance to provide capability and flexibility against unknown and unknowable threats in 2030 and beyond.

FARA is the Army’s response to the inability to conduct armed reconnaissance, light attack, and security in operations against peer and near peer adversaries with improved stand-off and lethality. The FARA weapon system will provide significantly increased speed and range and provide Combatant Commanders with greatly increased tactical, operational, and strategic advantage. These advantages will enable Army Aviation and the Joint Force the freedom of maneuver to operate on a highly contested battlefield and fulfill the critical Armed Reconnaissance capability gap that exists in our formations today.

Current FY22-23 priorities include:

■ Complete competitive prototype builds, integrate the ITE, and prepare for demonstration flights

■ Execute parallel weapon system design

■ Continue to refine system attributes, the Multi-Effects Launcher prototype, the XM915 20mm Gatling-type automatic

cannon and firing gun prototype, and cost reduction opportunities

National Impact: As noted in the PEO intro paragraphs, the Army’s priority and funding seeks to modernize combat weapon systems including the FARA aircraft. In addition to the combat capability necessary to operate in MDO/JDO, the FARA program re-invigorates the U.S. rotary wing industrial base and seeks to maximize the S&T & R&D investments the Army has made since 2017. FARA with the FLRAA and UAS systems directly increases the U.S. military’s capability to engage peer/near peer Anti Access/Area Denial, Integrated Air Defense, and long-range effects. Designing and integrating the FVL family of systems that can fight alongside Army Aviation’s enduring fleet will increase the Army’s contribution to the Joint Force, further strengthening the Nation’s deterrent, power projection, and combat capabilities for our Soldiers.

Community Impact: FARA development will also advance critical technologies improving the skills and expertise of the supporting workforce in the state of Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. Advances in Model Based Systems Engineering, Modular Open Systems Approach and Cyber Security implementation will further enhance critical technical capabilities throughout the Redstone Arsenal Community.

Requested Action:

Support FARA funding to advance aviation technology and prepare our Army for the future fight.

FUTURE LONG RANGE ASSAULT AIRCRAFT (FLRAA)

The Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) is one of the key capabilities that makes up the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) ecosystem. FLRAA is the Army’s versatile battlefield transport aircraft designed to operate over the MDO battlespace of at least 300 miles and a speed of 290 mph (250 kts). Like the FARA program, the FLRAA program re-invigorates the U.S. rotary wing industrial base and seeks to maximize the S&T & R&D investments the Army has made since 2017. FVL is a priority Army Aviation effort aligned with the Army’s modernization strategy. Today, the FLRAA Project Office is developing the next generation of affordable, tactical assault aircraft for the Army.

The program strategy consists of three major phases: risk reduction, virtual prototyping, and weapons system development over the next 8-10 year period leading to a First Unit Equipped in 2030.

The team is currently executing a Competitive Demonstration and Risk Reduction (CD&RR) utilizing other transaction authority agreements and focused on employing digital engineering tools early to mitigate program risk. These tools and interfaces will be used in conjunction with the Combat Aviation Brigade Architecture Integration Laboratory (CABAIL) here at Redstone and the Air Maneuver Battle Lab (AMBL) at Fort Rucker. It will perform hardware-in-the-loop tests during the design phase for early validation by offline simulation; conduct early Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) experimentation prior to user evaluations; and participate in Army warfighting exercises for development of Multi-Domain Operation doctrine and concepts. This medium lift tactical assault and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) aircraft will augment the Army’s H-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter fleet to provide Combat Aviation Brigades with long-range, high-speed options that are survivable in contested environments.

FLRAA is using an innovative hybrid acquisition strategy taking advantage of the procurement authorities and processes described in the FY16 NDAA. These include: Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) authorities, and traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based contracts. The CD&RR effort enables both vendors to execute detailed engineering activities at the subsystem level leading to preliminary designs of major FLRAA subsystems and the entire weapons system. This risk reduction effort is in parallel with the competitive source selection activities, which will set the conditions for an effective transition to the FAR-based contract award to one vendor.

Current FY priorities include:

■ Protect and preserve the health and welfare of the workforce

■ Complete CD&RR preliminary design efforts

■ Award the Weapon System Development Contract

National Impact: The FLRAA program provides the essential longrange, high speed rotary wing transport called out in our National Military Strategy. Further, FLRAA and the other Army helicopter modernization programs re-invigorates our Aviation Industrial Base. Designing and integrating the FVL family of systems that can fight alongside Army Aviation’s enduring fleet will increase the Army’s contribution to the Joint Force, further strengthening the Nation’s deterrent, power projection, and combat capabilities for our Soldiers.

Community Impact: Today’s efforts by the Army to prioritize and invest in future vertical lift represent a critical component of the Army’s modernization strategy. The Program Executive Office (PEO), Aviation, the FVL Cross Functional Team, Redstone Test Center, the Combat Capabilities Development Command, the Aviation and Missile Command, and supporting industry account for thousands of jobs and reinforce the continued and future impact of Army Aviation on the community.

Requested Action:

Continue strong advocacy and support for Future Vertical Lift and the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft. Today’s investment reduces schedule risk, promotes competition and ensures long term affordability.

FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

The Fixed Wing Project Office centrally manages the Army’s fleet of 400 manned fixed wing aircraft. Army fixed wing aviation units primary mission is national, operational and tactical intelligence and electronic warfare capability assets. The secondary mission is movement of key personnel throughout the theater of operations. Two key payloads are in development for our Fixed Wing aircraft: HADES and ARTEMIS.

Current FY 22-23 priorities include:

■ Deploy the Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System (ARES) Tech Demonstrator to U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Command

■ Update Airborne Reconnaissance Targeting Exploitation Mission - Intelligence System (ARTEMIS) Aircraft to V3.0. Continued Support to U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR) Command

■ Support ISR Participation in CFT Exercises

■ Develop a Software Test and Integration Laboratory (STIL) to

Support the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) Program

■ Maintain Readiness of Mission Critical Transport Fleet

The HADES will provide target quality data to enable long range precision fires for the Army. HADES deployed on high altitude manned aircraft are capable of 10-12 hour long missions anywhere in the world within 48 hours.

Two technical demonstrators (ARTEMIS) and (ARES) are currently deployed in separate areas of operations (AORs). Through deployments and participation in cross functional team (CFT) exercises, the performance and data collected by these technical demonstrators will inform the final capabilities of HADES. To support the HADES program, a STIL is being established at Redstone and is currently in the planning phase. The STIL would leverage Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA), Digital Backbone, Open Architecture, Model Based Engineering, Rapid Integrations and other applications.

National Impact: The Army’s Fixed Wing Special Electronic Mission Aircraft have demonstrated their value to National, Operational, and Tactical intelligence and electronic warfare for more than 30 years. The MDO/JADO concept relies on greater insights into the radiofrequency (RF) spectrum, at greater ranges and precision. The Fixed Wing aircraft with on-board intelligence analysts enables operational and tactical commanders to develop the airborne & ground operations in real-time. Fixed Wing aircraft provide sensor capabilities to Combatant Commanders and Soldiers in austere environments. These sensors have the ability to detect, locate, classify, identify and track surface targets with a high degree of timeliness and accuracy both day and night and in nearly all weather conditions. The manned platforms offer a certain advantage to unmanned platforms because they have more capacity for payloads, ultimately offering broader sensor capabilities. On manned aircraft, onboard operators control the payloads with multi-function workstations where the intelligence collected can be analyzed and disseminated in real time as well as recorded for post-mission analysis. The manned AISR aircraft have the ability to operate in environments compromised by satellite communications interruptions and the jamming of electronic communications signals.

Community Impact: The Fixed Wing project office, our support matrix government and industry provide technical and programmatic employment to 175 direct and several hundred indirect employees. These employees provide critical support to both the transport fleet as well as support the ISR platforms funded by INSCOM.

Requested Action:

■ Support manned aircraft programs to fill gaps within MultiDomain Operations (MDO); Provide continued support of the RTC and the SIL at Redstone Arsenal as well as the development of a STIL to support HADES.

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

The Army is the DoD’s largest operator of UAS. Army UAS Research, Development, Acquisition (RDA) and Sustainment is managed by the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Project Office, one of 10 project offices in PEO Aviation. The Army’s UAS fleet consists of 7000+ small (tactical), medium (operational), and large (strategic) airframes such as the RQ-11B Raven, RQ-7Bv2 Shadow, and the MQ-1C Gray Eagle. UAS programs in development include Air Launched Effects (ALE), Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS),

and Scalable Control Interface (SCI). The SCI product is a software package designed to allow one or more UAS to be operated by one or more operators across the battlespace.

Army UAS are fundamental to Overseas Contingency Operations having flown more than 2.9 million flight hours in direct support. Army UAS performs myriad functions around-the-clock including Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), communications relay, and target attack with lethal and non-lethal effects.

Current FY priorities include:

■ Award of Future Tactical UAS Increment 1 and 2 contracts

■ Award Air Launched Effects (ALE) contract

■ Develop Strategy Definition/Description of Scalable Control Interface

■ Field Complete Gray Eagle Extended Range aircraft

■ Field Short Range Recon Systems

■ Field Shadow Block III

National Impact: Army UAS are critical national security assets that accomplish high risk/high reward missions that either cannot be accomplished by, or are too dangerous to risk America’s precious military personnel. As such, Army UAS are integral to ensure victory in the Multi-Domain Operational environment.

Community Impact: The Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Office provides an estimated $72 M per year impact on the north Alabama economy through employment of 420 Department of the Army Civilians and Contractors.

Requested Action:

Support program resourcing for the crucial research, development, acquisition, fielding, and sustainment of the Army’s mission critical Unmanned Aircraft current and future fleets.

AVIATION MISSION SYSTEMS & ARCHITECTURE

The Aviation Mission Systems & Architecture (AMSA) Project Office is responsible to design, develop, and deliver advanced aviation technologies that enable the Aviation Enterprise to operate in a Multi-Doman Environment. AMSA Project Office consists of 4 Product Offices that manage 53 distinct product lines in Active, Guard, and Reserve Army Aviation units.

Products in development supporting Multi-Domain Operations include: the Mission Systems Digital Backbone utilizing Aviation Mission Common Server, Air to Ground Network Radio, Assured Position, Navigation, Timing (A-PNT) capabilities, selection of the Next Generation Aviation Ground Power Unit (Version 1.1), upgrades to the Air Traffic Control Systems, hardware agnostic Aviation Mission Planning System, and the Degraded Visual Environment System.

The Aviation Architecture & Environment Exploitation Product Office (A2E2) is developing an Aviation Mission Common Server (AMCS) advancing aviation technologies Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) designed to adapt rapidly to technology insertions as the missions dictate. Additionally, A2E2 Product Office is developing the capability to enable approach, landing, and takeoff for rotary-wing aircraft in degraded visual environments.

The Assured Airspace Access Systems (A3S) Product Office portfolio includes 18 programs providing Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT); aircraft surveillance for the Army aviation fleet; and tactical and fixed base air traffic control equipment operating in the national airspace and battlefield airspace management in support of Multi-Domain Operations.

The Aerial Communications and Mission Command (ACMC) Product Office is integrating common communication systems such as the Air-to-Ground Network Radio (AGNR) enabling Army Aviation to support Mission Command Convergence in support of MDO and Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2).

The Aviation Ground Support Equipment Product Office (AGSE) manages all common tools, ground support equipment, and shop sets utilized within Army Aviation as well as serving as the Army Aviation’s Central Tool Manager.

Current FY priorities include:

■ Aviation Mission Common Server (AMCS) Prototype Demonstration

■ Communications Programs

■ Air Ground Radio (AGNR) Integration & Modification Work Order Plan

■ ARC-231 Radio Production Deliveries

■ Mission Command Programs

■ Integrated Mission Planning and Airspace Control Tools (IMPACT) Software Development

■ Blue Force Tracking-2 (BFT-2) Fielding

■ Assured Position, Navigation, Timing (PNT) Technology

■ First User Equipped Milestone for Multi-Platform Anti-Jam GPS Navigation Antenna- Federated (MAGNA-F) antennas

■ EAGLE-M Phase II Development

■ Auxiliary Ground Power Unit 1.1 Prototype Risk Reduction Testing, Final Vendor Selection, & beginning Performance Verification Testing.

■ Focus on Mission Systems Architecture using Modular Open Systems Approaches (MOSA)

National Impact: AMSA Project Office products affect every U.S. Army Aviation platform and Aviation Soldier, allowing them to move, shoot, and communicate on the Multi-Domain Battlefield. Linked with PEO C3T’s mission command architectures, AMSA’s enabling technologies provide Commanders with the mission information necessary to make key, optimal decisions associated with air and/or ground operations.

Community Impact: The AMSA Project Office manages end-toend life cycle management and modifications of thousands of systems and sub-systems across the Army. The project office supports more than 425 Government and contractor positions. The AMSA program involves the AvMC, AMCOM, Prototype Integration Facility, AMCOM, and Logistics Support Facility.

Requested Action:

Support AMSA Project Office funding at a level that enables target readiness and procurement efforts across all U.S. Army Aviation platforms, including Aviation Mission Common Server.

MULTI-NATIONAL AVIATION SPECIAL PROJECT OFFICE

Army PEO Aviation responsibility includes over $50B in Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The Multi-National Aviation Special Project Office (MASPO) is one of 10 PEO Aviation Projects whose sole purpose is Allied Nation Aviation capability. The MASPO project works within the Army and across DoD to procure, deliver, and sustain aircraft. Through the fulfillment of this mission, MASPO directly supports strategic competition by building relationships with the many allies that may have or desire Combatant Command endorsed rotary wing requirements.

Through the procurement and delivery of U.S. aircraft, the MASPO program enables second and third order effects such as training in aircraft operation and maintenance, integrated combined forces with our allies, and access to the U.S. industrial base. Allies organized, trained, and equipped with affordable U.S. industry-based aviation assets significantly enhance strategic aviation alliances and increasingly surround and isolate peer and near-peer competitors. MASPO’s international involvement provides deterrence forward, sets the conditions for the fight, augments U.S. forces, and supports and safeguards U.S. interests abroad.

Current FY priorities include:

■ Conduct Orderly Drawdown from Afghanistan

■ Deliver Aircraft – 17 aircraft, 6 allied countries

■ Enable Multi-Domain Operations

■ Initiate and Grow Strategic Alliances

■ Expand Aviation Reach

■ Increase Speed to Combat Engagements

■ Deter Conflict Through International Partnerships

National Impact: MASPO’s international efforts create productive relationships world-wide and promotes the strategic interests of the U.S.

Community Impact: MASPO personnel are deployed around the world and serve as aviation representatives for Redstone Arsenal. This directly impacts more than 160 Government and contractor positions.

Requested Action:

Continue to support and advocate for MASPO as it develops, delivers and supports affordable, non-program of record rotary wing aircraft for our international allied partner nations.

AVIATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (S&T)

The Army in FY17 and through today has stood firm on the core theme to modernize the Army’s systems to fight in a Multi-Domain Operation (MDO). Since FY17 the Army has invested billions into S&T and R&D to enable the 31+4 top priority systems the technological underpinnings sufficient to build and field weapon systems beginning in 2024 to 2035. Likewise, the threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, and non-state actors requires cognizance and action to ensure Army Aviation can support world-wide combat operations in threat environments. Continued S&T and R&D programs will continue to feed a pipeline of combat overmatch for our Aviation programs.

PEO Aviation and DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Command (AVMC) work hand in hand with the Aviation Enterprise on S&T striving to

stay ahead of evolving requirements – “Continuous Modernization, Through S&T Transition.” PEO Aviation as the Army’s Aviation Material Developer is structured through 10 project offices to “catch” S&T/R&D programs as they mature enough to incorporate into our weapon systems. The target customer for our programs is primarily the Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) in the Active and National Guard divisions. A second but equally important use of S&T and R&D is ensuring our Enduring Fleet of fielded aircraft maintain the necessary technical edge for warfighting deployment.

Army Aviation priority S&T programs include those shown below:

■ Holistic Team Survivability

■ Power & Thermal Management

■ Adaptive & Resiliency Tactical Autonomy Controls & Structures

■ FVL MEDEVAC

■ Advanced Rotorcraft Armament and Protection System (ARAPS)

■ Alternative Concept Engine (ACE)

■ FVL Radar

■ Next Generation Rotorcraft Transmission

■ Air Launched Effects (ALE)

■ Advanced Teaming

■ Multi-Role Small Guided Missile (MRSGM)

■ Integrated Mission Equipment

■ Holistic Situational Awareness and Decision Making (HAS-DM)

■ Full-Spectrum Targeting

■ Unmanned Aerial System Survivability

■ Convergence Battlefield Integration

PEO Aviation uses various mechanisms to bring technologies to Army Aviation - Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), Technology Maturation Initiatives (TMI), Transition Agreements (TA), University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARC), Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) and Other Transaction Agreements (OTA).

It is imperative that Army Aviation has the resources to integrate, test, and assess technologies being transitioned from S&T that enables the required capabilities. The continued leadership in support of solving holistic Army Aviation challenges has never been more necessary or essential.

National Impact: Army Aviation S&T/R&D in addition to the weapon systems development also provides a facility for STEM graduates to directly and immediately engage in national security career field. Army labs and engineering centers provide facilities due to the unique nature of weapon systems that cannot be found in the commercial sector.

Community Impact: Army Aviation S&T/R&D programs involve the AVMC command of more than 10,000 employees, science and technology businesses in and around the Huntsville area, and the direct/indirect employees in PEO Aviation.

Requested Action:

Maintain and support funding levels for Aviation S&T supporting Army Aviation modernization programs such as FARA, FLRAA, FUAS; Provide the S&T/R&D necessary to ensure our Enduring Force systems maintain their technological edge for warfighting deployment.

BIOSCIENCES

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 $750 M economic impact to the state over 2019-2020 and a cumulative economic impact of $3.2B 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 also in engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity. In Alabama alone, nearly 850,000 STEM-related positions will need to be filled by 2026. Collaboration and coordination between academic institutions and industry are vital to meet these near-term requirements.

Requested Action:

To continue the advancements within the biosciences, the Chamber supports an increase in basic research funding support 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 the 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.

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 – The MPO thanks the State for its efforts to facilitate additional lanes on I-565 from Countyline Road to I-65. This has been a top priority for the community as new jobs and investment continue to come to the region. We are grateful for the recent completion of six lanes on I-565 between I-65 and County Line Road. We understand that the next segment between County Line Road and Wall Triana Highway is currently under design. We are seeking a continued commitment to move this project towards construction to complete all six lanes along I-565 through our growing community.

■ U.S. Highway 72 East (Corridor V) – This project will provide an extension of I-565 to include service roads and new interchanges at Moores Mill Road and Shields Road which will add approximately 2.3 miles along I-565 through a congested area which continues to grow. In 2015 one additional lane westbound from Shields Road and one additional turn lane at Moores Mill Road were added as a temporary fix for the congestion, however very little benefit was had since the area continues to outgrow the previous temporary improvements. To date, new residential and commercial developments as well as new job centers continue to be established within the eastern side of our region. The extension of I-565 through this area would significantly improve traffic flow along U.S Hwy 72 from adjacent regions.

■ I-565 Interchange with U.S. Highway 231 – This is the only interchange in our region in which an Interstate and U.S Highway intersects directly within our urban core. The current interchange serves approx. 190,000 vehicles per day through the center of the region. A corridor study has been completed showing all turning movements are at functional failure due to continued growth and the interchange not capable to safely and efficiently handing current traffic volumes. We are seeking funding in moving this project forward to design and construction.

■ Northern Bypass (SR 255) Extension from U.S. Highway 231/431 to Winchester Road (CR-65) – Project would provide extension of Northern Bypass (SR 255) for approximately three miles consisting of a new four lane divided limited access highway between Memorial Parkway (U.S. Highway 231/431) to Winchester Road (CR 65). This is an extension of SR255 that currently connects commuters from north Alabama and southern Tennessee directly to I-565 and Redstone Arsenal. An environmental document has been underway since 2011. Due to the extensive amount of time that has lapsed as a result of the process and funding, multiple residential and commercial developments continue to conflict with proposed route. Our focus is on completing the EA so we can separate the project

into phases to move forward on the next phase of the project that will connect the Northern Bypass (SR 255) to Winchester Road (CR 65) which is currently being widened to a five-lane roadway. Upon completion of this next phase, full connectivity via a bypass will be provided to the northern half of the City consisting of 18 miles of limited access highway between the eastern and western side of our region.

■ Redstone Arsenal East Connector – This roadway will provide direct access from I-565 to Redstone Arsenal Gate 10 at Patton Road which consists of 2.5 miles of new four-lane divided limited access highway. This project is needed to divert Interstate traffic directly to the eastern side of Redstone Arsenal for direct access to new jobs and buildings that are associated with existing and proposed employment centers for infrastructure on base. The corridor study is currently underway, and we are seeking funding to move the project towards design and construction.

■ U.S. Highway 72 West from Providence Main to County Line Road – This widening project improves overall traffic flow and provides critical capacity and safety improvements along this urban principal east-west arterial with average daily traffic volumes ranging near 50,000 vehicles per day. Highway 72 has become a major throughput and safety concern for the greater Huntsville community.

■ Madison Boulevard – Widen Madison Boulevard from four to six lanes from County Line Road east to Madison/Huntsville City limit, including drainage and landscape improvements and adding sidewalk.

■ I-565 Interchange near Zierdt Road, Hughes Road Extension and Auxiliary Lanes on I-565 – A 2015 Federal Interstate Justification Study showed that the proposed interchange would reduce traffic load at the Wall Triana Interchange by hundreds of cars per hour. Additionally, this locally funded new interchange will provide immediate and improved access to Zierdt Road from I-565 into Redstone Arsenal, which will allow the newly widened Zierdt Road to become a second major artery from I-565 into Redstone Arsenal’s Gate 7. The first phase of the interchange has been completed.

■ Resolute Way Interchange at I-565 – This new interchange would improve safety and efficiency directly west of the existing I-565 and Research Park Boulevard (SR 255) interchange that leads directly into Redstone Arsenal at Gate 9. This is a heavily traveled roadway with 75,000 vehicles per day connecting Redstone Arsenal to the Northern Bypass. A new interchange is needed to reduce congestion and improve safety at this location. An environmental assessment is currently being performed by Redstone Arsenal and we are seeking funds to move this project forward into design and construction to benefit the region.

■ Widening of Wall Triana Highway from Capshaw Road to Highway 72 West – This section of road is located within the city limits of Huntsville, Madison and the unincorporated area of Madison County and is a major north to south corridor.

■ 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 –Slaughter Road is a major north-south corridor

that traverses three jurisdictions: Huntsville, Madison, and Madison County. This road provides access from north Madison County to Madison, Huntsville, and Cummings Research Park.

■ Highway 53 Widening to the Tennessee State Line – This project has been on the ALDOT books for 25+ years. As growth in Northwest Madison County has continued, this road is becoming increasingly dangerous. What was once a sleepy agriculture community is now filled with vibrant subdivisions and retail.

■ Huntsville–Browns Ferry Road – Widen Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road from two to four lanes from Mooresville Road to County Line Road, including sidewalk/multi-use path on at least one side.

AIRPORT UAS/COUNTER UAS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

Critical Infrastructures as identified by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in and across the U.S. is confronted with nefarious drone activity with the potential of harmful disruption of U.S. Operations, Infrastructure and Commerce. Development of a UAS and Counter UAS Center of Excellence in Huntsville, Alabama including a critical urban operating area for the purpose of assessing UAS and Counter UAS detection, identification and mitigation technologies supporting DoD and DoJ local to Huntsville and supporting local emerging industry around Alabama and across the U.S. This is a partnership between the Huntsville International Airport (HSV), University of Alabama – Huntsville, and other regional aerospace companies.

National Impact: The center will focus on all aspects of solving and protecting the US, including policy development, regulations development, economics, analysis, workforce development, research, integration and testing of UAS and Counter UAS systems including Detection, Tracking and Identification and Mitigation (DTIM) Systems. The vision of the center is to emerge as the premiere center to secure America’s critical infrastructure such as airports, power plants, dams, neighborhoods, etc. from drone incursions. Therefore, the projected market for UAS (Drone) Detections and Mitigations Systems is over $2.3B per year by 2024.

Community Impact: The projection of this program is to create the opportunity for customers throughout the U.S. to utilize Huntsville for testing of critical technologies. Historically every dollar HSV has received in federal grant funds results in 4.5 times the grant amount in private capital investment at HSV.

Requested Action:

Support the request of $25M from DoD to fully fund and establish this Center of Excellence.

PILOT PROGRAM TO EMPOWER SMALL COMMUNITY AIRPORTS

The FAA severely limits an airport’s ability to make business decisions which are in the best interest of the local community. The FAA provides for less than 25 percent of the funding for airport capital improvements on an annual basis, but yet controls 100 percent of the airport’s activity. The FAA does not provide airports with general fund dollars, but rather all airport funding comes from users of the airport/aviation system. The FAA merely collects aviation taxes for redistribution to airports based on an

archaic formula system. The FAA would serve the airport/aviation community better by allowing airports to set rates, fees, and charges, including the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) based on individual airport needs and solely at the local level without any FAA interference. Airports face redundancy and overly burdensome compliance and regulations. The 20-page Grant Assurance document that Sponsors (airports) “must” accept in conjunction with accepting an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant currently requires airports to comply with over 56 different Federal Regulations, Executive Orders, and Federal Legislation. The majority of the Grant Assurance provisions are an overreach by the FAA to control airport activities for a small grant contribution. In addition, Public sponsors have more stringent requirements than Private Sponsors. Sponsors must also meet the requirements of a 691-page FAA Compliance Manual, a 318-page AIP Handbook, and a 183-page PFC Order, which are just a few examples that further support the fact that the FAA overregulates airports.

Requested Action:

It is requested that a pilot program be established where a limited number of small community airports that meet the criteria for a grant within the Small Community Air Service Development Program shall be deregulated economically, similar to airline deregulation in 1978, in order to achieve greater flexibility for small airports to meet the specific air service development needs of their local community. This would allow the selected small airports the ability to spend local airport revenues, without Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limitations, to implement programs and policies at the local level which could enhance air service for their community. The FAA should have no say in the leases, business practices or fund usage of an airport so long as the funds are used for the betterment of the airport, aviation system, or air service in their community, and there is no diversion of revenue for a non-airport related purpose. This would also demonstrate that airport deregulation would be a successful solution for airports to address their own issues such as reduced air service and high fares via proof of concept.

RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT OF PFAS

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires Part 139 certified airports to use firefighting foam containing PFAS. FAA cites the ability of PFAS-containing foams to quickly extinguish any fires, including those involving aviation fuel. Airports must continue to comply with the FAA mandate to use PFAS-based firefighting foam until the agency changes its directive. The aviation industry worked with the FAA on approaches to testing and training that greatly reduce the use of firefighting foam in non-emergency situations.

Requested Action:

Support the requirement for the federal government to be responsible for appropriate remediation and clean-up of all PFAS at all Part 139 Airports and provide airport immunity when the use of PFAS was mandated by the federal government.

FUNDING FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

The PFC cap has not been raised since 2000, when Congress raised the cap to $4.50. Since then, construction costs have risen more than 50 percent and severely eroded the purchasing power of PFCs. Past requests have implored that the cap be eliminated, or increased including a proposed Senate appropriations bill by the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Re-

lated Agencies Appropriations Act of 2018 (www .congress .gov/ bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1655). This bill, backed by Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Jack Reed, would have increased the cap on the airport passenger facility charge (PFC) from $4.50 per flight segment to $8.50. This would have restored the PFC’s lost purchasing power and would have allowed airports to set their own levels based on locally determined needs to ensure the continued safety, security, and modernization of their facilities. This bill would have provided greater flexibility for airports to make much needed capacity improvements. Airports across the country and organizations like Airports Council International-North America and the American Association of Airport Executives stand alongside numerous conservative organizations asking Congress to consider eliminating the PFC cap entirely or, raising the cap and adjusting it periodically for construction cost inflation. These same groups have written to confirm that the PFC is not a tax, but rather a user fee that directly funds infrastructure improvements at airports.

Community Impact: In north Alabama, at HSV specifically, we have immediate need for infrastructure investments to continue to meet the expected flow of passengers and goods due to portions of our terminal being between 30 and 50 years old. Finally, this impacts HSV because if large airports can take advantage of the PFC increase, they will forego entitlements (AIP) and thus more funds will be available in the small community discretionary fund for airports like HSV.

Requested Action:

Small communities around the country urge Congress to support infrastructure legislation that would increase the federal cap on local Passenger Facility Charges from $4.50 to $8.50 for origin and destination passengers only and to index for construction cost inflation. At a time when construction costs are increasing rapidly, eliminating the PFC cap would provide airports with the self-help they need to finance and complete critical infrastructure projects without relying on scarce federal funds.

SUPPORT DREAM CHASER PROJECT AT HUNTSVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Huntsville/Madison County is another step closer to landing a space vehicle at the Huntsville International Airport, which would make it the first commercial service airport to land a vehicle from space. Huntsville International Airport submitted the 433 Site Operator License Application in November of 2021 and Sierra Space is in the process of applying for the 450 license in early 2022 through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to land the Sierra Space Dream Chaser spacecraft on one of its commercial runways. This Phase II contract follows a Phase I contract completed in 2015 that examined the compatibility of SNC’s Dream Chaser with the existing runway and taxiway environments at the Airport. Landing the Dream Chaser spacecraft in Huntsville keeps our community at the forefront of economic development opportunities in the emerging commercial space industry. It is a logical fit for Huntsville considering proximity to industry, resources, and unmatched related experience. Teledyne Brown Engineering, the prime contractor, is part of the team leading the efforts to land the Dream Chaser as part of the NASA International Space Station (ISS) Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-2) contract as early as 2024 as a Proof-of-Concept Mission. In addition to this, Huntsville International Airport is submitting application to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) with hopes of being selected as the return runway for the UNOOSA Orbital Free-flying Space Mission.

Requested Action:

Continue to support the Dream Chaser project at Huntsville International Airport and specifically support HSV’s pursuit of a CRS-2 Dream Chaser Landing and the future application to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to be the return runway UNOOSA Orbital Free-flying Space Mission.

CRISIS GRANT FOR INTERNATIONAL INTERMODAL CENTER

The Port of Huntsville, Norfolk Southern Corporation, in partnership with Norfolk Southern, is seeking to support the economic growth of the port through a set of improvements that will enhance Norfolk Sothern’s service to the Port of Huntsville’s International Intermodal Center. These improvements, identified in Project Velocity, will result in increased rail fluidity and efficiency, Project Velocity incorporates four elements that will improve mainline rail service to the Port of Huntsville’s International Intermodal Center. The Elko Siding will be extended to 14,900 feet in order to accommodate longer intermodal trains and will include #15 power turnouts which will facilitate movements in and out of the siding. The yard track at Elko will also be extended to 10,600 feet and will be equipped with compressed air outlets to maintain train air brake pressure. Also, the mainline connection to the Madison Lead Track will be upgraded to include a #15 power turnout, which will facilitate higher-speed rail access to the Port of Huntsville. Lastly, Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) will be extended throughout the project area, which will allow through traffic to continue without stopping. Project Velocity will enhance the transportation infrastructure for companies and communities throughout the north Alabama and South Central Tennessee regions.

Requested Action:

Support request for $25.8M CRISIS grant for Project Velocity.

MUNICIPAL BONDS

The last several Congressional sessions have considered tampering with the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds, which has been in-place for over 100 years. In the 116th Congress, the House Ways and Means Committee considered a number of items impacting municipal bonds, including the reinstatement of tax-exempt advance refunding bonds and protecting Build America Bonds from federal budget sequestration. There were also some legislative vehicles debated, such as H.R. 3967, the Municipal Bond Market Support Act, which would have increased the small issuer exception from $10M to $30M in issuances per year.

Requested Action:

The Chamber supports enactment of legislation that protects the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds, reinstates advance refunding bonds, simplifies municipal bond private-use rules, and increases the current small-issuer exception limit from $10 M to $30 M. The Chamber also believes direct payment bonds could be a useful supplement to traditional tax-exempt financing, but Congress must first permanently prohibit the sequestration of payments to current issuers of direct payment bonds. While no current effort is underway to bolster or damage this important financing tool, the Chamber requests that our delegation continue to support sound legislation that will increase our state, county and city’s access to tax free bond issues, so that their match to federal dollars will go farther, and to support the restoration of advance refunding.

DIRECT PAYMENT OF REFUNDABLE TAX CREDITS

Since the 1970s, Congress has used federal tax incentives to encourage certain forms of energy investments in the U.S. In more recent years, Congress has expanded and extended such incentives to promote non-emitting energy resources to address climate change. Arguably, tax expenditures are the single most powerful federal tool used to incentivize wind, solar, geothermal, and nuclear power development in the U.S. However, most such incentives do not work for public power utilities, which are, as units of state and local government, exempt from federal taxation. The Chamber believes that if Congress has market-wide policy objectives, such as addressing climate change, then tax-based energy incentives should be drafted to accommodate tax-exempt entities, including municipal governments and municipal utilities. Congress is considering making such tax credits “refundable” beyond an owner’s tax liability; municipal governments and utilities should qualify for these credits.

Requested Action:

If it intends to create incentives in pursuit of national energy and climate goals, Congress should realize that tax-based incentives will not have the market-wide reach of direct grants and other incentives. Tax-based incentives should be drafted to accommodate tax-exempt entities, namely municipal governments and utilities, by including direct payment of refundable tax credits.

MISSILE & SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER (MSIC)

National Impact: Located at the Richard C. Shelby Center for Missile Intelligence on Redstone Arsenal, the Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) MSIC is one of our Nation’s premier scientific and technical intelligence organizations. MSIC is charged with analyzing and understanding the characteristics, performance, operations, and vulnerabilities of foreign threat anti-tank guided missiles, air defense systems, command and control, short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM), directed energy weapons, and counter space weapon systems. MSIC’s efforts are vital elements to bolster our Nation’s defense against these increasingly sophisticated, highly capable foreign threats especially as U.S. and allied systems responsively become more complex and increasingly interoperable in complex battlespace, joint and multi-domain (e.g., air-land-sea-space-cyber) operations. MSIC informs the complete spectrum of operations, from national security strategic to Warfighter unit tactical.

Building upon outstanding scientific and engineering skills and capabilities across the Huntsville region, MSIC has been a pioneer in the development of innovative technical and engineering solutions to continually advance broader national intelligence analysis capabilities. These in-depth and innovative skills such as advanced modeling and simulation (M&S) should continue to be leveraged to address additional key national priorities such as the rapidly growing offensive hypersonics and cyber threats. In addition to M&S, enabling engineering toolsets to better analyze and evaluate foreign materiel hardware is just as a critical factor in understanding the complete foreign threat system picture. The evolving sophistication of multi-domain battlespace operations demands advanced simulations be more collaboratively shared across intelligence production centers especially as technology and high-performance computing (HPC) power enables more seamless Integrated Threat Analysis Simulation Environments (ITASE).

MSIC dynamically connects across Team Redstone; from PEO Missiles and Space, PEO Aviation, MDA, Space and Missile Defense Command/ARSTRAT, Army Futures Command (AFC) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) as well as FBI. Needs exist to better synergize MSIC’s threat-based technical capabilities with AFC AvMC research and development. For example, MSIC’s advanced missile system modeling and simulation as well as hardware in the loop experience can significantly enhance AFC Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) AVMC as it works to define technology development priorities for U.S. Army requirements including the challenges of defining hypersonic vehicle performance capabilities to counter foreign threats. The MSIC-AFC AvMC offense-defense interaction research and analysis program should also be sustained and expanded upon. The program is also vital to understanding cyber threat characteristics and the development of responses to mitigate emerging cyber security and supply chain risk management threats.

To keep pace with rapidly evolving global threats, MSIC must expand its own ability to capture, analyze, report and securely disseminate intelligence information and reports thru improvements to its MSIC Knowledge Base (MKB). This includes improving ways of digitizing information, cataloguing data, maximizing query discoverability and usability of information as an intelligence enterprise secured, shared resource at any optimal point of end-user need.

MSIC must also expand its physical facilities to support increased demand for cyber related lab space, high performance computing requirements, and foreign materiel exploitation project activities. As worldwide missile and air breathing threats increase in technical capabilities and inventory levels, the threats become more challenging to U.S. and allied warfighters. MSIC therefore must have the critical human, financial, physical, and facility resources necessary to sustain and expand its mission to support the acquisition community, national policy makers, and the air-sea-land and cyberspace operations of the combatant commands.

Community Impact: Employing about 400 government personnel and approximately 300 contractors, MSIC will continue to significantly contribute to our nation’s defense. The local economic impact from MSIC will be enhanced by ensuring funding supports robust analysis of the growing air defense, SRBM, counter space, hypersonic and cyber threats.

Requested Action:

Increase FY22 MSIC funding over president’s budget request to provide increased support for MSIC intelligence analysis program with emphasis on developing tools and methodologies to address threat Integrated Kill Webs and weapon autonomy, including enhancements for offensive hypersonics technology threat M&S, lab space facility expansion, as well as the cyber security offense-defense integration program and facility/lab space for HPC and foreign materiel exploitation

CYBER

National Impact: Redstone Arsenal and the Tennessee Valley are recognized nationwide as a federal center of excellence for mission assurance, as well as cyber security research, development, and engineering programs and related policy. The established capabilities continue to advance and are far reaching. The growth in protecting the complexity of the defense and organic industrial base, strategic supply chains, financial markets and intellectual property has extended into the space and cyberspace domains. This will re-

quire the development of a high quality, innovative workforce and continued discovery and creation of opportunities for collaboration among government and private organizations. A growing FBI presence brings new opportunities for Redstone Arsenal tenants and industry partners to collaborate in the development of policy and programs that protect our mission systems, supply chain and critical infrastructure. In addition, the growing reliance of our Nation’s defense and commerce to operate from space requires that we ensure our space-based assets are cyber resilient. Our community’s space development capabilities combined with our growing cyber expertise uniquely qualify our region to lead in space-oriented cyber resilience. Our cyber workforce must grow both in capacity and capability to satisfy existing and growing cyber workforce demands. Government and industry must create new forums and communities of interest research and advocate for technical solutions as well as the necessary and adequate policy required for the creation and implementation of new capabilities.

Community Impact: The Tennessee Valley continues to define steps toward generating an advanced workforce pipeline to develop, attract and retain a broad range of technical and management professionals focused on cyber security and mission systems assurance. Huntsville and the surrounding Tennessee Valley will promote progressive, complementary initiatives established at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the Alabama School for Cyber Technology & Engineering, and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s U.S. Cyber Camp. These initiatives define the framework for a progressive path to develop desperately needed technicians, managers, and policy developers.

Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal are in a unique position to exercise and operationalize the entire cyber ecosystem, from education and training for the next generation of cyber and STEM professionals, to ensuring the right skilled workforce, to safeguarding and developing cyber-enabled capabilities for national and economic security. With the additional funding that is being requested, measurable progress can be made to shape and realize the capabilities and the workforce that will be required in the future.

Requested Actions:

■ Increase PEO Missiles & Space and PEO Aviation funding to defend weapons systems against cyberattacks, integrate cyber policy and programmatic capabilities in the acquisition lifecycle, and protect the industrial base and supply chain. Each of the listed requirements should leverage the use of data, advanced analytics, and automation to ensure long term program scale and affordability. NDAA 831, 224, 845, 1637, (Secs. 1648, 1657, & 6307)

■ Support the creation of a policy, program and integration think tank to support Supply Chain and Counterintelligence Risk Management Task Force (Sec. 6306). “The NDAA orders the Director of National Intelligence to establish a Supply Chain and Counterintelligence Risk Management Task Force to standardize information sharing between the Intelligence Community and the government’s acquisition personnel with respect to supply chain and counterintelligence risks. The task force must deliver an annual report to several congressional committees.” Also supports Sec 831 The NDAA directs the Acquisition Executive for each military service to recommend to the Secretary of Defense at least one major weapon systems acquisition program for a pilot program focused on streamlining the entire milestone decision process for

major weapons acquisition programs. The results of the pilot program will be evaluated and reported for potential wider use in those very large procurements.

■ Initiate STEM-Outreach funding to support the development of curriculum for the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering. Acknowledging the national need for STEM education, the U.S. Congress in NDAA 2020, Section 512, authorized inclusion of STEM courses of instruction or activities for JROTC. Under the ASA, M&RA, and in partnership with Army Cyber Command, Cadet Command, TRADOC, academia, and national defense agencies, the JROTC Cyber Pilot Program will modernize and complement the traditional JROTC curriculum with innovative curriculum designed to prepare a new generation of cyber professionals entering the civilian workforce, military or post-secondary education.

■ Sustain and increase funding for the National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education program which supports UAH and 8 other Alabama colleges and universities.

■ Support specific Tennessee Valley-based multiagency collaboration (DoD, DOJ, NASA) efforts in applied artificial intelligence capabilities that include cyber domain capabilities such as enhanced cyber threat intelligence and automated cyber detection and response.

■ Increase MDA funding for prototype development and pilot implementation of space-based cyber reconnaissance and assessment capability to meet requirements in FY22 NDAA Section 1510 to “assess current and emerging offensive cyber posture of U.S. adversaries” and develop defensive cyber capability to defend against state-sponsored threats which should include the critical space domain.

■ Increase funding to FBI in support of the National Defense Cyber Alliance (NDCA) program to develop automated solutions that will enable the efficient integration of open source cyber threat intelligence as a component of defense industrial base cyber risk monitoring as required in FY22 NDAA Section 1548

■ Increase funding to the Army Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO) to enable acquisition, development, and deployment of capabilities to identify, analyze, and assess comprehensive cyber-attack surfaces of critical weapons programs, operational technologies, and critical infrastructure platforms. Each capability should leverage the use of data, advanced analytics, and automation to ensure long term program scale and affordability. FY22 NDAA 1548, 1509, 1502

■ Provide funding to Army Materiel Command (AMC), Strategic Missile Defense Command, and Combat Capabilities and Development Command to support the design, development, testing, and deployment of an Operational Technology Security Operations Center “as a Service” (SOCaas) capability to consolidate data across their installation portfolio as required in FY22 NDAA Section 1521, 1527 under the Cyber Data Management provision and enable the ability to continuously monitor and detect cybersecurity risks for our nationals most critical infrastructure entities (FY22 NDAA Sec 1548)

■ Increase funding to the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) for analytics, development, science & technology, cyber, and modernization in support of FY22 NDAA Sec. 211 “Codification of National Defense Science and Technology

Strategy”. Specifically, AvMC requires additional funding to transform its operations, research, engineering, development, and test capabilities to address the U.S. Army aviation and missile community’s challenges in Supply Chain (FY22 NDAA Sec 841 & 844), Zero Trust (FY22 NDAA Sec. 1528), Cloud (FY22 NDAA Sec. 1531), and other modernization efforts. AvMC abilities to continue to support the Army’s strategy is at risk of lagging unless it’s infrastructure, capabilities, and facilities are positioned to anticipate future requirements.

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 to 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 critical modernized weapon systems 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, MDA, 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.

FBI CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AT REDSTONE ARSENAL

Over the past several years, the FBI has focused its construction efforts at the Redstone Arsenal on the North Campus. While the FBI anticipates continuing construction over the next five-plus years, one of the FBI’s largest facilities, the Operations Building, will be operational by the end of summer 2022. This building will accommodate approximately 1,300 personnel from nearly a dozen Headquarters divisions. The facility includes multi-purpose space to support conferences and training efforts as well as a parking garage. Additional key construction projects that will be operational in 2022 include a technology-focused building (Tech 1) that will bring together enterprise security and network operations, and a commons building that will provide campus amenities that support fitness-for-duty requirements, including a gym, employee resources, and a pavilion.

This year, the FBI opened two other critical facilities – A Weapons Management Facility and an Explosives Technical Laboratory. The Weapons Management Facility is responsible for the administration and sustainment of the FBI’s weapons, ammunition, and ballistic protective armor. In line with the FBI’s Counter-IED Center of Excellence, the FBI completed construction on the Explosives Technical Laboratory building for the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC). As mentioned in previous updates, the FBI’s TEDAC, which conducts forensic and technical exploitation of IEDs and related material, has transferred its operations from Quantico, Virginia, to a world class facility at the Redstone Arsenal. The completion of this facility marks a milestone over a decade in the making, as it will enable the entire program to be collocated in one site. Going forward, the FBI is focusing future investments on enterprise and applied technology as well as advanced and specialized training. A large part of the FBI’s Huntsville expansion strategy is centered on how the FBI can best position itself to manage and apply an increasingly broad range of technology throughout the next decade and beyond. The FBI at Redstone is at the center of that effort. With this theme in mind, the newest and most notable building on the North Campus will be the Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art, 250,000 square foot facility, which will bring multiple technology-focused divisions together to train, conduct cyber threat intelligence analysis and data analytics, and target rapidly changing technological threats. The Innovation Center will house over 300 employees, including FBI personnel and partners, and will have the capacity to accommodate up to 400 trainees at a time. The facility will include a Kinetic Cyber Range, a virtual reality classroom, multi-purpose classrooms with enhanced audio/visual capabilities, labs, and workspaces. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Innovation Center took place on June 29, 2021; the facility is scheduled to open in the spring of 2024.

The FBI is grateful to Sen. Richard Shelby for his continued support for the growth of the FBI on the Redstone Arsenal and the FBI applauds his success in advancing this effort.

BROADBAND, “LAST MILE AND MIDDLE MILE,” & COMMUNICATIONS SPECTRUM

Huntsville and north Alabama rely on a highly technical and diverse workforce, which requires broadband access throughout the commuting area. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in 2021, invests more than $1T into National Infrastructure. Specifically, $65B was set-aside as grants to states for broadband deployment and other efforts to close the digital divide. The legislation expands eligible private activity bond projects to include broadband infrastructure. We believe the broadband, while designed for 19 million Americans to access high-speed internet directly, benefits the north Alabama region by increasing both data and telecommunications access. Upgrading and further developing broadband in the N. Alabama area will provide access to the highest levels of professional and technical workforce. From the bill, “As business efficiency and worker productivity improve, so will wages.”

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber supports broadband policies that promote: (1) increased access to affordable broadband for all Alabamians, (2) the efficient deployment of advanced technologies, including small cells and 5G, while also recognizing local authorities to manage the rights of way consistent with local character and existing law, (3) continued investment and innovation to enhance deployment across Alabama, and (4) competition and choice for Alabama’s businesses and residents.

Community Impact: Broadband, consisting of wired and radiofrequency (RF) transmission, plus the networking infrastructure, is the direct impact envisioned by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With Redstone Arsenal as the economic center of greater Huntsville area, improving high-speed data and telecommunications access benefits all communities in the region. The nearly two-year reliance on virtual work, education, and social services continues to place greater demands on individuals, families, workers, and social supporters across the region.

The Huntsville area should continue to lead the state by deploying broadband and telecommunications as envisioned by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Of particular interest is the integrated reliance on high-speed internet and broadband for federal and state critical infrastructure such as power generation, dams, and waterways. Additionally, we support investment in “middle-mile” network development which bridges the network backbone to households and businesses. Additional technology which is also a national priority is the further development of 5G cellular.

Requested Actions:

■ Alabama delegation continued interest in the Administration allocation of funding for broadband into the N. Alabama region. Proportionate investment in N. Alabama to enable the goals and objectives of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

■ Direct engagement with Federal agencies such as the Department of Transportation, FCC, NTIA and Commerce toward timely and efficient allocation of FY21 funding which was enacted in August 2021 and IIJA, which was enacted in Nov. 2021 with $65B in Broadband.

MEDICARE WAGE INDEX – HEALTHCARE

Nearly one million Alabama residents rely on Medicare for health insurance, with the State’s ninety-two hospitals providing both the infrastructure and safety net for their healthcare. Medicare pays hospitals for this care through a complicated formula that relies in large part on a “wage index” that has long-ago lost its ability to fairly allocated Medicare dollars.

The wage index is part of a formula used nationwide to determine how much a hospital is paid for providing care to Medicare patients. The original intent was to provide Medicare payments to hospitals based on market-to-market differences in labor costs nationwide. The wage index formula is budget neutral, meaning when wages of hospitals go up in one part of the country, payments in these hospitals increase and payments to hospitals in other areas decrease. While the goal of the original wage index was to reflect variations in the country’s labor markets, the formula has been manipulated. The system now includes a multitude of exceptions and political fixes and is no longer a true representation of labor markets. Beyond political manipulation, since the wage index formula is budget neutral, a self-perpetuating cycle develops for states like Alabama. As a state like California receives higher payments, those hospitals have more resources to increase wages, driving their wage index higher and rural states’ wage index lower. After years of manipulation and this cycle of the rich getting richer, hospitals in some states are paid nearly twice as much as Alabama hospitals for providing the exact same care to a Medicare patient. While a partial fix was implemented in 2019 – providing hospitals in the lowest quartile an increase of half the difference between their wage index and the 25th percentile – the underlying formula remains fundamentally flawed and further rule changes are necessary to close the large gap between urban and rural providers.

Forty percent of all hospital care in Alabama is covered by Medicare, so for every dollar lost to another state in reduced Medicare payments, the cost is spread to patients who have private insurance. Hospitals in high cost markets are rewarded, while cost efficient markets like Alabama are penalized.

Requested Action:

Support actions to recalculate the wage index formula to remove inherent inequalities and to provide reasonable payments to all hospitals for services provided. The formula should be reset to avoid manipulation, set a range on payments to avoid a negative self-perpetuating cycle, and to establish a reasonable floor that rewards efficient providers.

REGIONAL ENERGY INNOVATION

The Huntsville community continues to invest considerable time and effort to promote energy market economic development, and assess emerging opportunities in the area with TVA, DoD, DoE, ADECA, TARCOG, the Business Council of Alabama and the Energy Institute of Alabama. The Mayor’s office, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, UAH, Redstone Arsenal, Army Corps of Engineers, MSFC, AMCOM, CCDC, Oak Ridge-Huntsville Partnership, the TVC, TechRich, BizTech, Huntsville Utilities, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC), Seven States Power Corporation, and TVA work continuously to frame candidate energy projects and activities that would reduce community and DoD energy consumption, reduce logistics requirements in the field,

improve resiliency and redundancy through integrated “smart” technologies, and provide low-cost renewable power production capabilities at installations including Redstone, the USSRC, Huntsville Utilities, BizTech and other eligible sites in the region. A significant ongoing activity is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntsville Center continuing to execute important contracting efforts for renewable energy generation, management, and control systems.

Community Impact: Emerging energy technology companies and their solution systems, along with DoD and commercial applications, represent a promising opportunity to diversify and grow the region’s economy in the energy sector. Huntsville energy interests collaborate on opportunities to apply critical systems R&T and testing skills to new Huntsville projects, such as the use of fuel cells in UAVs, biofuels in the Army fleet, the validation of renewable energy power production systems, energy storage, distributed energy resources (DER) like small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), transportation (electric vehicles), combined heat and power (CoGen) facilities, renewable energy resources and other portable power systems for the warfighter in support of the U.S. Army. The community also sees this as a way to spawn new commercial applications, and to further solidify Huntsville’s image and reputation as a provider of innovative and leading edge “smart” technical energy solutions.

Requested Actions:

■ Support innovative energy pilot projects at Redstone, MSFC, the FBI, and the USSRC that align with the area’s power generation and monitoring requirements to include feasibility analysis.

■ Support the provisions of the Military Energy Security Act in establishing collaborative DoD, DoT, and DoE Pilot Programs such as EVs, DER, and SMRs.

■ Support DoD and DoE energy initiatives and proposals that enable technologies, such as SMRs, renewables, energy storage, alternative fuel development, and other opportunities developed in the broader Tennessee Valley region to compete for funding via budget measures and incentives.

■ Support policy and community initiatives that reduce barriers and enable businesses to take advantage of cost-effective energy efficiency, distributed resources, and renewable energy programs.

THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) serves 510,000 households and 102,000 commercial and industrial customers through local power distributors in 17 Alabama counties. TVA’s contribution in economic development and stewardship of the Tennessee River has made a considerable impact in Alabama for more than 80 years. TVA’s Alabama footprint is second only to Tennessee in value of assets, transmission load and revenue at $1.5B, which is 14 percent of TVA’s total operating revenue.

The TVA Board is challenged by not having a full complement of 9 appointed members. Currently, there are only five of the nine TVA Board positions filled, and the terms of two additional directors will expire on May 18, 2022. A full contingent of TVA Directors is needed to ensure the continued success of TVA in fulfilling its mission. Given Alabama’s stake in the success of TVA, it is crucial and warranted that Alabama is represented on the TVA Board of Directors. Presently, it is not.

Requested Action:

We urgently request that the pending open TVA board positions be filled as soon as possible and that at least two TVA Directors be selected from Alabama.

PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE, MISSILES & SPACE (PEO MS)

National Impact: To succeed in large-scale combat operations, U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Forces must execute three essential tasks across Multi-Domains (land, sea, air, space, and cyber). Initially, fixed assets, semi-fixed assets, and maneuvering forces must be protected. Secondly, critical theater and operational support areas must be defended. Lastly, combat capabilities must converge at critical points in the battlespace to exploit windows of opportunity. To provide warfighters with the integrated offensive and defensive fires needed to win in large-sale combat operations, PEO MS streamlined its organization and acquisition processes. Of the Army’s 31+4 modernization programs, PEO MS manages five: Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD), Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC), and the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS). These critical modernization programs will increase warfighter lethality and enhance force protection throughout the Multi-Domain battlespace.

Community Impact: The PEO MS team of more than 2,400 dedicated professionals work in collaboration with the Army Futures Command, Cross Functional Teams, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Centers of Excellence, other military organizations, sister services, and the defense industry to pursue opportunities for combined research and development on emerging technologies and modernization of fielded systems, which support thousands of jobs in the Huntsville area.

Requested Actions:

Fully fund the President’s budget request for the Army’s Long Range Precision Fires and Air and Missile Defense modernization priorities.

INTEGRATED AIR MISSILE DEFENSE BATTLE COMMAND SYSTEM (IBCS)

National Impact: The Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS) provides a cohesive command and control (C2) system integrating sensors and shooters. Its open-architecture integrates legacy and developmental weapons providing a Single Integrated Air Picture and common mission command system increasing the battlespace and decision time. IBCS enables extended range and non-line-of-sight engagements across the full spectrum of combat operations and the Integrated Fire Control Network (IFCN) improves the AMD community’s ability to fight and survive in denied operational environments. During the recent Limited User Test (LUT), IBCS successfully engaged multiple targets by fusing data from multiple sensors demonstrating the ability to maintain continuous custody of targets, despite operating in contested-environment conditions. This recent success led to award of lowrate initial production/ Full-rate production contract in December 2021 initiating execution of an Operational Test Campaign in 2022.

Community Impact: Huntsville is the birthplace of IBCS. The program supports 600+ jobs in the north Alabama area.

Requested Action:

Support the President’s Budget request for IBCS that will allow us to fight and win in Multi-Domain environments. Full funding will maintain over 600 hundred jobs in Huntsville.

PRECISION STRIKE MISSILE (PRSM)

National Impact: Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) is the Army’s number 1 priority and a critical enabler in the Army’s ability to penetrate and neutralize enemy Anti-Access and Area Denial (A2/ AD) capabilities. PrSM is the Army’s next-generation, long-range precision-strike missile with enhanced capabilities to attack, neutralize, suppress and destroy time sensitive enemy point and area targets out to 499+ kilometers. This extended range capability provides commanders the operational flexibility to penetrate, exploit, disintegrate, and dominate enemy A2/AD, which is critical in the execution of Multi-Domain Operations. PrSM conducted a series of successful flight tests using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher and received a successful Milestone B in FY21. The PEO MS team partners with the LRPF Cross Functional Team (CFT) and the DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center to develop and deliver Science and Technology solutions that will provide incremental capability improvements over time.

Community Impact: The PrSM developmental program locally supports the employment of hundreds of Government and support contractor personnel in north Alabama.

Requested Action:

Support the President’s Budget request for PrSM to deliver a capability that significantly increases our tactical ground-toground missile ranges and that will allow us to fight and win in a Multi-Domain environment. Full funding will maintain hundreds of jobs in Huntsville.

MANEUVER, SHORT-RANGE AIR DEFENSE (M-SHORAD)

National Impact: M-SHORAD is an urgent acquisition program to deliver a near term defensive capability to the maneuver force by providing air defense protection to counter a wide range of air threats allowing the commander freedom of maneuver. To meet the immediate needs of the maneuver force, PEO MS is outfitting Stryker vehicles with a mission equipment package that includes a 30 mm cannon and the Stinger missile system. M-SHORAD is a highly maneuverable and survivable platform operating within Stryker and Armored Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) providing needed protection against unmanned aircraft systems, rotary-wing, and residual fixed-wing threats. Future variants may include technology insertions such as Directed Energy that provides a capability against Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar.

Community Impact: The program supports hundreds of jobs in the north Alabama area.

Requested Action:

Support the President’s M-SHORAD Budget request to deliver the maneuver forces protection against enemy air assets. Full funding will maintain hundreds of jobs in Huntsville.

INDIRECT FIRE PROTECTION CAPABILITY INCREMENT 2 (IFPC INC. 2)

National Impact: IFPC Inc. 2 bridges the gap between current short range and high altitude air missile defense systems and is a

key component of the Army’s integrated air and missile defense architecture. A mobile, ground-based weapon system providing 360-degree protection that simultaneously engages threats from different azimuths and is designed to defeat unmanned aircraft systems and cruise missiles. IFPC is an integral part of tiered and layered air and missile defense that will use IBCS as its mission command.

Community Impact: The program supports hundreds of jobs in the north Alabama area with the Prime Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) based out of Huntsville.

Requested Action:

Support the President’s Budget request for IFPC to address the gap between short range and high altitude defense. Full funding will maintain hundreds of jobs in Huntsville.

LOWER TIER AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE SENSOR (LTAMDS)

National Impact: LTAMDS is a radar with 360-degree coverage that provides a significant operational advantage to the maneuver force by improving the ability to counter complex integrated attack and advanced electronic threats. LTAMDS is an Integrated Air and Missile Defense sensor supporting the Army IAMD System-of-Systems (SOS). The execution of 360-degree engagements supports the full engagement capability of the PATRIOT family of interceptors to defeat threats, address known capability gaps, and provides target track data that other components of the AIAMD SOS architecture will leverage. The system is designed to detect advanced and next-generation threats including hypersonic weapons. LTAMDS supports increased search volume results in a smaller force package requiring less logistical support while providing essential operational capabilities.

Community Impact: The program supports more than 150 jobs in the north Alabama area.

Requested Action:

Support the President’s LTAMDS Budget request that will allow this critical capability to field to U.S. Soldiers in accordance with the NDAA.

PHASED ARRAY TRACKING TO INTERCEPT OF TARGET (PATRIOT)

National Impact: PATRIOT is the most successful and effective air and missile defense capability currently employed by U.S. forces and fifteen (15) allied partners. U.S. Army estimates indicate that the PATRIOT will provide critical Air and Missile Defense capability to our Joint forces to 2030 and beyond. The PATRIOT capability will evolve as integrated radars, launchers, and interceptors within the AIAMD system starting in 2022. The PATRIOT system is a component of MDA’s Ballistic Missile Defense System. MDA, PEO MS, and the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command successfully conducted tests to validate the interoperability of PATRIOT and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system. The test was successful and met the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements to test the interoperability and integration of PATRIOT and THAAD annually.

Community Impact: Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal are PATRIOT’s birthplace and home. Hundreds of civilian and government jobs in the Huntsville area are critical to the PATRIOT program. All program actions for U.S. Military and Foreign Military Sales (FMS)

are processed through the U.S. Army Contracting Command –Redstone Arsenal.

Requested Actions:

Support President’s Budget Request. Advocate for continued efforts to support international sales.

PROJECT CONVERGENCE, SURVIVABILITY & RESILIENCY EXERCISE (SUREX)

National Impact: One of the tenants of Multi-Domain Operations is convergence – the ability to integrate effects across all warfighting domains. The Army Futures Command (AFC) implemented Project Convergence, a structured series of demonstrations that will consist of Joint Multi-Domain operational environments, where the Army will demonstrate artificial intelligence and networked lethality technologies that augment human sensing and decision making to improve the warfighter’s lethality and the pace of battle. The PEO MS team is coordinating with the AFC for opportunities for systems to participate in Project Convergence 22 and 23 to demonstrate Joint Multi-Domain operational capabilities. The PEO MS Survivability and Resiliency Exercises (SuREX) provides the hostile test environment needed to assess and improve the survivability of these operational capabilities. SuREX is unique in that it helps reduce the risk between developmental and operational test for multiple systems from a cyber-electromagnetic activity (CEMA) purview. This exercise provides PEO MS the ability to evaluate future requirements based on an evolving threat at the speed of relevance. SuREX helps planning, executing, and reporting early in the systems engineering development cycle, which captures data used to influence design configuration and procedural survivability / resiliency changes prior to entering operational testing. Resulting in a reduction of life cycle sustainment costs.

Community Impact: The program supports hundreds of jobs in the north Alabama area.

Requested Action:

Support PEO MS funding to protect weapons systems against CEMA threats in support of cyber policy and programmatic capabilities in the acquisition lifecycle. The return on investment for SuReX greatly exceeds the annual investment through economy of scale, cost avoidance, and increased survivability of our weapon systems in denied environment.

CHILDCARE

National Impact: When COVID hit, childcare programs shut down or reduced capacity dramatically, leaving working parents with hard choices and employers without reliable staff. This spotlighted the reality that access to affordable, quality childcare is a challenge for working parents across the country. This was identified as a national challenge in the proposed Build Back Better legislation that was not passed by Congress, but addressing childcare still requires attention at federal and state levels.

Community Impact: While affordable, quality childcare is an issue across the country, childcare demand exceeds supply by nearly 50 percent in north Alabama, making this is a critical workforce need. Data shows that women and minorities are most impacted by the childcare shortage, making this a significant focus for equity, as well.

Requested Action:

We support efforts to build a strong, stable childcare system that meets the needs of families, providers, and employers. We also support tax credits for parents, childcare programs and their staff, and businesses that provide childcare benefits to their employees.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

National Impact: Labor force participation rates across the country remain below pre-pandemic rates. Identifying opportunities to train unemployed and underemployed workers, while also removing barriers to employment remains critical to our continued economic recovery and growth.

Community Impact: Alabama’s labor force participation rate is one of the lowest in the country. While our region continues to attract new talent to north Alabama, it is critical that those who are eligible to participate in the workforce do so to ensure our community’s continued success.

Requested Action:

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) will be submitting a Good Jobs Challenge application through the Economic Development Administration to train workers in key sectors of aerospace, defense, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing, and to minimize barriers to employment for those seeking opportunities. We request support for the ACCS application.

225 CHURCH STREET NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35801 256-535-2000 HSVCHAMBER.ORG

For more information, please contact:

Mike Ward, CCE, IOM Senior Vice President, Government & Public Affairs

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

256-535-2030

mward@hsvchamber .org