Federal Agenda 2024
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER, ALABAMA
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ALABAMA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND THEIR STAFF:
Thank you to the members of the Alabama Congressional delegation for your leadership on the issues that are critical to secure the United States’ role as a global leader in space exploration and national defense, especially those issues affecting the Huntsville/Madison County region. With your support, our region continues to prosper as a science and technology powerhouse.
Our federally focused business community functions best with predictable and dependable funding for federal programs. As such, we urge congress to vigorously support timely passage of appropriation bills to avoid the detrimental impacts of continuing resolution on federal programs and the north Alabama economy; to continue efforts to increase overall funding for science and technology and advanced research and development for defense, justice, and aerospace programs; and to continue implementation of a fiscally responsible and transparent method of congressionally directed appropriations (earmarks) to maximize benefit to the north Alabama economy.
Ongoing partnerships between the companies in north Alabama and the federal organizations are critical to the economic health of the region and are dependent on the timely and efficient contractual operations that facilitate these partnerships. Recent interpretation and implementation guidance of 10 U.S.C. § 3133 limits contract flexibility required to effectively execute RDTE funded activities. As such, we urge Congress to explore the rational for this recent change of opinion to ensure congressional intent of statutory authority granted is being met.
The health of the north Alabama economy and future growth of this region are dependent on the continued health of the federal organizations resident on Redstone Arsenal and the advancement of the programs under their purview. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has a recognized 6 0 -year heritage in human spaceflight and exploration and remains a foundational pillar to the north Alabama economy through its investments in RDTE and production activities associated with several programs critical to our nations worldwide leadership in Space. Similarly, Army procurement organizations (PEO Aviation and PEO Missiles & Space) have oversight of critical Army modernization programs that will ensure U.S. leadership in rotary wing and unmanned aviation and air and missile defense, respectively. Some of the Nation’s leading RDT&E organizations are also resident on Redstone Arsenal and are working to advance the state of the art in unmanned systems, rotary wing aviation, directed energy and many other disciplines. Huntsville’s HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology leads the world in bioscience research and development and has secured north Alabama as an incubator of innovation in this evolving field. We offer comprehensive insight into the key programs requiring congressional attention and recommendations on how Congress might weigh in to ensure advancement of these programs.
As our lives – and the world in general – become more digitally dependent, cybersecurity and resilience lies at the heart of U.S. weapon system effectiveness, infrastructure integrity, and personal vulnerability. We offer a comprehensive look at cybersecurity threats and proposed congressional support actions in the Chamber’s Issues Book , which accompanies this Federal Agenda. This input describes key cyber resilience efforts on U.S. Army weapons platforms being performed at Redstone Arsenal with our regional industry partners. These requirements cross all platforms, commands, and federal agencies. Fortunately, Huntsville and Redstone offer a robust approach to address these concerns, starting with programs at our Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) and U.S Cyber Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, through partnerships with local universities, local industry, and extensive interaction with Redstone tenants including AMC, PEO Missiles & Space, PEO Aviation, the Futures Command’s Aviation & Missile Center, the Army’s Space & Missile Defense Command, the Missile Defense Agency, NASA, and the FBI.
The continued growth of Huntsville and Madison County necessitates significant investments in our road infrastructure . While the area’s issues with traffic remain far below the levels experienced by other growing cities in the southeastern region, major upgrades to federal routes in the area will be necessary to keep the flow of traffic manageable for local commuters, including the many thousands of workers who drive to Redstone Arsenal each day. Local leaders are entering into an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to expedite the construction of seven major projects, all of which involve or connect to federal highways and interstates. Every effort made by our congressional delegation to help procure funds for these projects will improve the lives of citizens across north Alabama.
We greatly appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Alabama Congressional Delegation to defend the Air Force criteria-based selection of Redstone as the preferred site for SPACECOM and any investigations related to that decision being politically changed.
This Agenda summarizes the most critical federal issues facing our region. Additional information regarding these issues and a number of other important federal programs and issues that have significant local and national impact is included in an accompanying Issues Book .
THANK
FEDERAL BUDGET
Our federally focused business community functions best with predictable and dependable funding for federal programs. We recognize that the delegation will be working through numerous complex budget issues in the coming years, including how to manage the debt limit, how to reduce the federal deficit, and how to ensure fiscal responsibility in the expectation of limited tax revenue. As the delegation knows, an extended government shutdown would have detrimental consequences to the north Alabama economy. To that extent possible, 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 inflation-adjusted funding on necessary programs and continue full funding for our Nation’s space exploration programs and defense programs, especially U.S. Army modernization programs. We urge Congress to continue its efforts to increase, across the board, overall funding for science and technology and advanced research and development for, defense, justice, and aerospace programs. Implementing a responsible and transparent method of Congressionally directed appropriations (earmarks), would restore the Constitutional “power of the purse,” bring more lawmakers to the negotiating table, and make federal spending more responsive to the taxpayers’ needs.
FEDERAL CONTRACTING POLICY
Federal statute 10 U.S.C. § 3133 (formerly 2410a) is an exception to the “Bona Fide Needs Rule” which provides statutory authority for DoD activities to fund severable service contracts with periods of performance that cross from one FY to the next. The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller)(ASA(FM&C)), in coordination with the Army Office of General Counsel (Army OGC), has advised the AMC Command Counsel’s Office and, in turn, the AMC Legal Center-Redstone Arsenal, that it interprets 10 U.S.C. § 3133 to NOT apply in situations where “multiple-year appropriations” (such as RDTE, procurement, and construction) are used. Preponderance of AvMC funded contract activities utilize multiple-year appropriations, specifically RDTE. Recent interpretation and implementation guidance of 10 U.S.C. § 3133 limits contract flexibility required to effectively execute RDTE funded activities. Request this recent change of opinion be reviewed to ensure congressional intent of statutory authority granted is being met.
U.S. HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT & EXPLORATION POLICY
NASA’s 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. Marshall 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 Marshall, with a statewide economic impact of $8.3B and 41,000 jobs. Marshall’s programs impact almost every state in the Nation contributing to NASA”s nationwide impact of 340,000 jobs and $71B to the U.S. economy.
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS)
• SLS successfully launched a human-rated spacecraft to deep space
for the first time in 50 years and set a distance record for human exploration in the process. Ensure SLS funding continues at a level to support completion of the Exploration Upper Stage development to increase SLS performance to 43 MT to Trans-Lunar Injection (130 MT to low-Earth orbit); support Artemis 2–5 missions with SLS block 1B ready for launch by 2026 and sustain a cadence of once per year thereafter; preserve SLS block 2 development by supporting booster obsolescence available by Artemis 9.
• SLS and Orion represent an on-going 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
• Renew science and national security missions that can benefit from SLS’s 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 sustainability and stability in the evolution of SLS from a development program to a more affordable and sustainable long-term operations program, managed by Marshall, to enable more robust exploration, national security, and scientific payload architectures.
HUMAN LANDING SYSTEM AND SUSTAINING LUNAR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (HLS/SLD)
• Ensure sustained funding for the development and demonstration of two crewed lunar lander systems for Artemis through the Human Landing System and Sustaining Lunar Development program.
• Ensure lunar mission sustainability through support for HLS cargo capability development.
• Ensure HLS synergy through support for Marshall-led development and partnerships for medium cargo surface landers utilizing Marshall lander expertise.
MOON TO MARS (M2M) SYSTEMS
As Marshall transitions SLS to operations, this talented workforce can be applied to new Moon-to-Mars (M2M) Program activities. Support Marshall’s role through the following initiatives:
• Habitation Systems Program Office – This program will develop the required habitation systems for the M2M Program. The program office will develop the technologies and systems that support a sustained presence on the lunar surface and safely transport humans to Mars. Advanced environmental control and life support systems is a key piece for the future.
• Mars Ascent Vehicle – Continue to support Marshall’s lead role working on the Mars Sample Return Mission
• M2M Logistics Program Office – Sustainable deep space exploration will require groundbreaking logistics planning and placement of inventory and maintenance for the Artemis campaign. This program will develop systems for surface placement, pre-positioning of assets, docking, tunneling, integration planning, and cargo return systems, including large cargo return.
• Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) Program Office – Support the establishment of the SNP program office at Marshall to include the development of enabling the design and development of nuclear-based transportation (nuclear electric propulsion and nuclear thermal propulsion) for the M2M campaign. This includes support for the DARPA DRACO partnership as well as increased technology maturation needed to enable development of an integrated human mars transportation system.
• Technology Gap Investments – Increase funding in M2M risk reduction technologies such as environmental control and life support systems, ISRU, cryogenic fluid management, in-space manufacturing, advanced and additive manufacturing, nuclear and other in-space transportation systems.
SCIENCE
• Science Operations – Propose Marshall assigned as program lead to integrate all human science operations activity for LEO, cis-lunar and lunar surface and Deep space Science operations. Leverage and expand from Marshall’s current ISS payload operations, science mission operations, and secondary payload operations.
• Science Missions – Support Marshall as the center of excellence for advanced optics, sensors and camera development, manufacturing, testing and evaluation.
AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE
Redstone Arsenal is the birthplace of U.S. Air and Missile Defense capabilities. The first successful test of a ground-launched anti-aircraft missile on a drone occurred in July of 1958 using an Army missile developed at Redstone. Less than two years later, the Army recorded the first successful ballistic missile intercept when a NIKE HURCULES missile intercepted a CORPORAL missile on June 3, 1960.
Today, Redstone continues to be the nerve center for U.S. Air, Space and Missile Defense. More than 85 percent of the Missile Defense Agency’s footprint is located on Redstone, as is the headquarters for the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command. Key programs providing the blanket of protection that defends the U.S. mainland and troops deployed around the globe, were developed at Redstone and are managed here today. These programs include:
■ Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Program –supporting over 3,000 government and industry jobs in the Huntsville area, which is the main center for management and technical oversight of the system. GMD is the only system designed and fielded to defend the entire U.S. homeland from a long-range ballistic missile attack.
■ Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) –addition for operational Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Weapon System that protects our homeland against current and future evolving ballistic missile threats. The Next Generation Interceptor program will support hundreds of government and industry jobs in the northern Alabama area, including government and industry program management, engineering and production/manufacturing.
■ Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) –provides continuous command, control and global connectivity between MDS sensors and shooters, engagement coordination, battle management, global missile defense planning, sensor fusion and interfaces with allied systems. The C2BMC program currently employs over 850 personnel, with approximately 100 in Huntsville, AL.
■ Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) –capable of intercepting ballistic missiles in both the endo- and exo-atmospheres. The THAAD program provides more than 475 government and industry jobs in the Huntsville area.
■ Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) and Homeland Defense Radar – Hawaii (HDR-H) –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 growth capacity to counter evolving threats in the Pacific region
■ Hypersonic Threat Missile Defense –
Hypersonic defense programs — including space-based sensors, new interceptors, and improved command and control — support hundreds of jobs in the northern Alabama area. Due to the rapid evolution of hypersonic threats, Congress has pushed DoD to accelerate national capabilities to detect and defend against adversary hypersonic weapons, particularly those that hold forward deployed forces at risk.
■ Missile Defense Agency Modeling and Simulation Contracts –
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 at a fraction of the cost of live fire testing. These programs currently employ over 160 personnel and provide support to over 15 subcontractors, primarily in Huntsville, AL.
■ National Team-Engineering (NT-E) –
The National Team provides independent technical support outside the purview of any 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. Significant National Teamwork is done in the north Alabama area across several major and small business employers, supporting about 250 employees.
■ Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and Standard Missile 3 (SM-3 1B and IIA) –These systems are produced on Redstone Arsenal and support hundreds of jobs in the north Alabama area, including program management, engineering and manufacturing. SM-6 and SM-3 missiles are a part of the layered air and endo- and exo-atmospheric missile defense. The SM-6 also has offensive capabilities.
■ Operations & Maintenance (O&M) for Missile Defense –
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. These programs provide 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.
■ Missile Defense Testing and Validation – Targets –
Advanced targets production fabricates simulated enemy offensive missile capabilities (tactical through strategic) to test and validate U.S. missile defense systems. 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.
■ Defense of Guam / Guam Defense System (GDS) –Guam is a strategically critical U.S. outpost in the Pacific theater, supporting a permanent submarine squadron; a Naval station with a Carrier-capable pier; an Airbase; a future Marine Corps base; an Army THAAD Battery; and key Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence nodes. Protecting this asset is essential. The GDS program will support hundreds of government and industry jobs in the northern Alabama area, including government and industry program management, engineering, environmental, security, and logistics.
■ Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) –Hostile UAS operations are an increased risk to homeland security by exploiting potential vulnerabilities of DoD, federal Installations, and civilian or commercial critical infrastructure. 200-300 full time positions supporting Redstone Arsenal efforts are linked to C-UAS activity. Redstone Arsenal is the DoD epicenter for C-sUAS material development, system engineering, and systems rapid equipping and deployment.
■ Integrated Fires Test Campaign (IFTC) –
The Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) began a series of annual Integrated Fires Test Campaigns (IFTCs) with the first IFTC completing successfully near end of 2023. These test campaigns include the synchronization of formal Operational Test (OT) and Developmental Test (DT) events along with other experimental test excursions across the PEO MS portfolio. The synchronization of test campaigns enables efficiencies in managing resources essential to developing and demonstrating both component and System of System (SoS) architecture requirements. The SoS Test and Evaluation (T&E) approach uses common processes and procedures, common leadership, and a shared SoS vision to plan and execute the Integrated Fires SoS test mission more effectively and more efficiently.
DIRECTED ENERGY
Hostile events throughout the world reveal threats around every corner. Real world examples include Russian attacks on tactical and strategic targets across Ukraine, continuous drone and cruise missile attacks throughout the Middle East, and numerous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) reconnaissance missions around the world. With the proliferation of low-cost small UAS capabilities, the U.S. Government and military require sophisticated systems to identify, classify, and potentially destroy hostile threats. These threats range from not only UAS but rocket, artillery, and mortars; rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft; guided missiles; and raid scenarios. Directed Energy Weapons (DEW), to include high energy lasers (HEL) and high-power microwaves (HPM), pair with kinetic interceptors to create a layered defense critical in protecting our and our allies’ key assets. This enables reserve kinetic options for higher priority threats. Senior leaders have deployed DEW systems as a prototype effort to accurately counter these threats on foreign battlefields as well as on U.S. soil.
ARMY AVIATION
The Army Aviation activities on Redstone Arsenal include Army Program Executive Office – Aviation (PEO Aviation), Army Aviation & Missile Command (AMCOM), the Army Futures Command Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team, and roughly half of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC). As the Army’s focal point for providing research, development and engineering technology and services for aviation platforms and missile systems across the life cycle, the AvMC has supported PEO Aviation and PEO Missiles & Space since 1997. PEO Aviation is the Army’s material developer for all rotary wing, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
(UAS), and fixed wing aircraft. Over 13,000 professionals and support personnel in the greater Huntsville area are linked to Army Aviation.
The Army’s rotary wing and UAS are a national military capability. Therefore, PEO Aviation, centered at Redstone Arsenal, is the DoD “center of mass” for U.S. helicopter development, acquisition, and production. Preserving the national rotorcraft and UAS capability requires ensuring the existing fleet is relevant and operational developing and equipping the Army with the modernized systems necessary for the Nation’s national security. This is a major endeavor and critical for our nation’s defense.
For example, the U.S. Army operates one-third of the world’s twin-engine helicopters, and with more than 10,000 UAS aircraft, is the single largest integrated UAS operator in the free world. Three of the Army’s Modernization priority programs are in Army Aviation: The Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS), and Launched Effects. The enduring “go-to-war” programs include the Apache Attack Helicopter, Black Hawk Utility Helicopter, and Chinook Cargo Helicopter. Army PEO Aviation is also responsible for the program management of a more than $67B Foreign Military Sales (FMS) aviation portfolio. Over 2000 U.S. manufactured rotary wing aircraft, 400 FMS cases support our U.S. allies. The total direct and indirect workforce benefit may be upwards of 40,000 positions in the greater Huntsville area that affiliated with Army Aviation
CYBER
National Impact:
Redstone Arsenal and the Tennessee Valley are recognized nationwide as a federal center of excellence for research, technology protection, and mission assurance, as well as cyber security research, development, and engineering programs and related security policies. The complexity involved in the protection of the defense and organic industrial base has grown significantly, this includes strategic supply chains, financial markets and intellectual property which has extended into the space and cyberspace domains and supported critical infrastructure sectors. This will require the development of a high quality, innovative workforce, continued discovery, and creation of opportunities for collaboration among government and private organizations. A growing Intelligence Community 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 intelligence capabilities, military readiness, and commercial industries to securely and freely operate from and in space requires that we ensure our space-based assets are cyber resilient and redundant. Our community’s space development capabilities, combined with our continually 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 new cyber workforce demands.
One of the FBI’s critical missions is to protect National Security and Critical Infrastructure from foreign and domestic threats. These threats come from a myriad of actors – terrorists, foreign intelligence services, and criminals – and through all manner of illicit activities, including by Cyber means. The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating cyber-attacks and intrusions by imposing risk and consequences on cyber adversaries. The FBI’s goal is to change the behavior of criminals and nation-states who believe they can compromise U.S. networks, steal financial and intellectual property, and put critical infrastructure at risk without facing risk themselves.
Because our adversaries look to exploit gaps in our intelligence and information security networks, the FBI works with federal counterparts, foreign partners, and the private sector to close those gaps. These partnerships allow us to defend networks, attribute malicious activity, sanction bad behavior, and take the fight to our adversaries overseas. The FBI fosters this team approach through unique hubs where government, industry, and academia form longterm trusted relationships to combine efforts against cyber threats.
Whether through enabling intelligence collection, developing innovative investigative techniques, understanding current technology, developing cutting-edge analytic tools and technical capabilities, or forging new partnerships in our communities, the FBI continues to adapt to meet the challenges posed by the evolving cyber threat.
BIOSCIENCE
Alabama’s growing bioscience sector is at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, job creation, economic impact, and improving the human condition both domestically and internationally. One significant catalyst that propelled the U.S. as a global leader in bioscience is the Human Genome Project, a monumental achievement that sequenced an entire human genome and drove advancements in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer, pediatric disease, and infectious disease, as well as accelerating drug development and improving agricultural practices to better feed and fuel the world. Alabamians were instrumental in the success of the Human Genome Project and, over two decades later, are still at the forefront of the biggest challenges in human health and agriculture. The Chamber is grateful to Alabama’s federal delegation for continued prioritization of promoting and strengthening the biosciences.
This industry generates billions of dollars annually in economic impact and Huntsville/Madison County contributes significant discoveries and economic opportunities in human health and agriculture. Alabama’s various academic and business entities, as well as HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, make advancements, diversify the regional economy, and strengthen the STEM-based workforce which employs thousands in high-quality jobs. By maintaining support with further investment, north Alabama can continue increasing opportunities for careers in this sector including not only biology, genetics, and medicine but also engineering, computer science, biocybersecurity, and the creation of jobs for skillsets yet to be discovered. Alabama is poised to have nearly 850,000 STEM-related positions necessary to be filled by 2026.
■ The Chamber supports an increase in basic and translational research funding for the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Human Genome Research Institute, the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute for Mental Health; the Department of Energy, specifically the Office of Science/Joint Genome Institute; the Department of Agriculture, specifically the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; the National Science Foundation; the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and the Department of Defense. Due to the vital nature of academic and industry coordination, the Chamber endorses prioritizing efforts that aid in publicprivate collaboration.
■ Prioritize and focus policy and funding endeavors on enhancing the generation, analysis, storage, and security of genomic data in both human health and agriculture. Additionally, promote cross-discipline and cross-industry initiatives in agriculture that hold regional and state value, aiming for the development of national models.
■ Prioritize support for commercialization at the entrepreneur, small busi-
ness, and industry leader levels to realize the full benefit of scientific research investment. The U.S. can maintain leadership in bioscience innovation by investing in basic and translational research and in those who can commercialize discoveries to bring them to market.
U.S. ARMY’S COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (DEVCOM) AVIATION AND MISSILE CENTER (AVMC)
The U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) has been a cornerstone of research and development (R&D) on Redstone Arsenal (RSA) for over 60 years. Since inception, the AvMC has evolved into a world-class organization employing approximately 12,500 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 90 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 and 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 nine 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)/ Space, Next Generation Combat Vehicle, Soldier Lethality, Synthetic Training Environment, Contested Logistics 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 Army weapon system 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 to MDO via technology insertion to provide capabilities that complement the transition to modernization programs. The AvMC must keep pace with disruptive technologies to include artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ ML), model-based system engineering tools and digital engineering practices required to support robust and efficient weapon system development processes. Key engineering support efforts ongoing within the AvMC include: Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and Army Aviation’s enduring fleet; Aviation autonomy for contested logistics; software and network architecture development to enable intelligent teaming, autonomous behaviors, dual use
applications, and integration of reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA), electronic warfare/electronic attack (EW/EA), and decoy & detect, identify, locate & report (DILR) technologies for launched effects (LE); hybrid/electric propulsion concept evaluations; development of seeker technology and range extension technologies long range precision fires missiles; development of the advanced hypersonic technology implementation plan supporting potential block upgrades of Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW); lethal effects and precision targeting technology for counter UAS; and Next Generation Close Combat Missile development and test.
AvMC serves as a key enabling organization in DoD microelectronic initiative, providing technical subject matter experts to ensure U.S. military has access to trusted and assured microelectronic devices for aviation and missile weapon systems. Finally, AvMC provides critical airworthiness engineers for the Army Airworthiness Authority and assesses all aircraft modifications for the Army to ensure they do not adversely impact flight safety. The insertion of multi-core processors, artificial intelligence and other non-deterministic systems are unique to the advancement of military capabilities which requires the AvMC airworthiness authority to invest in the development of more robust certification methods that are far advanced from the airworthiness challenges currently being addressed by the FAA and other non-DoD airworthiness agencies.
Community Impact:
Nearly one-quarter of Redstone’s 42,000 employees, including engineers and scientists from more than 250 Huntsville companies, work in AvMC’s three directorates. The Center and its cost-reimbursable model create a winwin 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 billions of dollars over the span of DoD budget cycle.
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 Army airworthiness 6.6 (D-092) and 6.7 (D-106 engine product improvements) funding lines to enable development of electric/hybrid aircraft propulsion systems, innovative airworthiness approaches and efficient and effective airworthiness assessments to increase flight safety as new manufacturing techniques (ex. Additive manufacturing), non-deterministic systems and digital 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.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Huntsville region is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States based on our quality of life, job market, education level, relatively high income and low cost of living. In order for the Huntsville metro area to continue to grow and prosper, investments in critical infrastructure are essential. Ensuring that this region has adequate power, user-friendly roads, excellent broadband access, affordable housing, and high-quality
education systems will keep this region attractive to the federal sector and industry looking for growth opportunities.
ROADS
All infrastructure road projects on this list are considered high-priority roads and are projects that involve a route with a federal designation. They are listed in ranking order. All listed projects are listed on the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
• Widening Highway 72 West towards and through Madison –U.S. Highway 72 West Widening
• Widening the last four lane section of I-565 between I-65 and downtown Huntsville – Interstate 565 Widening (CLR to Wall-Triana)
• Widening Highway 53 to six lanes out of NW Huntsville towards Harvest – Highway 53 Widening (Jeff Road to Old RR Bed)
• Construction of a Redstone Arsenal focused interchange on I-565 near Resolute Way – Resolute Way Interchange at I-565
• Extending I-565 eastward toward Gurley and Scottsboro U.S. Highway 72 East (Corridor V)
• Overhauling the interchange between I-565 and Memorial Parkway in the heart of Huntsville – I-565 / U.S. Highway 231 Interchange Modifications
• Creation of a connecting road between I-565 and Redstone Arsenal Gate 10 – Redstone Arsenal East Connector
HOUSING
• Mill Creek Choice Neighborhoods Plan – Affordable quality of life has been an important pillar of Huntsville’s competitiveness in economic development, and it is therefore crucial to our continued success that we provide housing across the wage scale. The Mill Creek Choice Neighborhoods Plan charts a course for transforming a distressed community. The West Huntsville community is strong, community leaders are determined, and residents and stakeholders are embracing the opportunity to help bring positive change. The Mill Creek Choice Neighborhoods Plan will recreate a neighborhood where people of all income levels mix seamlessly and there is a high-quality, affordable housing for all.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R)
Washington Office: Russell Senate Office Building, Suite 455 (202) 224-4124
tuberville.senate.gov
Rep. Robert Aderholt (R)
4th District | Washington Office: 266 Cannon House Office Building (202) 225-4876
aderholt.house.gov
Rep. Mike Rogers (R)
3rd District | Washington Office: 2469 Rayburn House Office Bldg. (202) 225-3261
mikerogers.house.gov
Sen. Katie Britt (R)
Washington Office: 502 Hart Senate Office Building (202) 224-5744
britt.senate.gov
Rep. Dale Strong (R)
5th District | Washington Office: 1337 Longworth House Office Bldg. (202) 225-4801
strong.house.gov
Rep. Jerry Carl (R)
1st District | Washington Office: 1330 Longworth House Office Bldg. (202) 225-4931
carl.house.gov
Rep. Barry Moore (R)
2nd District | Washington Office: 1504 Longworth House Office Bldg. (202) 225-2901
barrymoore.house.gov
Rep. Gary Palmer (R)
6th District | Washington Office: 170 Cannon House Office Bldg. (202) 225-4921
palmer.house.gov
Rep. Terri Sewell (D)
7th District | Washington Office: 1035 Longworth House Office Bldg. (202) 225-2665
sewell.house.gov
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