2024 Federal Issues Book

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER, ALABAMA

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.

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. 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, 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 2-4 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 & 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 nuclearbased 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 surfaces 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.

U.S. ARMY’S COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (DEVCOM) AVIATION & 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.

■ 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 AvMC RDTE funded activities. Request this recent change of opinion be reviewed to ensure congressional intent of statutory authority granted is being met.

DIRECTED ENERGY

National Impact:

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 also rocket, artillery, and mortars; rotary – and fixedwing 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.

Community Impact:

The Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) DEW portfolio includes various capability sets, such as the Directed Energy-Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD, 50kW); the Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL, 300kW),with a palletized DEW variant, the Palletized-High Energy Laser (P-HEL, 20kW); the Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) effort; and the Army Multi-Purpose-High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL, 20kW). The RCCTO partnered with the Joint Counter Small UAS Office (JCO) to lead the development and deployment of additional DEW assets into the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions. Our current prototype efforts lead us to believe that we can lower the cost of DE lethality by focusing on an enduring design. RCCTO DE strategy promotes designability, affordability, and sustainability by using an integrated test and analysis approach. Huntsville-based companies are at the forefront in these efforts, and they continue to develop options today to secure additional manufacturing capabilities and workforce across Alabama.

Requested Actions:

■ Support the President’s Budget Request for Army and MDA Directed Energy efforts.

■ Continue to support technology follow-on efforts for DE M-SHORAD, IFPC-HEL, IFPC-HPM, P-HEL, and AMP-HEL to capitalize on DEW emerging technologies and capabilities.

■ Ensure that funding is established for the sustainment of DEW systems to ensure continuity of operations between industry and the Warfighter.

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

■ Continue to support Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO) production in support of the Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal units.

HYPERSONIC WEAPON SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT & DEMONSTRATION

National Impact:

DoD is focused on offensive and defensive capabilities to exceed and counter evolving threats due to demonstrations of Hypersonic Strike Capabilities by near-peer adversaries. The DoD’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.

Community Impact:

The Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), Pro -

gram Executive Office for Missiles and Space (PEO (M&S)), and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) are headquartered on Redstone Arsenal and among the key organizations leading hypersonic weapon system development. 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 in development, integration, and fielding of Hypersonic weapon systems. The National Hypersonics Production Facility, located in MidCity Huntsville, 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 complex high-performance systems which will provide future offensive and defensive capabilities to address the evolving adversarial hypersonic threat.

Requested Actions:

■ Fully fund Hypersonic Weapon System Development Programs in the FY24 and FY25 President’s Budget Requests for all Services.

■ Continue to fund and support Technology Insertion Plans and roadmaps for greater capability and disruptive technologies (i.e., non-kinetic effectors) over adversaries.

■ Continue to invest and improve hypersonic weapon testing infrastructure.

■ Continue to invest in technology infrastructure for hypersonic testing to increase frequency and reduce the cost of testing.

AIR FORCE SENTINEL PROGRAM

National Impact:

U.S. strategists have determined a nuclear triad is the most strategically sound means to credibly deter adversaries. The Sentinel system will replace the Minuteman III ICBMs, the current land-based leg of the nuclear triad that has been in service for over 50 years. To remain safe, secure, and effective, the U.S. must modernize its Cold War legacy nuclear forces. The new Sentinel weapon system will be a modern, integrated system designed to be adaptable to meet future threats and keep pace with emerging technologies. The overhaul of the Minuteman system involves 450 silos across five states, control centers, three nuclear missile bases, and several test facilities. It will incorporate new air vehicle equipment, command, launch, and support equipment. New hardware and software will be integrated across all systems while ensuring nuclear surety, safety, and cybersecurity requirements. Upgrading launch facilities, missile base support facilities and test facilities is also required. By investing in modernization now, the U.S avoids a costly and dangerous lapse in the protection provided by the land-based leg of the nuclear triad, providing a much more capable system that will protect our nation and assure allies for decades to come. The Air Force hopes that modernization of Sentinel will help attract and retain young innovative minds.

Community Impact:

Companies located in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park continue to support the Sentinel program. Additional work on inert component production for solid rocket motor cases is also done in Huntsville.

Requested Action:

■ Continued support of Sentinel and the nuclear triad is critical to maintaining these and many additional supporting subcontractor and

small business jobs in the region, recruiting new talent, expanding opportunities and growth, while ensuring our national deterrence remains safe, secure, and credible to protect the United States and assure allies for decades to come.

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

GROUND-BASED MIDCOURSE DEFENSE (GMD) PROGRAM

National Impact:

Defending the Nation 24/7/365, GMD is the only system designed and fielded to defend the entire U.S. homeland from a long-range ballistic missile attack and is a critical element of the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) integrated and layered missile defense architecture. The Ground Based Interceptors deployed in Ft. Greely, AK, and Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, provide the President with the option to intercept and destroy long range ballistic missile threats launched against U.S. territory in their midcourse phase of flight.

In 2022, MDA awarded the GMD Weapon System (GWS) and GMD System Integration Test & Readiness (SITR) Contracts aimed at increasing GMD system reliability, warfighter confidence, and performance to pace the threat. In addition, separate contracts have been awarded to support the booster, kill vehicle, and All-Up-Round integration of the Ground Based Interceptor.

■ GWS – This supporting element of the GMD Program provides design, development, production, product level testing, sustainment planning, and maintenance of the current Weapon System components including development to incorporate the Next Generation Interceptor into the GMD Weapon System. This effort includes responsibility for developing weapon system solutions, including fire control and communication systems improvements, required to update the legacy system to remain effective while Next Generation Interceptor is under development, as well as, preparing for the seamless introduction of Next Generation Interceptor and other future Missile Defense System capabilities. Further, GWS will update the system interface for the addition of Next Generation Interceptors to the fleet, provide the Warfighter capability to operate the GMD Weapon System with a mixed fleet of Ground Based Interceptors and Next Generation Interceptors, and identify and develop solutions for message exchanges between the GMD Weapon System and in-flight kill vehicles.

■ SITR – This supporting element of the GMD Program assists MDA in maintaining a synergistic approach in executing the GMD Programlevel engineering, integration, test, and readiness of the GMD Weapon System. SITR serves as the technical partner to MDA for day-to-day operation and sustainment of the GMD Weapon System alongside the Warfighters that operate the Weapon System. While MDA maintains overall system integration responsibilities and authority, SITR assumes a supporting technical role responsible for ensuring overall GMD integration including physical and logical integration of the GMD Components to include Next Generation Interceptor, GMD Element, and MDA enterprise level integration, planning and execution of all necessary testing to verify and validate requirements compliance.

■ In-Service Fleet – Working directly with Ground Based Interceptor original equipment manufacturers, the GMD Program is performing service life extensions and maintaining the existing fleet, executing repairs, and developing software updates. These efforts are intended primarily to ensure fleet viability until the Next Generation Interceptor are fielded.

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:

■ Support funding across the GMD program for critical system and Interceptor fleet sustainment activities as well as efforts to improve the performance and reliability digitization and modernization.

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

■ To ensure GMD contract success and timelines, support funding for select programs (e.g., GWS, Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), and SITR) to ensure synchronization of component delivery, integration, and on time fielding of new capabilities.

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

NEXT GENERATION INTERCEPTOR (NGI)

National Impact:

The Next Generation Interceptor is a tip-to-tail All Up Round addition for the operational Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Weapon System that protects our homeland against current and future evolving ballistic missile threats. This capability will be initially fielded in the late 2020s timeframe. The current Ground Based Interceptor fleet with unitary kill vehicles is approaching its end of life and will be augmented with Next Generation Interceptors, equipped with multiple kill vehicles, to pace threat evolution.

The Next Generation Interceptor acquisition began with a series of Requests for Information and draft Requests for Proposal (RFPs) from June 2019 through March 2020. The Final RFP 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 for production in the coming years.

Community Impact:

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.

Requested Actions:

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

■ Support MDA by funding two designs until an appropriate down-select point is determined by the U.S government.

COMMAND AND CONTROL, BATTLE MANAGEMENT, & COMMUNICATIONS (C2BMC)

National Impact:

C2BMC is an iterative development program of record and the integrating

element of our Nation’s Missile Defense System (MDS). It 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.

C2BMC uniquely provides situational awareness to the POTUS, Combatant Commanders at USEUCOM, USINDOPACOM, USNORTHCOM, USCENTCOM, USSTRATCOM, USSPACECOM, and DoD decision makers. C2BMC, which is operationally fielded across 17 time zones in 33 locations, features more than 48,000 miles of communication lines that combines all sensors and threat data into a seamless missile defense architecture. C2BMC delivers unparallel speed, accuracy, and coordination, across all domains, for the Missile Defense System.

Community Impact:

The C2BMC program currently employs over 850 personnel, with approximately 100 in Huntsville, AL. The critical talent required for these specialized activities creates a center of excellence in the Missile Defense industry.

Requested actions:

■ Continue to support MDA budget for long term integration and fielding to warfighters.

■ Continue to support capability development and weapon system integration.

■ Continue to support development of advanced integration to support Space Domain Awareness, Homeland Defense, and counter Hypersonic and Cruise missile defense.

TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENSE (THAAD)

National Impact:

THAAD is a combat proven and a key element of the U.S. Missile Defense System 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 achieved in 2023 in Clear, AK. 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 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. An LRDR-derivative, TPY-6, will support the Guam Defense System. Several international customers are also actively evaluating LRDR technology as a potential fit for their needs.

Community Impact:

Positive impact to the Huntsville community through the creation of new jobs in modeling and simulation, algorithm development, software and hardware. With the potential for international customers, new jobs include facility construction.

Requested Actions:

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

■ Support continued funding for TPY-6 as part of the Guam Defense System.

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

HYPERSONIC THREAT MISSILE DEFENSE

National Impact:

The U.S. currently is challenged to defend against many of the hypersonic strike capabilities that our adversaries are rapidly developing and deploying. We are challenged to track them from birth to death; intercept many of them; and 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 Department of Defense 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 May 2022, MDA down selected from three competitors to two 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.

Community Impact:

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

Requested Action:

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

• Sustain Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) development.

• Enhance space and weapon system tracking, discrimination, and sensing capabilities.

• Weapon system integration and upgrades.

• Hypersonic weapons testing infrastructure.

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY MODELING & SIMULATION CONTRACTS

National Impact:

The MASC-F, MASC-T and SWDC contracts are the Missile Defense Agency’s primary contracts that develop and sustain the MDA’s 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 can 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 160 personnel and provide support to over 15 subcontractors, primarily in Huntsville, AL. The critical talent required for these specialized activities creates a center of excellence for MDS M&S in the region.

Requested action:

■ Increase 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 Action:

■ Continued support for MDA National Team funding.

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 & 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 requirements within the Missile Defense Agency (e.g. GMD, THAAD, Aegis), PEO Missiles & Space and the U.S. Army Materiel Command (PATRIOT, 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 Action:

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

DEFENSE OF GUAM / GUAM DEFENSE SYSTEM (GDS)

National Impact:

Guam is a territory of the United States and a critical national security hub. This location supports 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. Guam is exposed to advanced air and missile threats in the Indo-Pacific region, and as a result, the DoD has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure to support the defense of Guam. The Joint program includes Army, Missile Defense Agency, Navy, and Air Force assets.

In June 2023, the DoD assigned the Army as the acquisition lead for the Defense of Guam. The designation established the creation of a Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO) and set the GDS as an acquisition category one program. The Army designated the RCCTO as the future headquarters for the JPEO.

The RCCTO/JPEO is in the process of activating the JPEO at Redstone Arsenal. The RCCTO/JPEO created the JPEO’s organizational construct, established a funding line of effort, formulated the program strategy, and conducted architectural optimization studies.

Community Impact:

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.

Requested Actions:

■ Fully fund the President’s Budget request for GDS.

■ Support program growth as requirements develop.

■ Advocate for GDS architecture proliferation to provide fully integrated Joint battle management to other regions outside of the Indo-Pacific.

■ Support efforts to increase military construction capacity on Guam (additional funding).

COUNTER SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (C-SUAS)

National Impact:

C-sUAS, or drones, operated by malevolent interests have demonstrated the potential for negative impact on installations and infrastructure of U.S. Allies as clearly shown by the war in Ukraine and increased tensions in Asia. Hostile UAS operations are an increased risk to homeland security by exploiting potential vulnerabilities of DoD, federal installations, and civilian or commercial critical infrastructure. C-sUAS is a national security priority from the most forward tactical military units to civilian infrastructure.

Community Impact:

Two-hundredd to three-hundred full time positions supporting Redstone Arsenal efforts are linked to C-UAS activity. RCCTO, PEO MS, and AvMC integrate the Army’s C-sUAS efforts and those of other Services (Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps) and U.S. Special Operations Command. Redstone Arsenal is the DoD epicenter for C-sUAS material development, system engineering, and systems rapid equipping and deployment.

Requested Actions:

■ Continue R&D funding which enables RCCTO to rapidly assess, prototype, and procure C-UAS solutions.

■ Support the broader C-UAS capability including C-UAS operations such as swarming drones, Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning drones, and intrusive (non-UAS manufactured) drone components.

■ Support the DoD Cross-Service and inter-agency collaboration on C-UAS technology, with particular interest in S&T and R&D technology transition.

ASSURED POSITION NAVIGATION TIMING

Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) is a foundational technology for the Department of Defense (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 (APNT) information as a “linchpin” to an effective Joint Force.

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. Future 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 APNT systems that both enhance GPS, as well as augment it with multiple alternates, 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 rapidly at lower cost to effectively pace evolving threats.

Community Impact:

The Huntsville community is heavily involved in the development and support of PNT system requirements for the Army and broader DoD community. The U.S. Army Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing/Space (APNT/Space) Cross-Functional Team (CFT) is headquartered at Redstone Arsenal and is responsible for APNT, Navigation Warfare and Space requirement architectures for the Army. The CFT operates in a team-of-teams way across the acquisition lifecycle to accelerate the delivery of these requirements. Other key groups at Redstone Arsenal play a key role in the development of APNT 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 the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). DARPA is leading an effort called Robust Optical Clock Network (ROCkN) to further support resiliency in our PNT capabilities. These groups (and others across the country) provide significant development support and procurement funding to Huntsville-based businesses in the PNT technology area.

Requested Actions:

Increase support for requirements development, partnerships across the DoD, support for programs in the APNT technology. Support for programs 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 APNT 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); Missile Defense Agency (MDA) efforts to develop alternative timing sources.

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. Four 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 2,000 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

SUPPORT ARMY AVIATION PROGRAMS & AVIATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Army’s Aviation approach balances the strategic emphasis on three primary areas: First: supporting the Army’s Modernization priorities with Future Vertical Lift (FVL), Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), and Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) including Launched Effects. Second: ensuring the readiness and relevance of the enduring aviation platforms/ programs such as the Apache Attack Helicopter, Black Hawk Utility Helicopter, Chinook Cargo Helicopter, UAS, Fixed Wing and Aviation Systems. Third: Foreign Military Sales which build the capability and capacity of our partner (Allied) nations.

The Redstone/Huntsville Army Aviation material development and sustainment are enabled by our PEO Aviation workforce consisting of a combined uniformed military, civil servants, prime and support contractors. The PEO Aviation workforce consists of a cross-section of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), business, and logistics professionals. Roughly 50 percent of the PEO Aviation workforce has prior military service.

The key to maintaining today’s technological edge into the future is advancing and sustaining the aviation science and technology (S&T) base. Critical S&T areas include advanced autonomy, materials, sensors, and artificial intelligence/data analysis.

National Impact:

Army Aviation’s Procurement Authority (APA) for Aviation Systems modernization and acquisition was reduced 22 percent from $3.8B in FY23 to $3.0B in FY24. The FY24 Army Budget does provide for $1.9B in R&D for the Future Vertical Lift programs (FLRAA, FTUAS, Launched Effects). Major programs are scheduled to end production by 2026: the Apache Attack Helicopter, Black Hawk Utility Helicopter, Gray Eagle UAS, and Shadow UAS. The impact to the aviation industrial base and Huntsville geographic workforce presents a significant risk to re-starting or surging production to meet future U.S. National security needs.

Community Impact:

Alabama is the epicenter of Army Aviation acquisition and development. More than 13,000 jobs in northern Alabama directly support the Army Aviation portfolio. Army PEO AVN manages a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) portfolio of more than $67B in direct support of U.S. allies around the world. The co-location of the Program Executive Office, Aviation (PEO Aviation), the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team (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 FVL programs including FLRAA, FTUAS, and Launched Effects.

■ Support full funding and cognizance of the risk to the Huntsville geographic workforce and the U.S. rotorcraft industrial base while modernizing the Army’s 4000+ Enduring Force fielded aviation platforms that remain the tactical rotary wing and UAS systems available for national security employment.

FUTURE LONG RANGE ASSAULT AIRCRAFT (FLRAA)

The Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) is one of the key capabilities that makes up the 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). 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 including Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) authorities, and traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based contracts. The FLRAA program leads the Army in widely using all available and versatile acquisition methods.

Current FY priorities include the successful approval of Milestone B, entry into the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development phase with an awarded prime contractor.

National Impact:

The FLRAA program provides the essential long-range, high speed rotary wing transport called out in the National Defense Strategy and the Army Modernization priorities. Further, FLRAA, as an operational counterpart to the UH-60 Black Hawk, helps ensure the vitality of the U.S. Aviation Industrial Base.

Community Impact:

As the Army ramps up Aviation modernization, the simultaneous maturity of Future Vertical Lift (FVL) programs including FLRAA with the Army Aviation Enduring Force fleet is necessary to preserve and build the U.S. Aviation industrial base – including the greater Huntsville area.

Requested Action:

■ Continue the strong advocacy and support for FVL and the FLRAA as one of the Army’s top six modernization priorities.

UNCREWED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS)

The Army is the DoD’s largest operator of UASs. The current Russian-Ukrainian War and the priority of INDOPACOM highlight the importance of including UASs in U.S. National Strategy and planning. Army UAS Research, Development, Acquisition (RDA) and Sustainment is managed by the Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Project Office, one of nine project offices in PEO Aviation. The Army’s current UAS fleet consists of 10,000+ 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 Launched Effects (LE), Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS), and Scalable Control Interface (SCI). Army UAS are fundamental to Overseas Contingency Operations having flown more than 2.9 million flight hours in direct operational support. UAS Project Office is very agile as it supports a wide variety of programs including aerial resupply with the U.S. Marine Corps, direct COCOM support, and Air-Ground integrated operations.

Priorities for FY24-25 Include: Delivery of systems under FTUAS contracts; Award Launched Effects contract; Continue Development of the Scalable Control Interface; and FMS cases for U.S. partners and allies.

National Impact:

As championed by the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Army Secretary the role of uncrewed systems in the Army will increase year-over-year, particularly with the lessons-learned from the Russian-Ukrainian War. The Army’s link to the DEPSECDEF Replicator program is a good example of the immediate impact Army UAS has across the DoD.

Community Impact:

The Army’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Office provides an estimated $72M per year impact on the north Alabama economy and directly employs approximately 420 Department of the Army Civilians and Contractors.

Requested Action:

■ NDAA and Appropriations support for the Army UAS programs research, development, acquisition, fielding, and sustainment of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.

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 40 AH-64E V6 aircraft, the latest production configuration, in FY24. Apache AH-64E production is forecasted to be completed by the end of 1QFY28. The Apache Project Office has an active Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, with 16 countries and over 500 aircraft across the globe. FMS cases for the AH-64E are estimated to deliver 33 aircraft delivered in 2024 and 46 in 2025 to multiple partner nations.

FY 24-25 priorities include: Complete the aircraft deliveries in the current multi-year two production contract of which 40 aircraft will be delivered in calendar year 2024; Execute the FY24 Apache Modification program across the fielded fleet of 528 aircraft; Prepare AH-64 fleet for the modernized battlefield through improvements in the AH-64E fielded fleet; Support Foreign Military Sales (FMS) in current and prospective partner countries.

National Impact:

The AH-64E Apache Heavy Attack Helicopter is the world’s most sought-after attack aircraft with more than 1,300 in service in the U.S. and allied nations.

Community Impact:

All 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 enter and MRO businesses.

Requested Action:

■ The Army’s Attack Aviation, represented by the Apache Attack Helicopter, is forecasted to end production and fielding by 2027. Congress should be cognizant of the national defense risk to surge production and OPTEMPO without a warm production base.

UTILITY HELICOPTERS

The Utility Helicopters Project Office (UHPO) provides life cycle management for the largest utility helicopter fleet in the Department of Defense (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 Utility Helicopter program expects to produce and field 2,135 UH60 Black Hawk of various models to the Army and Army National Guard. The current UH-60 Black Hawk multi-year production contract ends in FY27.

The UHPO International Product Office projects 13 UH-60 aircraft produced and delivered in calendar year 2024, and no UH-72 aircraft. The Project Office manages more than $18B 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 FY24 priorities include: Continue production under the current multi-year contract and continue to deliver H-60M/UH-60V to U.S. Army/ National Guard. Note the UH-60V aircraft is produced at Corpus Christi

Army Depot (CCAD), Texas; Deliver up to a projected 96 additional UH60Ms to International Partners nations under the U.S Army’s MY10 production contract.; Continue to deliver UH60M/L Black Hawk Aircrew Trainer (BAT) flight simulator assets to Army units worldwide and to foreign military allied nations through implemented cases.

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 end of production in 2026, like the Apache Attack Helicopter, presents a national defense risk to surge production and meet COCOM OPTEMPO in the event of escalated conflict. Congress should be cognizant of the national defense risk to surge production and OPTEMPO without a warm production base.

Community Impact:

The Utility Helicopter program extends throughout the greater Huntsville area. In addition to PEO Aviation, AMCOM, AvMC, and PEO Missiles & Space, the Utility Helicopter program is actively supported by Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul businesses in Huntsville. The UH-60 Utility Helicopter program supports upwards of 2,000 government and contractor positions throughout the Huntsville community.

Requested Action:

■ Support the Army’s Utility Helicopter modernization and procurement objectives including the Foreign Military Sales, and integration of the Improved Turbine Engine on the UH-60 Blackhawk fleet.

■ Congress should be cognizant of the national defense risk to surge production and OPTEMPO without a warm production base.

CARGO HELICOPTERS AND MULTI-NATIONAL AVIATION SYSTEMS PROGRAMS

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 German Ministry of Defense (MOD) selected the CH-47 as the replacement heavy lift helicopter. The CARGO Project Office in 2023 merged with the Multi-National Aviation Special Project Office which develops, delivers, and supports non-standard rotary wing aircraft for the Department of Defense (DoD) and allied countries.

FY24-25 priorities include: Delivery and fielding of the 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

National Impact:

The CH-47 Chinook fleet is the world’s leading heavy lift helicopter supporting the Active Army in CONUS and OCONUS, The Germany FMS case provides a much-needed production base for the U.S. surge and OPTEMPO support to COCOMs. The U.S. has sponsored several non-standard aircraft such as the UH-1 (Huey) and the Bell 207/407 which our allies continue to operate and need U.S. support.

Community Impact:

The CH-47 & MASPO programs directly employs approximately 450 Department of the Army Civilians and Contractors

Requested Actions:

■ Support the U.S.-Germany CH-47 FMS case.

■ Continue Allied and COCOM support to the nine different non-standard rotary wing aircraft types in use by 19 different allied forces across the globe.

AVIATION TURBINE ENGINES (ATE)

The Aviation Turbine Engines (ATE) Project Office manages the engines for the Apache, Black Hawk, Chinook, FLRAA helicopter program – more than 4,000 active helicopters, and 10,000 aircraft engines including the FMS case engines. The ATE PO is responsible for the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) which will reinvigorate the U.S. rotary wing engine industrial base with a potential of 10,000 new engines. The Improved Turbine Engine will be common to the Apache, Blackhawk, replacing the venerable T-700 series engines.

FY 24-25 priorities include: Complete current T-700 engine production contract and deliveries; First production units for the Improved Turbine Engine; Direct and indirect support to FMS cases on aircraft or engines x 5000 UH-60 Blackhawk, AH-64 Apache Aircraft and CH-47 Cargo Helicopters.

National Impact:

The Improved Turbine Engine or ITE program is the most significant U.S. rotary wing engine program in recent history. ITE has a potential production run of 10,000 engines supplying future vertical lift aircraft and the enduring Aviation fleet with a common engine. The potential 10,000 engine contract represent one of the largest potential manufacturing contracts in the DoD with the Army’s project management office and support personnel at Redstone Arsenal.

Community Impact:

Project management and program support are performed in Alabama. The prime contractor is General Electric.

Requested Action:

■ Recognize the DoD and FMS wide impact of the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program and the FMS current and forecasted opportunities in FY24 and FY25.

AVIATION MISSION SYSTEMS & ARCHITECTURE

The Aviation Mission Systems & Architecture (AMSA) Project Office is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering advanced aviation technologies that enable the Aviation Enterprise to operate in a Multi-Domain Environment. The project includes four Product Offices that manage 53 distinct product lines in Active, Guard, and Reserve Army Aviation units. Products include the 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.

Within Army Aviation, the AMSA programs lead Army and Army Aviation priorities such as Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), Army Aviation and Army Network integration, and mission critical software development.

FY24-25 priorities include: Mission Systems Architecture using Modular Open Systems Approaches (MOSA); Assured Position, Navigation, Timing (PNT) Technology; Aviation Mission Common Server (AMCS) Development; Multi-Platform Anti-Jam GPS Navigation Antenna – Federated (MAGNA-F) antennas; Air Ground Radio (AGNR) Integration & Modifica-

tion Work Order Plan; and Auxiliary Ground Power Unit 1.1 Performance Verification Testing

National Impact:

AMSA’s enabling technologies across the 4,000+ rotary wing platforms in Army Aviation provide Commanders with the mission information necessary to make key, optimal decisions associated with air and/or ground operations. Every Army aviation unit in CONUS and OCONUS deploys with AMSA systems.

Community Impact:

The AMSA Project Office manages end-to – end 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, and Logistics Support Facility.

Rquested Action:

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

FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

The Fixed Wing Project Office centrally manages the Army’s fleet of 400 manned, Fixed Wing Transport and Aerial ISR aircraft. Army fixed wing aviation units’ missions include strategic, operational, and tactical intelligence and electronic warfare. The A-ISR fleet is currently transitioning from propeller driven aircraft to jet powered platforms. The new platforms will allow the A-ISR fleet to fly higher, support longer missions, deploy quicker and see further behind enemy lines. Two key payloads are in development for our Fixed Wing aircraft: High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) and Airborne Reconnaissance Targeting Exploitation Mission – Intelligence System (ARTEMIS).

Current FY 24-25 priorities include: Support the HADES program with contract award in FY24; Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System (ARES) Tech Demonstrator to United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Command; and Update (ARTEMIS) Aircraft to V3.0. Continued Support to United States Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR) Command.

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

National Impact:

The Army’s Fixed Wing Special Electronic Mission Aircraft provides Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) provides global support across the Combatant Commands (COCOMs) and Army operations throughout all theaters of operation.

Community Impact:

The Fixed Wing project office, our support matrix government and industry provide technical and programmatic employment to over 500 direct and indirect employees.

Requested Action:

■ Congress is cognizant of the manned fixed-wing ISR missions accomplished by the Army Fixed Wing aviation fleet including COCOM and National Intelligence Agencies support.

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.

National Impact:

The bioscience sector in north Alabama continues to have a positive influence on the Nation. From a dedicated, steadfast response to the global pandemic to work advancing human health and agriculture discoveries, north Alabama’s bioscience workforce has provided invaluable contributions at local, state, and national levels. This commitment to innovation has led to genomic discoveries, diagnostics, new drug and medical device development, crop improvements, and new sustainable agricultural practices and products. Genomic scientists in Alabama, in collaboration with counterparts across the southeastern United States, have brought answers and diagnoses to families with newborns suffering from rare disease. Additionally, nationwide collaborations have empowered Alabama plant scientists to introduce innovation, sustainability, and diversity to farmers through agrigenomics.

Community Impact:

North Alabama’s bioscience sector also has a significant community impact, and the Chamber appreciates the Alabama federal delegation’s prioritization of the biosciences in the areas of research, education, medicine, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Support for the biosciences is a sound monetary and economic development investment for the State of Alabama and the U.S. 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. This goal can only be accomplished through coordination and collaboration between academic institutions and industry.

Requested Actions:

■ To continue advancements within the biosciences, 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 public-private 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 business, 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..

INFRASTRUCTURE 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 – This 5.5 miles of widening through multiple jurisdictions will provide six lanes to improve traffic flow, critical capacity, and safety improvements along this urban principal east-west arterial with average daily traffic volumes ranging near 50,000 vehicles per day. This project is currently in design and, due to the project size and duration, we understand there is consideration for two project phases to move it forward more quickly. Phase 1 is anticipated to be between Providence Main and Jeff Road. Highway 72 has become a major throughput and safety concern for the greater Huntsville community.

• Widening the last four lane section of I-565 between I-65 and downtown Huntsville – Interstate 565 Widening (CLR to Wall-Triana) – 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 toward construction to complete all six lanes along I-565 through our growing community.

• Widening Highway 53 to six lanes out of NW Huntsville towards Harvest – Highway 53 Widening (Jeff Road to Old RR Bed) – As growth in northwest Madison County has continued, this critical artery is becoming increasingly dangerous. What was once a sleepy agriculture community is now filled with vibrant subdivisions and retail. This project would widen Highway 53 to six lanes from Jeff Road to Old Railroad Bed Road.

• Construction of a Redstone Arsenal focused interchange on I-565 near Resolute Way – Resolute Way Interchange at I-565 – With this project, drivers on Madison Boulevard would be connected to Redstone Arsenal at Gate 9. 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 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.

• Extending I-565 eastward toward Gurley and Scottsboro 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. An earlier version of this project was originally funded with Federal Appalachian Regional Commission funds. During that period, an environmental document was completed. Currently, the design is nearly finished. Acquisition was previously started in 2013 but was forced to stop because of a change in funding priorities by the federal government. 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 urban corridor would significantly improve traffic flow along U.S Highway 72 from adjacent regions.

• Overhauling the interchange between I-565 and Memorial Parkway in the heart of Huntsville – I-565 / U.S Highway 231 Interchange Modifications – 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 approximately 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 to move this project forward to design and construction.

• Creation of a connecting road between I-565 and Redstone Arsenal Gate 10 – 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 to its City Center for direct access to new

jobs and buildings that are associated with existing and proposed employment centers and infrastructure on base. Additional funding is needed to improve gate access inside Redstone Arsenal. The corridor study is currently underway, and we are seeking funding to move the project toward design and construction.

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) REAUTHORIZATION ACT

The current FAA Reauthorization Act was extended through a continuing resolution (CR) through March 8, 2024, so Congress must pass a new fiveyear FAA Reauthorization Act. The new FAA Reauthorization Act should address the concerns addressed below, including infrastructure funding, protection from environmental liability, and protection from regulatory overreach.

America’s airports are powerful engines for economic opportunity in local communities, generating more than $1.4 trillion in annual economic activity and supporting nearly 11.5 million jobs. As passenger traffic grows, airports need increased funding to ensure that our aviation infrastructure can keep pace with demand.

The EPA recently designated certain Per – and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), known as the “Superfund” law. The FAA has required airports to use firefighting foam containing PFAS for decades. Airports currently face unlimited potential liability for costs associated with PFAS remediation, as well as costs associated with transitioning to fluorine free firefighting foam.

Additionally, TSA recently imposed a new requirement on airports to screen aviation workers. This new requirement imposes a substantial unfunded mandate on, and creates new liability for, airports.

The new FAA Reauthorization Act should include the following key components: (1) funding for AIP at a minimum of $4B; (2) immunity for airports from liability for PFAS and funding for a transition to fluorine free firefighting foam, and (3) protection for airports from regulatory unfunded mandates related to aviation worker screening.

Community Impact:

The Port of Huntsville has immediate needs for infrastructure investments to continue to be able to meet the expected flow of passengers and goods due to Huntsville becoming the largest city in Alabama and the growth of business and commerce in the region. In order to keep pace with the passenger demands and provide modern and improved facilities we need more funds to meet future needs and protection from liability for PFAS and regulatory burdens.

Requested Action:

■ Support a new five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act that includes AIP funding at a minimum of $4B and the other key components listed above.

MUNICIPAL FINANCING

Since the early 1900s, bond financing for municipal entities has benefited from tax-exempt status, saving citizens untold billions of dollars on infrastructure development. In recent years, Congress has considered several ways to protect this important municipal tool, including the reinstatement of tax-exempt advance refunding for municipal bonds, protecting Build America Bonds from federal budget sequestration, and legislative efforts

such as the Municipal Bond Market Support Act, which would have increased the small issuer exception from $10M to $30M in issuances per year.

Requested Action:

■ Congress should pursue a full bond modernization agenda, including: the reinstatement of the ability to issue tax-exempt advanced refunding bonds; An increase from $10M to $30M for the small issuer exception; Repeal of the sequestration of payments to issuers of Build America Bonds and New Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, and; Support for H.R. 1837 – the Investing in Our Communities Act, which would reinstate pre-2017 law allowing one tax-exempt advance refunding (e.g., one refinancing) for each tax-exempt bond-financed project, if needed.

DIRECT PAYMENT OF REFUNDABLE TAX CREDITS

Since the 1970s, Congress has used federal tax incentives to encourage certain forms of energy investments in the United States. In 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 United States. However, most such incentives do not work for public power utilities, which are, as units of state and local government, exempt from federal taxation and therefore ineligible for such an incentive.

The Chamber believes 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 know 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. In the 117th Congress, steps were taken in the right direction with the institution of direct payments for incentives authorized in the Inflation Reduction Act. The Chamber requests our delegation to support instituting direct payments for taxbased incentives.

PERMITTING REFORM

Due to the high level of success with economic development ventures in Huntsville and Madison County, there is mounting pressure to provide the infrastructure needed to serve prospective projects. To accommodate these needs, federal permitting reform for infrastructure development is imperative to address regulatory challenges hindering timely and efficient project implementation. Although minor improvements to streamline permitting have been made, the existing process is often characterized by excessive bureaucracy, overlapping and confusing regulations, along with prolonged review timelines, leading to delays and increased costs. Streamlining and expediting the permitting process would not only accelerate project completion but also stimulate economic growth by attracting further private investment. Moreover, an efficient system would enhance environmental stewardship through modernized regulations that balance infrastructure needs with sustainability goals. In essence,

federal permitting reform is essential to foster a responsive and adaptive approach to infrastructure development, ensuring critical projects are executed seamlessly while safeguarding environmental considerations.

HOUSING – MILL CREEK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS PLAN

Huntsville’s Mill Creek CNI Project is the redevelopment of obsolete Huntsville Housing Authority units (both traditional and Senior housing units) that are in critical need of replacement due to their age and current habitable conditions. The Mill Creek CNI project would replace the existing units with a mix of public units (on a one-for-one basis) as well as workforce units (targeted to renters making 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI)) and market-rate units. Approximately 580 new housing units will be developed over multiple phases across the existing site. In addition to new affordable housing being built, the Huntsville Hospital System is partnering to build an additional 125 units to serve their workforce needs.

New housing is not the only facet of a CNI project. Through partnerships with organizations like the Huntsville Hospital System (constructing and operating a local clinic to serve the residents directly), Village of Promise (offering early childhood development programs adjacent to the site), the YMCA (expanding on-site child care services), HATCH (creating a workforce development center for restaurant/hospitality workers), Huntsville Transit (improving connections to surrounding employment opportunities), Huntsville City Schools (offering satellite programs for residents who attend city schools), Huntsville Utilities (discounting implementation services to keep down costs to residents), and a Federal RAISE grant (constructing a bike and pedestrian bridge to link the neighborhood directly to downtown jobs), among many others, the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative will create a safe, thriving and economically-diverse neighborhood in the heart of Huntsville.

National Impact:

As cities are re-urbanizing around the United States, many are struggling with rising housing costs, particularly in relation to fewer dynamic increases in income. Affordability has become a very real concern in major metropolitan areas, and it is not unrealistic to project that mid-sized cities – particularly those with growth as dynamic as Huntsville’s – will begin to see similar pressures. Affordable quality of life has been an important pillar of Huntsville’s – indeed, all of Alabama’s – competitiveness in economic development, and it is therefore crucial to our continued success that we provide housing across the wage scale.

Community Impact:

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.

Requested Actions:

■ Vigorously advocate for the City of Huntsville’s United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Implementation Grant.

■ Support the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023 or similar legislation to increase the credit for certain projects designated to serve extremely low-income households.

MISSILE & SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER (MSIC)

Technical innovation and superior scientific and engineering capabilities are the cornerstone of MSIC’s success. The Huntsville region’s highly educated, ever-expanding workforce is a force multiplier for the Center. With its roots deeply planted in the development of complex engineering solutions, MSIC is continually advancing broader national intelligence analysis capabilities. Skills such as advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) must continue to be leveraged in addressing key national priorities including rapidly advancing capabilities in offensive hypersonics, cyber threats, and artificial intelligence (AI). In addition to MS&A, developing engineering toolsets to better analyze and evaluate foreign threat hardware is another critical factor in understanding the complete threat system picture. The evolving sophistication of multi-domain battlespace operations demands continued advancement in the simulation arena. Rapid solutioning via simulation and collaboration across intelligence production centers is crucial in supporting timely analysis and viable results. Digital engineering, high-performance computing (HPC), and the emerging power of AI enables a more expedient path to answer effectively and efficiently some of the IC’s most challenging questions.

MSIC is a vital link across Team Redstone; collaboratively advancing a unified missions with PEO Missiles and Space, PEO Aviation, Missile Defense Agency, Space and Missile Defense Command/ARSTRAT, Army Futures Command (AFC) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) and FBI. All are pushing the realm of the possible where needs exist to better synergize MSIC’s technical capabilities with AFC AvMC research and development. For example, MSIC’s advanced missile system modeling and simulation as well as its highly advanced 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 evolving global threats, MSIC must expand its ability to capture, analyze, report, and securely disseminate intelligence information and reports through continual improvement of its Missile 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 needs.

MSIC therefore must have the critical human, financial, and physical resources necessary to sustain and expand its mission to support the acquisition community, national policy makers, and the Warfighter.

National Impact:

Located at the Richard C. Shelby Center for Missile Intelligence on Redstone Arsenal, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Missile and Space Intelligence Center (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 short-range ballistic missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, command and control, air defense systems, directed energy weapons, and counter space weapon systems. The MSIC mission is crucial in bolstering our nation’s defense against increasingly sophisticated, highly capable foreign threats,

especially as world events evolve exponentially. MSIC disseminates the complete spectrum of operations from national security strategic to actionable operations tactical, to the broader intelligence community, decision makers, and ultimately the Warfighter.

Community Impact:

Employing about 400 government personnel and approximately 400 contractors, MSIC will continue to be embedded as a significant contributor to our nation’s defense. The regional economic impact from MSIC will be enhanced by ensuring funding supports robust analysis of the growing air defense, SRBM, counter space, hypersonic, cyber, and emerging threats to national security.

Requested Action:

■ Increase FY24 MSIC funding over president’s budget request to provide increased support for MSIC’s intelligence analysis programs with emphasis on continued development of ITASE, the IC’s authoritative modeling and simulation architecture; advanced systems modeling tools; simulation, and analysis, development of digital engineering / modelbased systems engineering tools and methodologies to address threat Integrated Kill Webs and weapon autonomy.

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 part-

ners, 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.

Community Impact:

The Tennessee Valley continues to mature a workforce pipeline to develop, attract, and retain a broad range of technical and management professionals focused on cyber security and mission 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, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s U.S. Cyber Camp, and other educational institutions. These initiatives define the framework for a progressive path to develop desperately needed technicians, managers, and policy developers.

The FBI is engaged in a myriad of efforts to combat cyber threats, from improving threat identification and information sharing inside and outside of the government, to retaining new talent, to examining the way we operate to disrupt and defeat these threats. However, the FBI must also continue to develop the current workforce. Working with the Intelligence and Defense Communities, the FBI is creating a hub for technological development and advanced learning at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. These advanced training venues will enable Intelligence Community (IC) personnel access to a real-world environment, where students will learn to detect, analyze, and develop countermeasures to technical vulnerabilities.

The following requested actions are consistent with the 2024 NDAA, Executive Order 4028 (Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity), and NIST Special Publication 800-161 (Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management Practices for Systems and Organizations).

Requested Actions:

■ U.S. Army weapons platforms require Cyber Resilience as a key performance parameter of System Survivability. Cyber resilience of weapon systems enables battlefield dominance in a compromised and contested cyber environments. To meet this requirement the Army will develop, integrate, and demonstrate secure technologies for weapon systems using secure digital bus subsystems while minimizing performance degradation. Continue to support Army labs and centers within Army Futures Command, Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC), along with industry partners as they mature the competencies and infrastructure to enable maturation and transition of such technologies to weapon system program manager. 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 Cyber & Electromagnetic activities.

■ Continue support and funding to the Program Executive Office’s (PEO) (Missiles & Space, PEO Aviation, et al.) to defend weapons systems against cyberattacks, integrate cyber policy and programmatic capabilities in the acquisition lifecycle, and protect the industrial base and supply chain. With respect to the NDAA, this effort should leverage the use of data, Advance Analytics, and automation to ensure long term program scale and affordability.

■ Provide funding to PEO AVN to support the defense of Army aircraft and support systems against cyber-attacks, integrating cybersecurity into the entire acquisition lifecycle to include cyber engineering, cyber testing, cyber resiliency/survivability, supply chain risk management, risk management framework, and Army Aviation cyber incident response. As we continue to increase the technological capabilities of Army aircraft the threat of cyber-attacks is also increased. Integrating cyber security into all facets of the lifecycle is the only way to increase cyber survivability enabling battlefield dominance in contested cyber environments. This effort would require partnerships with academia, industry, and other organizations such as Air Force; Navy; Army Futures Command; Army Threat Systems Management Office; Command, Combat Capabilities Development Command; the Intelligence Community and Army Cyber Command and Redstone Test Center.

■ Increase funding to the Army Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO) to enable acquisition, development, deployment, and operational use of threat-based capabilities to identify, analyze, and assess comprehensive cyber-attack surfaces of weapons programs, critical infrastructure/ operational technologies, and the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)—TSMO DIB support is provided through the National Cyber Security Operations Center (NCSOC). Each capability should leverage the use of data, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation to ensure long term program scale and affordability.

■ Continue to support and fund the Space and Missile Defense Command’s (SMDC) cutting-edge research in cyber resiliency of space and missile assets systems that enable Multi Domain Operations and force protection. Resources are needed to develop cybersecurity tools and infrastructure required to provide reliable and resilient protection of critical networks, hardware and software that enable our Ground Based Interceptors that provide defense of our homeland against hostile missile attacks. SMDC plans to continue successful efforts in teaming with other government agencies such as NSA, NRO, NASA, MDA, Space Force, Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO), and Los Alamos National Labs to conduct assessments, research and discover best practices. Projects initiated in FY23 include a live threat assessment on a retired space asset in flight, using artificial intelligence in a cyber bot range tool to enhance cyber-tabletop exercises and provide threat hunters with a training range, and a protective technologies effort to build capability and a talent pool to better detect malicious hardware, software, and counterfeit devices in the supply chain. Continuing these projects into FY24 to their maturation and exploring other collaborative efforts maintains focus on improving the cyber-resiliency of mission critical components needed to sustain space dominance while ensuring longterm success for SMDC, the Army, and other organizations with a space and missile defense missions.

■ Increase funding to Army Materiel Command (AMC) in order to refine and extend strategies related to the Security Operations Center as a Service (SOCaaS). Provide capability beyond core services to include the development and deployment of a standard network services across the Organic Industrial Base (OIB) and extend the ability to continuously monitor and detect cybersecurity risks for our Nation’s most critical infrastructure entities.

■ Increase funding for Army Materiel Command (AMC) in support of the OIB Modernization Task Force to support OIB talent development across the OIB, and specifically to build a “hub and spoke” cyber talent support network, based in Huntsville, to provide ongoing, coordinated training and development for individuals tasked with supporting local ICN and Operations Technology (OT) cyber support and defense, including support for AMC’s Cross-Functional Team lead efforts for Contested Logistics as part of the Army Futures Command mission.

■ Increase Missile Defense Agency (MDA) funding to enable prototype development, pilot implementation and operation of defensive

cyber operations capabilities across MDA mission systems, RDT&E environments, and core information technology system networks to include: Conduct cyber reconnaissance and threat hunting activities across the enterprise and extended to high-risk DIB suppliers of critical missile defense system components; Assess current and emerging offensive cyber posture of U.S. adversaries and develop defensive cyber capabilities to defend against state-sponsored threats inclusive of the space domain; Develop a roadmap and strategy to enhance cyberspace training and security cooperation across public/private sectors. Focus would be the establishment of a training and education program that identifies “in-demand” cyber roles and targets cyber mission force readiness shortfalls. Establishes a bench of qualified candidates who can provide impact upon hire; and establish a cyber innovation lab designed to operationally test commercial cybersecurity capabilities available in the market that could provide immediate benefit to MDA.

■ The FBI requires sustained funding for current FBI cyber and cyberrelated operations. The FY 2024 congressional appropriations marks propose large cuts to the FBI’s budget, to include cuts against cyber and advanced science and technology capabilities leveraged nationwide and on Redstone Arsenal. In addition to sustaining baseline capabilities, the FBI requires increased funding for its cyber and technology programs, which are not supported in the proposed FY 2024 congressional marks.

■ The FBI requires additional resources to enhance cyber informationsharing abilities; increase cyber tools and capacities; recruit, hire and retain cyber talent; and protect internal FBI networks from those who wish to do the U.S. harm.

■ Without additional funding in FY 2024 and beyond, the FBI will have to reduce hiring efforts, including efforts to fill positions at Redstone Arsenal.

■ In addition, the FBI needs additional funding to support Redstone cyber and technology curriculum development, training, tradecraft, and facilities operations and maintenance, ensuring the FBI is able to continue to partner and collaborate with key intelligence, law enforcement, and private sector entities to counter cyber threats through technology, innovation, and training.

■ Sustain funding for the JROTC Cyber Pilot Program. This program will modernize and complement the traditional JROTC curriculum with an 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 eight other Alabama colleges and universities.

■ Provide funding to SMDC to support Cyber Hardening of Mission Systems used for space-to-ground and space-to-space secure communication links, Space Superiority activities, and Navigation Warfare.

■ Initiate funding to develop a state-of-the-art cyber range at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE). ASCTE will utilize the cyber range to develop curriculum, labs, and hands-on experiences for student learners across the state and country.

■ Establish funding to enhance and expand non-traditional secondary education programs like U.S. Cyber Camp, which are designed to grow the cyber workforce and educators through immersive engagement outside traditional classroom setting and provide professional development for educators.

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

■ The Space Development Agency (SDA) has created the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Cybersecurity Strategy (CSS)

to provide strategic guidance to ensure the implementation of robust security measures in response to current and emerging threats. The threat-based Risk Management Framework (RMF) uses a novel approach, tailoring cybersecurity controls to the PWSA Space and Ground Segments.

Prior to solicitation of a new capability:

1) Identify – review threats to PWSA Space and Ground Segments

2) Control – Select controls to mitigate and/or counter identified threats; tailor to SDA mission/platforms

Solicitation: 3) Communicate – Communicate controls to vendors as cybersecurity requirements

After Contract Award: 4) Monitor – Continuous monitoring of performers’ implementation of cybersecurity requirement solutions

SDA is beginning the execution of the Defense in Depth as Mission Assurance Spacecraft – Multilevel Security (DiDaMAS-MLS) program to provide a secure on-orbit capability to deliver PWSA data to the warfighter at various classification levels, analyze cyber vulnerabilities, cyber-attack vectors, cyber kill chains and provide cyber assurance solutions in the space domain. This program was started with a $5M congressional plus-up in FY23. The technical work includes requirements analysis, gap analysis, vulnerability analysis, threat research, design and development activities, software engineering, software development, security engineering, systems engineering, systems integration, and scientific research.

SDA is specifically seeking to:

■ Develop cybersecurity methodologies between the Transport Layer and the commercial sector, enabling us to better access commercial communications systems and services.

■ Adopting AI software tools to validate commercial-off-the-shelf software being integrated into the space vehicles.

■ Running cybersecurity analyses against the NOVAs and SUPERNOVA used for integrating network operations.

DOD ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & MACHINE LEARNING, ADVANCED CELLULAR (5G/6G), QUANTUM COMPUTING, DATA ANALYTICS

National Impact:

The FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) dedicates considerable volume and funding to advanced technology across the DoD. $163B (roughly 25 percent) in the FY24 DoD Budget is designated for R&D ($145B) and S&T ($17.8B). Competition with our stated National Security threats who are openly using 21st century advanced technology requires the DoD to incorporate DoD weapon systems with both traditional S&T and R&D coming out of DoD labs and centers. Likewise, from commercial and academic sources such as Universities and University Research Centers.

“[Secretary Austin] An increasing array of fast-evolving technologies and innovative applications of existing technology complicates the Department’s ability to maintain an edge in combat credibility and deterrence.” (FY24 SEC DEF Budget Summary, pg. 1-1).

Chat GPT as a widely cited example of Generative Artificial Intelligence is one example showing the acceleration of technology from laboratories to use by hundreds of millions of users daily. The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Hicks’ Replicator Program, designed to invigorate the U.S. domestic drone program also shows the U.S. priority for autonomy, manufacturing, and high-capacity small form communications. Cybersecurity is a complementary technology

and service reducing the risk of advanced technologies being “hacked” and reducing or stopping mission readiness.

“[Secretary Austin] New applications of artificial intelligence, quantum science, autonomous weapons designs, biotechnology, and space technologies can change traditional, kinetic military conflict, and disrupt the U.S. supply chain and logistics operations vital to maintaining combat credibility.” (FY24 SEC DEF Budget Summary)

Army Aviation: The Human-Machine formation including Air-Air, Air-Ground, and combining manned with uncrewed systems is a “whole-system” design which to realistically compete in contested or combat operations must incorporate the leading S&T and R&D pipeline in DoD Advanced Technology. The Army plans to invest over $1B in Future Army Aviation Systems R&D while many S&T and R&D programs are linked to autonomous aircraft or autonomous formation controls.

Missiles & Space: Tactical and operational missile and space defense while identified by the fire-and-forget missiles or directed energy, will continue to evolve using complex computing (quantum), mathematics (quantum optimization), target identification and location, deception and spoofing from enemy formations and systems. Airspace command and control in autonomous operations is too complex in 3D space & time to maximize through only human information processing.

Sustainment: Transportation, supply demand, and storage in INDOPACOM cannot support deployed forces with “mountains of metal” – the DoD leadership recognizes advanced (quantum) computing and mathematics are necessary to ensure, right part, right place, right time and maximize force protection.

Community Impact:

The Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal with more than 40,000 STEM professionals and seven colleges and universities represents the center-of-mass for the U.S. to combine the theoretical and practical use of DoD Advanced Technology into DoD Weapon Systems.

Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal seek to remain on the leading-edge and support the DoD Aviation, Missiles and Space, Department of Justice, and Army Sustainment. Therefore, the workforce skillsets in AI, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, Data Analytics and Advanced Cellular must equally lead the DoD in pace with DoD weapon systems development.

Requested Actions:

■ Proportionate resource allocation, i.e., $10B +/ – of the DoD RD&A and S&T should be allocated to Redstone Arsenal weapon systems development activities such as the CCDC AvMC, PEO Aviation, PEO Missiles & Space, the Army RCCTO Office, Army Materiel Command, and Missile Defense Agency.

■ Congress supports the DoD workforce development and training to enable the Alabama current and emerging workforce to be relevant and competitive in support of DoD systems development.

FBI CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AT REDSTONE ARSENAL

Over the past several years, the FBI has prioritized construction efforts at Redstone Arsenal on its North Campus, which focuses on science, technology, and innovation. Over the coming years, the FBI will be busy finalizing construction on its North Campus, as well as beginning construction on its South Campus. A large part of the FBI’s Redstone Arsenal 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.

In FY 2023, the FBI focused on three large construction projects and moved approximately 500 personnel to the North Campus. The FBI broke the 2,000-person mark at FBI Redstone in early January 2024. The three buildings currently under construction on the North Campus – the Innovation Center, Technology building 2 (Tech 2) and Technology building 3 (Tech 3) – will help fulfill the FBI’s vision to create a technological hub at Redstone. The Innovation Center will be a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to training, cyber threat intelligence, and data analytics. This unique facility has a projected occupancy of Spring 2024 and will have the capability to host up to 300 students per week for training. Tech 2 will enable the movement of data via state-of-the-art networks and will focus on collecting and cleaning data, all while providing technical expertise and support to FBI operations. Tech 3 will be an innovative hub that will foster the creation of tools and applications to enhance the ability to harvest and triage case data. Both Tech 2 and Tech 3, plus supporting parking garages, are planned to open in the Winter of 2026. These facilities, combined with the 10 existing buildings, will fulfill the FBI’s initial North Campus footprint, creating a walkable and integrated environment.

As mentioned, the FBI’s Redstone expansion also includes construction on the South Campus, located near the FBI’s existing Hazardous Devices School. The South Campus will enable advanced and specialized training and testing for FBI Agents and technicians using comprehensive, state-of-the-art training facilities. This training will build on the initial basic training provided at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. The FBI recently received the land permit for the approximately 120 acres that will house these important training and testing structures. Tree clearing on the site has begun and additional site work will run in parallel to design efforts for buildings that will open between 2028–2030.

The FBI is grateful to be a part of the Redstone Arsenal and “Team Redstone.” The FBI is also appreciative of Senator Shelby for his support and his efforts to grow the FBI’s footprint on Redstone Arsenal at the Richard Shelby Center for Innovation and Advanced Training. The FBI received $590M in FY 2023 which will fund several key facilities on the FBI’s Redstone Master Plan.

BROADBAND & 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 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 north Alabama area will provide access to the highest levels of our 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 public rights of way, (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 a key economic center of the greater Huntsville area, improving high-speed data and telecommunications access benefits all communities in the region. Redstone Arsenal is a critical piece of our national security, and it is supported by numerous small, medium, and large defense contractors, commercial business, and industrial manufacturers. The ever-evolving technology landscape requires robust, cutting-edge broadband service to ensure Redstone, as well as its supporting industries and businesses, maintains operational excellence. The increasing 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 in areas of north Alabama where connectivity between last mile providers and the internet do not exist or are insufficient. 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 north Alabama region. Proportionate investment in north 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 broadband funding.

MEDICARE WAGE INDEX – HEALTHCARE

Nearly one million Alabama residents rely on Medicare for health insurance, with the State’s 92 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 allocate 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 (2023 INPUT)

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.

PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE, MISSILES & SPACE (PEO MS)

National Impact:

To succeed in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO), U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Forces must execute three essential tasks across multi-domains (land, sea, air, space, and cyber). First, protect fixed assets, semi-fixed assets, and maneuvering forces. Second, defend critical theater and operational support areas. Lastly, converge combat capabilities at critical points in the battlespace to exploit windows of opportunity. To meet the challenges of providing warfighters with the capabilities needed to succeed in a LSCO environment, PEO MS is providing a rapid and iterative approach to capability development that decrease cost, address technological obsolescence, eliminate duplication of effort, and reduce acquisition risk. It increases the speed of delivery, enables design tradeoffs in the requirements process, expands the role of the Warfighters throughout the acquisitions process, and uses non-traditional suppliers. PEO MS is responsible for 41 Programs of Record managed by six Project Offices: Integrated Fires Rapid Capabilities Office (IFRCO); Integrated Fires Mission Command (IFMC); Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD); Search, Track, Acquire, Radiate, Eliminate (STARE); Strategic and Operational Rockets and Missiles (STORM); and Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM).

Of the Army’s modernization programs necessary to enable LSCO, PEO MS manages five of these: 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 increase warfighter lethality and enhance force protection throughout the multi-domain battlespace. PEO MS is also on the forefront of the Army’s Long-Range Precision Fires, Air and Missile Defense, Hypersonic, Directed Energy, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems, and Aviation and Ground Missiles modernization initiatives.

Community Impact:

The PEO MS team of more than 2,400 dedicated professionals, working 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 Action: Fully fund the President’s budget request for the Army’s Long Range Precision Fires and Air and Missile Defense modernization priorities and legacy programs.

INTEGRATED AIR AND 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 – integrating current systems to maximize employment flexibility in completely different ways than before. IBCS executed an array of rigorous testing on its path to achieving FullRate Production (FRP) and highlighting the system’s ability to integrate a variety of sensors and effectors to work together under an integrated

command and control system. In FY23, IBCS, within the IAMD program, received a successful FRP Defense Acquisition Board decision. Weeks later, the IBCS program achieved Initial Operational Capability declaration. As the integrator of IBCS software, the Army is in the process of developing the Software Integration Facility (SWIF). The SWIF is a planned government-owned and government-operated facility, which will allow System of System engineering and development activities for future capabilities to begin early hardware/software integration, test, and defect resolution prior to the start of IBCS software and algorithm product development. The Integrated Fires Rapid Capabilities Office (IFRCO) within the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) will manage SWIF operations.

Community Impact:

IBCS is managed in Huntsville, AL. The program supports more than 600 jobs in the north Alabama area.

Requested Action: Support the President’s Budget request for IBCS.

PATRIOT (PHASED ARRAY TRACKING RADAR INTERCEPT ON TARGET) MISSILE SYSTEM

National Impact:

The PATRIOT Missile System is the most successful and effective air and missile defense capability currently employed by U.S. forces and 16 allied partners with Switzerland expected to be added by end of 2QTR FY23, and is a component of the Missile Defense Agency’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (MDA’s BMDS). U.S. Army estimates indicate the PATRIOT will provide critical Air and Missile Defense capability to our Joint forces to 2030 and beyond.

Community Impact:

Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal are the PATRIOT’s birthplace and home. Hundreds of civilian and government jobs in the Huntsville area are critical to the PATRIOT program. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases for PATRIOT are processed through the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC), PEO MS, the Army Materiel Commands’ Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD), and through U.S. Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal. U.S. Military cases are processed through PEO MS and through the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal.

Requested Actions:

■ Support the President’s Budget Request

■ Advocate for continued efforts to support international sales and for the sustainment of existing U.S. systems to ensure readiness through the remaining life of the system in the force.

COUNTER SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (C-SUAS)

The DoD has implemented the intent of 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 Sustainment. The Department of the Army is the DoD Executive Agent for C-UAS. It is executing this mission through the recently established Joint Counter Small UAS Office (JCO).

The Army’s Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) is the Army’s PEO Missiles & Space. PEO MS is currently supporting COCOMS (CENTCOM / AFRICOM / INDOPACOM / EUCOM) with C-UAS equipment providing force protection to our deployed warfighters. PEO MS is integrating C-UAS capability into Divisional units and high priority Army sites worldwide.

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 as clearly shown by the War in Ukraine and increased tensions in SE Asia (Taiwan, Guam). UAS operated with hostile intent have increased risk to homeland security by attacking vulnerability of DoD, federal installations and civilian or commercial critical infrastructure. Counter UAS is a national security priority from the most forward tactical military units to purely civilian infrastructure.

Community Impact:

C-UAS in north Alabama supports the local workforce of hundreds of government and support contractor employees. The program brings industry partners and foreign clients to Huntsville supporting the local businesses who benefit from business travel.

Requested Actions:

■ Fully Support the President’s Budget Request for C-UAS to provide capabilities to augment the U.S. Army’s C-UAS capability to support the Warfighter in a multi-domain battle environment.

■ Full funding supports Government and support contractor jobs in Huntsville.

GUIDED MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEM (GMLRS)

National Impact:

Recent world events demonstrate the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) is the preferred choice for long-range, precision strike capability against point and area targets. A mature, combat-proven system, GMLRS munitions are optimized to attack, neutralize, suppress, and destroy time sensitive; high-payoff targets out to 70+ kilometers. The extended range GMLRS variant will double the system’s reach, providing another cost-effective and flexible solution for Commanders to shape the multi-domain battlespace. GMLRS, which is compatible with current Field Artillery launchers and rocket production capacity, is expanding to support increased domestic and international customer demand. The PEO MS team partners with the Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) Cross Functional Team (CFT) and the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center to continuously improve this dependable, effective, and relevant capability in support of our Warfighters.

Community Impact:

The GMLRS program locally supports the employment of hundreds of Government and support contractors in north Alabama, and is managed by the Strategic and Operational Rockets and Missiles (STORM) project office within PEO MS.

Requested Action: Support the President’s Budget request for GMLRS to deliver a robust production capability and tactical inventory level supporting our Field Artillery rocket forces. Full funding will maintain hundreds of jobs in Huntsville.

PRECISION STRIKE MISSILE (PRSM)

National Impact:

Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) is an Army weapon system priority and critical enabler to penetrate and neutralize threat Anti-Access and Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities. Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is the Army’s

next-generation, long-range, surface-to-surface, precision-strike missile with capabilities to attack, neutralize and suppress time-sensitive threatpoint and area targets beyond 499+ kilometers. Extended-range capability will provide Commanders operational flexibility to penetrate, exploit, disintegrate, and dominate threat A2/AD, which is critical in the execution of multi-domain operations. PrSM Increment 1 received Milestone B approval from senior Army leaders and successfully conducted a series of flight tests including Engineering Demonstration Tests, and a Production Qualification Test in 2023 using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher. The first PrSM Increment 1 Early Operational Capability (EOC) missiles were delivered in 2023, with deliveries continuing in 2024 and beyond. PEO MS partners with the LRPF Cross-Functional Team and DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center to develop and integrate science and technology solutions to provide incremental capability improvements to PrSM. PrSM Increment 2 will integrate a multi-mode seeker, providing commanders with the means to suppress, delay or disrupt moving maritime and relocatable ground targets. PrSM Increment 2 has a planned series of demonstration flight tests in FY26.

Community Impact:

The PrSM developmental program locally supports the employment of hundreds of Government and support contractor personnel in north Alabama. The program attracts industry partners and international customers to Huntsville and supports local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, due to business travel.

Requested Action:

■ Support the President’s Budget request for PrSM to deliver capabilities increasing the U.S Army’s surface to surface missile capabilities in support of a multi-domain battlefield. Full funding supports both Government and support contractor employment 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 including 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 providing a capability against Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar. To date there are 72 M-SHORAD Inc. 1 systems fielded to two Active-Duty Army Battalions. The program also includes the development of the Next Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) to replace the Stinger missile. The NGSRI will exceed the range and lethality of the Stinger, while maintaining compatibility with current launchers, such as the M-SHORAD platform. It also provides a dismounted, Soldier-portable capability.

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.

AVENGER

National Impact:

The Avenger is a legacy combat system used for protection of fixed and semi-fixed critical assets from low altitude Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Cruise Missiles (CM), Fixed-Wing (FW), and Rotary-Wing (RW) aircraft threats. Avenger consists of a turret with eight Stinger missiles and a 50-caliber machine gun, mounted on a High-Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The program is in the Operations and Sustainment phase of the acquisition lifecycle and is undergoing a Modification – Service Life Extension Program (MOD-SLEP) to replace obsolete components and extend its service life into the 2030s.

Community Impact:

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

Requested Action: Support the President’s Avenger MOD-SLEP Budget request to continue delivering protection against enemy air assets. Full funding will maintain hundreds of jobs in Huntsville.

JAVELIN WEAPON SYSTEM

National Impact:

Javelin is the most advanced, combat proven, multi-mission, Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) and surveillance weapon system capability employed by dismounted and mounted U.S forces and over 20 allied partners. The Javelin is effective against all known battlefield armor and provides extended range day/night Detect/Recognize/Identify capability to Infantry, Stryker, and Armor Brigade Combat teams. The Javelin Weapon System has been continually modernized since it was first introduced in the 1990s to maintain U.S overmatch and outpace the threat. It’s employment flexibility and combat effectiveness has made it the ATGM of choice in the Ukraine war, earning great accolades from the Ukrainian military. The Javelin Weapon System has a robust industrial base of over 44 suppliers across 20 U.S states.

Community Impact:

TAGM and Javelin support over 500 Army civilian and contractor jobs located in north Alabama and across the Tennessee Valley.

Requested Action: Support the President’s Budget Request which addresses proactive obsolescence, sustains the U.S industrial Base and builds towards Total Army Munition Requirement (TAMR).

STINGER

National Impact:

The Stinger missile is a legacy combat system used for protection of maneuver forces and point defense assets from low-altitude Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Cruise Missiles (CM), and Fixed-Wing (FW) and Rotary-Wing (RW) aircraft threats. It is the primary munition used in the M-SHORAD Increment 1 System. It is currently undergoing a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to extend the useful life of the missile, while adding a proximity fuze to the missile to enhance its lethality. In 2022, the Army directed the re-start of U.S Stinger missile production to replenish Army and Marine Corps stocks drawn down to support foreign partners.

Community Impact:

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

Requested Action: Support the President’s Stinger Missile production

Budget request to continue replacing stocks. 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 simultaneously engages threats from different azimuths, is designed to defeat unmanned aircraft systems and cruise missiles. IFPC is an integral part of tiered and layered Air and Missile Defense using 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 providing 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, addresses known capability gaps, and provides target track data other components of the Army IAMD SOS architecture leverage. The system is designed to detect advanced and next-generation threats including hypersonic weapons.

Community Impact:

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

Requested Action: Support the President’s LTAMDS Budget request allowing this critical capability to be fielded to U.S. Soldiers in accordance with the NDAA.

SENTINEL A4 RADAR

National Impact:

The Sentinel A4 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) is the next generation of radar technology replacing the current phase and frequency scanned array used by Sentinel A3 today. Sentinel A4 extends the range for ground-based surveillance and situational awareness, improves track accuracy, and operation in severe/urban clutter. Sentinel A4 provides simultaneous multi-mission capability and hemispherical surveillance to detect and track small targets, such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Cruise Missiles, Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing aircraft. Sentinel A4 detects, tracks, and classifies Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (RAM) threats and supports Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD), Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense (AIAMD), Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) and the operational needs of Combatant Commands with Fire Control quality track data.

Community Impact:

The program supports jobs in the north Alabama area, including roles within the PEO MS, the Army labs and support contractors.

Requested Action: Support the President’s Budget request to allow this advanced radar capability to be fielded to U.S. Soldiers as soon as possible.

INTEGRATED FIRES TEST CAMPAIGN (IFTC)

National Impact:

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.

Community Impact:

The program supports hundreds of military, government civilian, and both prime and support contractor jobs in the north Alabama area.

Requested Action: Support the President’s Budget to enable SoS engineering development, systems integration, and system of systems testing across the PEO MS portfolio and with joint agencies, covering additional costs associated with multi-system integration development, testing, evaluation, and fielding.

SOFTWARE INTEGRATION FACILITY (SWIF)

National Impact:

The Software Integration Facility (SWIF) is a planned Government-Owned and Government-Operated facility, which will allow System of System engineering and development activities for future capabilities to facilitate early hardware/software integration, test, and defect resolution prior to the start of Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) software and algorithm product development. The Integrated Fires Rapid Capabilities Office (IFRCO) within PEO MS will manage SWIF operations.

Community Impact:

The SWIF will provide employment for dozens of personnel in the north Alabama area.

Requested Action: Support the President’s IFRCO budget request ensuring facilitation providing planned capability to our nation’s Soldiers.

THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY (TVA)

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) serves more than 1.1 million people and many of Alabama’s largest industrial and commercial customers through eight cooperatives and 17 municipal systems in 17 Alabama counties. In Alabama, TVA’s footprint is significant in value of assets, transmission load and revenue from sales to both local power companies and directly served customers at $1.7B, which is about 14 percent of TVA’s total operating revenue. TVA’s contribution in economic development and stewardship of the Tennessee River has made a considerable impact in Alabama for more than 90 years.

During fiscal year 2023, TVA helped create 830 jobs and retain about 7,300 jobs in the state with $1.7B capital investment.

TVA’s mission is to provide energy security – energy that is affordable, reliable, resilient – to Alabama families and the state’s economy. TVA is also a national leader in providing clean energy, with the most diverse generation fleet in the United States, including nuclear, solar, hydro, gas, and advanced technologies. TVA has reduced carbon emission intensity by approximately 50 percent since 2005 and is executing a plan to reach an approximate 80 percent reduction by 2035. TVA aspires to achieve net-zero carbon emissions intensity by 2050, recognizing that the journey to net-zero will rely on new technology and innovation.

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS – HUNTSVILLE

The Army Corps of Engineers’ presence in Huntsville includes the Huntsville Engineering and Support Center or USACE HNC. The Center consists of 1,100+ employees and is responsible for awarding upwards of $3B in annual contracts on behalf of the Department of the Army, Combatant Commands, and Veteran’s Administration among many other federal entities. As a matter of practice, HNC continuously seeks to maximize awards to small businesses and targets 40–50 percent of its total annual obligations to small business. In FY23, the Engineering Center awarded $919M in small business contracts, more than 25 percent greater than 2022 and more than any other entity in USACE. The Center’s small business program was recognized nationally this year as the top Corps of Engineer Center or District in small business awards. The Huntsville Center is considered the Army’s expert in Energy Savings Performance Contracting/Third Party Financing. A 2023 example is the Center’s Utility Energy Services Contracting (UESC) program at Fort Stewart, GA which increased capacity by nine megawatts and saves nearly $1M in annual energy costs for the installation.

National Impact:

The Corps of Engineers Huntsville Center provides DoD leading infrastructure architecture, engineering, construction management and leads the Army in Energy Efficient installation support including the DoD standard for 3rd party financing.

Community Impact:

The HNC has relocated to a brand-new facility in the Secure Gateway on Redstone Arsenal in January 2024. The Center has increased the local engagement with the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) located in Cummings Research Park, just north of Redstone Arsenal. With 1100 employees in Huntsville, the Center is one of north Alabama’s largest employers.

Requested Action: Recognition the Army Corps of Engineers Huntsville Center provides unique expertise and value across the Army, DoD Combatant Commands, and the Veteran’s Administration, including many projects valued in excess of $100M.

SPACE COMMAND

We are disappointed that President Biden chose to reject the objective Air Force recommendation to place the permanent Space Command Headquarters at Redstone. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Alabama Congressional Delegation to defend the Air Force original and criteria-based selection of Redstone as the preferred site for SPACECOM and any investigations related to that decision being politically changed. We applaud the language

included in the 2024 NDAAA requiring additional GAO and DOD IG reviews of the selection process prior to allowing funding of any facilities at the temporary Space Command HQ.

CHILD CARE

National Impact:

When COVID hit, child care programs shut down or reduced capacity dramatically, working parents were left with hard choices and employers without reliable staff. This spotlighted the reality that access to affordable, quality child care is a challenge for working parents across the country. Federal relief funds enabled providers to retain their workforce through bonuses and other financial incentives without drastically increasing costs for working parents, and ultimately helped stabilize the industry. With the end of that relief funding in September 2023, child care providers are again in a fragile situation to retain their workforce and provide the affordable, quality child care needed in our communities.

Community Impact:

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

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

UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY-SOUTH

The United States Space Force’s (USSF) Space Development Agency (SDA) became a tenant at Redstone Arsenal (RSA) in 2022 when it established SDA-South: a state-of-the-art Space Operations Center to serve as one of two primary command and control nodes for SDA’s proliferated satellite constellation in low Earth orbit.

National Impact:

SDA was established in 2019 to be a constructive disruptor in space acquisition. SDA is responsible for rapidly delivering space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter through development, fielding, and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture – a constellation of hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit. SDA capitalizes on a unique business model that values speed and lowers costs by harnessing commercial development to achieve a proliferated architecture and enhance resilience.

As part of USSF, SDA reports to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration for acquisition matters and to the Chief of Space Operations for all other matters.

Community Impact:

Approximately 20 SDA personnel, including four Army officers, are based at RSA with further growth to 70 civilians, military, and contractors following the completion of SDA’s Space Operations Center in late summer 2024. SDA contract awards in excess of $300M have already been made, benefitting the local Huntsville/Madison County area with more growth envisioned in the near future.

Requested Actions:

■ Fully fund the President’s Budget Request for Space Development Agency.

■ Advocate for SDA’s continued independence and authorities.

■ Ensure SDA has access to all existing rapid acquisition pathways (Middle Tier of Acquisition, Software Acquisition Pathway) and contracting mechanisms (Other Transactions Authority, Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer programs) to ensure speed of acquisition and delivery; advocate for additional acquisition options that enable spiral development of new types of space systems.

SUPPORT THE AMERICAN INNOVATION & JOBS ACT

National Impact:

Changes made to section 174 of the Internal Revenue Code by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that went into effect in 2022, will potentially have a devastating effect on America’s Small Business innovation ecosystem, and disincentivize many small businesses from performing R&D work. The changes will require businesses to amortize R&D expenses over a five-year period, rather than allowing them to be deducted in the year they were incurred. These changes will drive the cost of performing R&D much higher, resulting in a larger tax burden for many high-tech companies. This will particularly harm and disincentivize R&D focused small businesses like those participating in the SBIR and STTR programs. For profitable companies have to recognize revenue associated with R&D efforts but are not allowed to immediately deduct the wages and other related R&D expenses that were paid to generate the revenue. This is a mismatch of revenue and expense recognition for income tax causing higher taxes to be paid without the cash flow to pay the taxes.

These companies often have a much higher percentage of their expenses going to R&D work, and many newer, smaller companies simply don’t have the cash in hand to amortize potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars over five years. Many of the firms hardest hit are early-stage high-growth companies that are not yet making a profit. The move to five-year amortization will further push these companies into negative territory in the near-term, limiting their ability to attract investment and obtain loans. For entities such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and sub-s corporations, this tax obligation flows through directly to the individual owners.

The American Innovation and Jobs Act supports innovative businesses and helps create jobs by:

■ Restoring incentives for long-term R&D investment by ensuring that companies can fully deduct R&D expenses each year

■ Raising the cap over time for the refundable R&D tax credit for small businesses and startups

■ Expanding eligibility for the refundable R&D tax credit so that more startups and new businesses can use it

Local Impact: Huntsville ranks in the top 10 communities that receive SBIR and STTR funding. Unless Congress acts swiftly to restore the Sec. 174 deduction, the long-term effects to Huntsville’s innovation economy could be devastating. Fewer small businesses and startups will want to incur the cost of R&D work, leaving it primarily to larger, established businesses who have the cash reserves and profits to amortize their taxes. Many small businesses will simply opt out of innovation programs like SBIR/STTR, resulting in less innovation and a reduction in STEM jobs.

Requested Action: Enact the American Innovation Act.

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