How the Department of Commerce (DOC) Services the Aeronautics Sector in the U.S.

Department of Commerce (DOC)

DOC recognizes aeronautics as a critical sector in the U.S. economy and works across its bureaus to promote investment, innovation, safety, and standards across the industry. In pursuit of weather and climate forecasting advancements, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) equips its aircraft with cutting-edge technology focused on environmental research and weather forecasting. Improvements in weather forecasting are critical to the guiding principles of promoting safety, protecting the environment, and strengthening national security. NOAA supports innovative research and development on uncrewed systems for collecting data to support its mission of science, service, and stewardship. New technologies and concepts in uncrewed systems that are developed by NOAA or through NOAA programs in partnership with others are often transitioned into use within NOAA or U.S. industries to maintain NOAA's and the U.S. position as global leaders in environmental observations. Additionally, NOAA provides weather observations, forecasts, and weather decision support to the Federal Aviation Administration as part of the mission to maintain the safety and efficiency of flight in the operation of the National Airspace System. As climate change impacts and mitigation measures are considered more broadly by the aviation industry, NOAA services can support optimum long-haul routing - to increase efficiency and lower carbon emissions - and airport density altitudes, which will impact long-term airport capacities.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) supports the aeronautics supply chain through direct interactions with the suppliers. The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network of 51 Centers (one in each state and in Puerto Rico) engages annually with hundreds of projects and individual manufacturing clients in the aeronautics industry. A majority of these clients are small manufacturers (those with fewer than 100 employees). The work done by NIST MEP and its Centers has resulted in the creation or retention of thousands of aeronautics jobs and billions of dollars in new and retained sales, new investments, and in cost savings. MEP is aligned with National Aeronautics Science & Technology Priorities with emphasis in smart manufacturing by helping small and medium-sized manufacturers, including transportation firms, to integrate physical and digital processes within factories and across other supply chain functions to optimize current and future supply and demand requirements. In addition, NIST laboratories conduct R&D at the cutting edge of technologies integral to the aeronautics sector. NIST also provides calibration services that ensure that makers and users of precision aeronautics instruments achieve the highest possible levels of measurement quality and productivity

The International Trade Administration (ITA) supports the international competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers in all sectors by promoting trade and investment, ensuring resilient supply chains to support economic and national security, advocating for U.S. businesses in international markets to promote exports and ensuring fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements. ITA is closely engaged with industry partners working on emerging technologies, in such areas as advanced air mobility, sustainable aviation technology, and high-speed flight to ensure that U.S. companies have the tools to grow and succeed in foreign markets. ITA will continue to advance U.S. competitiveness in the aeronautics sector through exports and assisting emerging aeronautics technology companies to become export-ready.