GAMA Highlights Developments of Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is encouraging eligible U.S. aviation manufacturers and maintenance businesses, whose workforces were impacted by the pandemic, to start preparing themselves for participation in the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection (AMJP) program.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) $3 billion AMJP program will provide grants to retain, recall or rehire the workforces of eligible aviation manufacturers and maintenance businesses, including their suppliers, during the pandemic. This temporary program requires a cost-sharing of 50 percent by employers and 50 percent by the federal government and can only be used to support the compensation of these workers.

DOT has indicated that it will soon be accepting applications for businesses to participate in the AMJP program and has created a website for applicants to monitor the status of the program. They are also encouraging eligible businesses, if they have not already done so, to apply now for a Data Universal Number Systems (DUNS) and to register online with the System of Award Management. Additionally, DOT recently published a Federal Register notice describing the data that it anticipates collecting from companies in order to implement AMJP requirements during the application process.

The AMJP program was established as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which passed through Congress and was signed into law in March. GAMA is a staunch supporter of the program as it will assist in strengthening the aviation industry’s fragile supply chain, keep highly skilled workers in the industry, as well as support small businesses that need assistance to maintain operations.