WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 to participate in the new 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% by employers and 50% by the federal government and can only be used to support the compensation of these workers.
DOT officials have indicated that department will soon be accepting applications for businesses to participate in the AMJP program. It has created a website for applicants to monitor the status of the program. Officials 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 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 2021.
“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,” officials said.