ACEA, NARTP, and Applied Research Associates Partner to Lead the $140 Million Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies Proposal
The Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP), and Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), partnered to submit a market survey/response for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) proposed $140 million Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT). Together, the partnership continues to strengthen New Jersey’s position as the premier hub for advancing aviation and aerospace technologies.
“New Jersey continues to lead the way in advancing aviation innovation and creating opportunities that will define the future of this critical industry,” said Lauren Moore, President of the ACEA. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering collaboration, driving technological advancements, and solidifying our state’s position as a hub for advanced aerospace research and development."
Headquartered at the NARTP and strategically located within New Jersey's Aviation Innovation Hub adjacent to the FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace, the partnership assembled a highly skilled team of experts, representing industry, academia, government, and research institutions. The coalition meets all eight FAA criteria for the CAAT, including proximity to major airports, aviation manufacturing facilities, testing airspace, and vibrant urban and rural communities, along with robust public/private partnerships.
“Our coalition is well-prepared to support the FAA’s vision for the CAAT,” said Howard Kyle, President of the NARTP. “Backed by our deep relationships with the FAA, subject matter expertise, and years of collaborative innovation, we are confident in our ability to exceed every one of the FAA’s requirements.”
Why New Jersey?
The NARTP, located adjacent to the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, offers unparalleled advantages, including state-of-the-art laboratories, direct data feeds from FAA laboratories, and established partnerships to advance aviation technology. Together with ACEA’s focus on economic development and workforce cultivation, the partnership presents a compelling case for housing the CAAT in New Jersey.
Advancing Aviation through Collaboration
The CAAT proposal outlines a visionary initiative that combines innovative technologies, expert curation, and a bold mission to drive the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Specific highlights include managing the AAM airspace laboratory and developing flight demonstration zones and testing range. These efforts align with the FAA’s broader commitment to enhancing the safety and efficiency of the nation’s airspace system.
Partnership Members
Among the coalition are leading institutions such as Rutgers University, Drexel University, Rowan University, Stockton University, and Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). Industry collaborators include AECOM, Quecon, Woolpert, and IRG, alongside aviation stakeholders like Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), Cape May Airport, and more.
ARA’s Expertise
With a 100% employee-owned model, ARA boasts over 2,000 employees and annual revenue exceeding $700 million, making it a trusted name in engineering, research, and large-scale program management. For the CAAT, ARA will lead as the overall program management organization, ensuring operational excellence while leveraging its decades of experience supporting FAA initiatives.
“This proposal highlights our partnership's capacity to innovate and integrate critical aviation technologies,” said Richard Speir, Vice President of Applied Research Associates. “This is an exciting time as we address AAM's present challenges and define its future.”
What’s Next?
The partnership looks forward to future requests for proposals as the FAA advances toward establishing the CAAT by 2026. This project promises to solidify New Jersey’s position as a leader in aviation innovation and pave the way for safe and efficient airspace operations.
