3-3. Site Assessment and Economic Analysis (spaceport exploration).docx

DRAFT Scope of Work - SPACEPORT Siting Assessment and Economic Impact Analysis of a Potential Spaceport in Utah

Introduction Utah Senate Bill S.B. 62 established the Spaceport Exploration Committee under Utah Code Title 72, Chapter 10, Part 13. The committee consists of 13 members, including legislators, state agency representatives, aerospace industry experts, academics, and military and airport liaisons. The primary task of the committee is to study whether a spaceport in Utah is technically and economically feasible.

An initial feasibility and site assessment determined that XXX are feasible sites for a spaceport. INSERT details on potential sites.

With this preliminary determination on the technical feasibility, the committee has directed the Utah Department of Transportation to procure a siting assessment and economic impact analysis to determine the viability of a spaceport within the state of Utah. This analysis will help the state understand potential benefits, challenges, and requirements of developing a spaceport at a given location, and how it might catalyze innovation, investment, and job creation across multiple sectors.

Objective The primary objective of this study is to conduct a siting assessment and economic impact analysis that evaluates the economic viability of developing a spaceport at the above described location(s) in Utah. The analysis will provide a data-driven foundation to support strategic planning and policy decisions.

Specifically, the study will:

· Evaluate direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of a spaceport, including:

· Analyzing the economic benefits of developing a spaceport, including job creation, growth of Utah’s aerospace industry, local and supportive business growth, revenue generation, and an analysis of projected customers that could use the spaceport. Explain the methodology and approach that will be utilized.

· Identifying target industries and economic clusters likely to be influenced.

· Identify economic, environmental, and other risks of a spaceport.

· Identify resources(assistance) the state may leverage for a particular site, including tax benefits, land ownership, land use authority, and regulatory benefits.

· Assess workforce development needs for a spaceport, including identifying gaps between existing skills and those needed to establish and operate a spaceport.

· Explore use cases for spaceflight, satellite launches, orbital and suborbital flights, research and development, tourism, and aerospace manufacturing, including:

· Provide a market analysis that evaluates the potential demand for space launch services in Utah, including potential government, military, commercial, and international customers and competitors.

· Build a business case that describes how a spaceport could meet customer needs and attract private financing for the spaceport.

· Recommend strategies on leveraging a spaceport to grow the space industry in Utah, potentially creating jobs and economic opportunities.

· Assess infrastructure needs, including existing infrastructure and upgrades needed to support spaceport resources including launchpads, control centers, roads, utilities, and facilities. The assessment must include, but should not be limited to:

· Site accessibility for transportation and logistical purposes;

· Proximity of a site to major highways, airports, railroads, and ports; and

· Significant infrastructure improvements and upgrades needed at a site.

· Analyze the cost of establishing a spaceport and how other spaceports have financially funded it including initial investment, operations, regulatory compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration.

· Provide a comparison of potential sites that compares overall economic viability and the pros and cons of each site.

Topics to Be Addressed The study will address (but not be limited to) the following core areas:

· Types of Spaceport Activities:

· satellite launches

· scientific missions

· national defense missions

· space exploration

· space cargo and resupply missions

· space tourism

· space industry research and development

· communications

· other commercial space flights

· Potential Industry Clusters:

· Aerospace manufacturing

· Space technology firms

· Defense and national security

· STEM research institutions

· Weather and atmospheric sciences

· Communications

· Target Users and Partners:

· Commercial space companies

· Research universities

· Federal agencies (NASA, DoD, FAA)

· Private investors

· Economic Impact Categories:

· Direct and indirect job creation

· Construction and infrastructure investment

· Local business development and supply chain expansion

· Tourism and hospitality industry growth

· Tax revenue implications

· Workforce and Education Alignment:

· STEM education and training needs

· Potential for university and technical college partnerships

· Comparable Case Studies

· Analysis of economic outcomes from other U.S. spaceports (e.g., Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Spaceport America, Mojave Air & Space Port, Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport)

Deliverables The selected contractor will provide a comprehensive final report including:

· Executive Summary

· Economic modeling and analysis results

· Site infrastructure needs report

· Recommended spaceport development scenarios(path forward to implement)

· SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

· Estimated Return on Investment (ROI) and timelines

· Potential funding strategies and public-private partnerships

· Maps, charts, and geospatial data visualizations

· Future recommendations of items that need further study and consideration

· Final presentation to Spaceport Exploration Committee

Proposal Requirements The Utah Department of Transportation invites interested parties to submit a proposal of no more than 10 pages outlining:

· Understanding of the project and regional context;

· Proposed approach and methodology;

· Key personnel and qualifications;

· Relevant past work and case studies; and

· Preliminary timeline and budget estimate.