A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Aerospace Development Act of 2008".

B. There is hereby created within the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, the Center for Aerospace Supplier Quality (CASQ), and the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute (OAI) whose purpose shall be to create a partnership of service providers to more effectively respond to the needs of the aerospace industry in the areas of education and training, research, and economic development. The CASQ and OAI will focus available resources to promote cooperation and collaboration among businesses, manufacturers, military installations, commercial aviation, educational institutions, nonprofit research institutions, and state government for the purpose of strengthening the economy of the State of Oklahoma. Contingent upon the availability of funds,  the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission may employ established program processes or may contract with other qualified entities to operate the CASQ and the OAI.

C. The CASQ is designed to serve as a conduit between Oklahoma’s military installations and aerospace industry to promote quick response to opportunities that will:

1. Increase Department of Defense contracts with Oklahoma aerospace companies and contracts between Oklahoma aerospace companies and prime contractors in the aerospace and defense industries;

2. Create and retain more high-wage, high-skill jobs;

3. Strengthen collaborations between businesses and aerospace interests;

4. Reduce the flow of federal defense contract dollars to out-of-state businesses;

5. Expand the aerospace industry in Oklahoma;

6. Provide engineering and technical assistance;

7. Provide more manufacturing sources for Oklahoma military installations and the aerospace industry; and

8. Reduce costs and increase competitiveness for Oklahoma military installations and the aerospace industry.

D. In order to streamline the use of resources with the goal of eliminating duplication of efforts, the OAI shall act as a clearinghouse of information and activities concerning the aerospace industry. The OAI will provide a focal point to coordinate the plans and activities of state agencies, task forces, departments, boards, commissions, and other entities that have responsibilities or duties regarding the aerospace industry with the goal of eliminating duplication of effort.

E. The OAI shall create a partnership of education and training providers to meet the specific needs of the aerospace industry to build a credentialed work force for the future. Participating educational institutions shall act cooperatively to create complementary activities.

F. The OAI shall include a center for applied research and will primarily undertake applied research, development and technology transfer that have long-term potential for commercial development. The center shall build upon institutional strengths and conduct activity in areas of research in which the participating research institutions and businesses have achieved or have true promise of attaining a standard of excellence in applied research and development.

G. The OAI shall support and foster the growth of the aerospace industry. The OAI shall acquire aerospace executive expertise and provide consulting services to the aerospace industry, government agencies and organizations across the State of Oklahoma in order to strengthen the policy framework, economic development initiatives and activities of the state.

H. The OAI may accept funding that includes, but is not limited to:

1. Monetary contributions;

2. Contractual arrangements;

3. In-kind services;

4. Federal- and state-appropriated dollars;

5. Private and public foundation grants; and

6. Fee-for-service products.