Constraints
This needs assessment will have several constraints upon it based on the following items: proprietary data aquisition, political issues and time. The data needed for current employment statistics while available in general from state and local government sources (including NASA) is proprietary when it comes to the big four contractors: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, United Space Alliance and Raytheon. While we are able to access current hiring information and employment opportunities from 'the outside', we are limited in terms of what we can verify as truth. Luckily, we have an insider on our team from one of the contractors who has access to some verifiable data and HR personnel and we will have to extrapolate from that data. We are also exploring the connection from universities like A&M and San Jacinto that have programs (aerospace engineering degrees) that feed into this system.
Another issue that will be a constraint to this needs assessment is the political agenda behind this education initiative. While we will encourage a more global view of the problem (insufficient workforce and subsequent production setbacks) it is clear that the TSLC has several additional agendas on their plate. One involves allocation of education funds which have already been designated (versus more competitive salaries, for example). Another includes a predetermined trend towards instituting certain programs or possible solutions (scholarships, etc.). We hope to be able to assess and recommend the best of these that emerge from the group discussions. A third involves the leading decision makers in this process who include the chief executive officers of each of these companies (NASA, contractors). These persons while very committed to the process also have specific allegiances and political agendas that they are beholden to that will certainly affect the outcome of this and other advisements.
Lastly is the issue of time, which is the most major constraint. Not only is this group under time constraints because of the limitations of this course's timeframe, but also the subcommittees of the TSLC which are pursuing this perceived need are also on a very tight schedule. Decisions regarding the expansion of the Texas Aerospace Scholars Program (TASP) will need to be made in the next few months. The education strategy for all of the participants's education and public outreach divisions in the TSLC (TASP's parent agency) is going to be developed in an even shorter timeframe. This strategy is endeavoring to coordinate all of the individual entities' educational efforts (NASA and the contractors) as well as provide a guiding focus for the entire Texas Aerospace Scholars Program. While TASP is currently a statewide high school initiative, it will become an umbrella organization for all future education efforts made by the TSLC, including outreach to teachers and students of all ages, in an effort to meet the needs assessed by this group's final report.