The Charles County Economic Development Department (CCEDD) welcomes the news that the United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA), headquartered at the Maryland Technology Center (MTC) in Indian Head, Maryland, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the AUKUS Forum. The AUKUS Forum is an Australian-led organization that spearheads economic and technological exchanges under the AUKUS Pact, a trilateral security partnership among the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
USBTA is newly selected as a partner in the Maryland Global Gateway Soft Landing Program, serving as a key hub for international businesses seeking to enter the U.S. market. Strategically positioned in the Western Charles County Technology Corridor, this location provides easy access to federal agencies, research institutions, and defense operations and will offer access to state-of-the-art facilities, valuable resources, expert advisors, and more. This is a significant milestone for Charles County, promising to attract foreign direct investment, create high-quality jobs, and upskill the local workforce in emerging fields. The USBTA-AUKUS Forum MOU is the initial step in leveraging the soft-landing program to its full potential.
“As home to the USBTA, we are proud to support this partnership, which reinforces our county's role as a critical player in advancing global security and defense collaboration,” states Reuben B. Collins II, Esq., Charles County Commissioner President. “This agreement not only showcases Charles County's capacity to host organizations of international importance but also opens the door to new economic opportunities, technological innovation, and workforce development that will benefit our community for years to come.”
“Charles County is at the forefront of exciting economic growth, with promising opportunities on the horizon,” shares Charles County Economic Development Department Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle. “Through our collaboration with USBTA and other key partners, we’re committed to fostering innovation, attracting investment, and supporting the growth of industries that will drive our economy forward and create lasting benefits for our community.”
The MOU focuses on joint capabilities in cybersecurity, AI, quantum technologies, and undersea capabilities, setting the stage for increased collaboration across government, industry, and academia. As USBTA collaborates with 65 U.S.-based industry leaders, Maryland businesses will benefit from valuable matchmaking opportunities with U.S. and Australian companies, strengthening Charles County’s business ecosystem.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between the USBTA and the AUKUS Forum is a pivotal step in advancing our shared mission of strengthening bomb technician training, innovation, and global collaboration,” USBTA CEO Sean Dennis explains. “This partnership not only underscores the strategic importance of Charles County as a hub for cutting-edge defense initiatives but also highlights local economic and workforce growth opportunities. By working together, we can foster new technological advancements and create a ripple effect of innovation and investment that will benefit our community, our nation, and our allies around the world."
To learn more about economic development initiatives in Charles County, visit https://www.meetcharlescounty.com.
