Modify to allow supporting Python 3.11

[loredous]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Currently the BI code does not pass unit testing in Python 3.11. We would like to keep up with current release versions to avoid falling behind.

Describe the solution you'd like
Code should be tested and appropriate changes made to support Python 3.11. Once complete, Python 3.11 should be added to the unit test matrix action.

Additional context
Changes that will break support for older versions will need to be discussed appropriately before accepting.