Ridgecrest Region-Phase II
Abstract
Due to the presence of Edwards Air Force Base and Naval Air Weapons Station-China Lake, Kern County is unusually reliant upon the Department of Defense as an economic engine, which in turn causes negative spillover effects in the regional economy when defense budget priorities shift Using resources under this grant, Kern County undertook an effort to move the County away from an overreliance upon the Department of Defense by diversifying the local economy, while creating value to Department of Defense in doing so. In addition to improving existing economic development databases, the County established "maker spaces," in each of the six eastern Kern County communities. These maker spaces will provide a means for local manufacturers to work with and understand the principles and processes behind 3D printing technology. This will create a critical mass of vendors able to use the technology to expand their products to both the Department of Defense and other niche markets. The intended outcome of this project is to provide the Department of Defense with a more robust and agile local supply-chain while using 3D printing technology to establish a niche manufacturing ecosystem with applications beyond the defense sector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2020
- Source ID
- HQ00051810046
Entities
People
- Karmeena Morales
Organizations
- Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation
- Office of the Secretary of Defense