State of Indiana - Purdue
Abstract
Fluctuations in defense spending going back to 2011, and continuing up to the flat line defense budget in 2021, have created vulnerability in Indiana?s defense sector. The lack of predictability in the federal defense budget make it difficult to plan and invest at the small and mid-sized company level because these companies do not know if today?s defense contract will be there tomorrow. This disincentive to bidding on defense work serves to weaken the defense industrial base as manufacturers seek more predictability in their business cycle. Part of a solution for this resiliency challenge lies in making more robust data available on the state of the defense manufacturing sector, to allow for advanced planning, as well as providing specialized training and consulting to Indiana?s defense manufacturers. Many small and mid-sized firms struggle with DoD contracting processes, lack needed credentials, and cannot rapidly adapt to the evolving requirements of government and industry prime contractors. These firms lack the resources needed to acquire technology or new processes to realize productivity gains from advanced manufacturing technology integration. They need assistance to support the production of trusted microelectronics, hypersonic vehicle components, certifications, training, and specialized technical consulting. Moreover, without a clear grasp of supply chain weaknesses, these small firms cannot identify strategic growth opportunities. Under this grant award, the Purdue University Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) will these address these gaps by providing direct technical assistance that improves the capabilities of Indiana?s defense manufacturing firms, and raises their knowledge of DoD supply chain threats, opportunities and weaknesses. These activities will allow these defense firms to deploy new products and services and enable them to become more agile and responsive to changing military requirements and needs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 2021
- Source ID
- HQ00052110029
Entities
People
- Eugene Jones
Organizations
- Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Purdue University