State of Mississippi - Diversification
Abstract
"The State of Mississippi has set up the Mississippi Defense Initiative, which oversaw activities and strategic planning efforts to support the defense industrial base and its connective tissue to DoD assets and installations statewide. This grant carries out prior planning to develop an aerospace and defense ecosystem, and support research, export, and cybersecurity efforts statewide. This project continues to directly support modernization efforts to promote the economic diversification of defense contractors and subcontractors and build a more resilient supply chain for the Department of Defense. The work reinforces the Department of Defense’s broader mission by building intellectual capacity within the supply chain, capitalizing on competitive strengths, spurring innovation, enhancing capabilities, and promoting stability, resiliency, and diversification of the defense supply chain, particularly around small businesses. All are critical elements to bolstering national security and supporting the warfighter. This grant focuses on the following efforts: • Incorporating Defense Industry Diversification assistance into the business development ecosystem in the state and continue to expand defense industry networks in Mississippi built in previous grants. • Implementing the Mississippi Defense Initiative Strategic Plan 2022-2026 for Mississippi’s Defense and Homeland Security Economy to synchronize Mississippi’s existing defense-related economic assets and programs in support of a potential statewide pro-business defense plan for the state and strengthen our military communities support for their local bases. • Establish an aerospace-focused business cluster in Mississippi and build out the business case for that cluster to become an aerospace and defense-focused consortium to support resilient, competitive, sustainable, and diversified aerospace supply chains. • Provide USM Cyber Security expertise and support to the Mississippi Cyber Initiative by expanding USM course offerings, both traditional and non-traditional (online), to increase the number of highly skilled technical workers in skillsets needed to support modernization of the defense supply chain and the mission at Keesler AFB, including degree programs, minors, and certificates."
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 02, 2022
- Source ID
- HQ00052210033
Entities
People
- Haimes Kilgore
Organizations
- Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Southern Mississippi