Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
The Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced a three-year, $9.5 million award to create and improve microelectronics-focused education training centers in Indiana in collaboration with the non-profit Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. (ROI). This public-private effort aims to address the need for increased microelectronics production and alleviate critical shortfalls in a skilled microelectronics workforce. The award was made by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program through the Cornerstone Other Transaction Agreement (COTA).
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience (DASD(IBR)), Ms. Carla Zeppieri, stated, "ROI's participation in strengthening the Indiana Uplands cause is directly aligned with the DoD National Imperative for Industrial Skills initiative's vision for a robust microelectronics workforce development ecosystem that will perform as the backbone in obtaining reliable access to microelectronics research, development, design, and manufacturing."
ROI will collaborate closely with K-12 schools, postsecondary colleges and universities, employers, and other institutions to develop and enhance advanced microelectronics expertise and ecosystem in the region. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural technology opportunities, foster innovative economic growth in underserved areas, and support strategic priorities outlined in the National Defense Industrial Strategy related to enhancing supply chain resilience and workforce readiness.
IBAS and COTA are overseen by DASD(IBR)'s Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Program (MCEIP), which is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. Since FY 2024 began, MCEIP programs have invested over $130 million into the defense microelectronics industrial base.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)) works with domestic and international partners to build a robust, secure, and resilient industrial base that supports current and future warfighters.
