The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a contract worth nearly $16.3 million over five years to the Steel Founders' Society of America (SFSA). This contract is for organizing and executing Cast in Steel, an annual manufacturing competition series funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy's Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program.
Cast in Steel aims to unite students from universities and technical trade schools across the United States, providing them with a platform to display their skills in a competitive environment that combines modern technology with historical craftsmanship. The competition supports the mission of strengthening the defense industrial base's workforce by investing in future generations.
"The competition pushes students to embrace resilience and teamwork, providing them with hands-on experience that mirrors the demands of careers in the defense sector," said Ms. Carla Zeppieri, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience. "Participants use cutting-edge casting techniques that blend innovation with history—skills they will carry forward as future contributors to the defense industrial base."
In 2025, the competition will include five qualifying rounds where teams will collaborate with industry partners using advanced casting technologies. Their work will be documented through technical reports and videos, with final designs evaluated on creativity, technical execution, and functionality. The event concludes at the American Foundry Society Cast Expo in Atlanta, Georgia from April 9–11, 2025.
Since Fiscal Year 2024 began, more than $3.3 billion has been awarded by the Innovation Capability and Modernization Office through its IBAS program to enhance projects supporting the defense industrial base. The ICAM Office is part of OASD(IBP)'s Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization Directorate.
For further information on MCEIP: https://www.businessdefense.gov/ibr/mceip/index.html
The OASD(IBP) collaborates with domestic and international partners to maintain a robust industrial base essential for national security. It manages key capabilities aligning with strategic goals outlined in documents such as the National Defense Strategy and Executive Order 14017.
