The U.S. Defense Department announces four actions to strengthen industrial base capabilities

The U.S. Department of Defense announced four actions through the Defense Production Act to sustain and strengthen essential domestic industrial base capabilities in molecular diagnostic testing, satellite communications, laser electronics, and aircraft engine repair.

These actions are designed to retain critical workforce capabilities throughout the disruption caused by COVID-19. The Department remains closely partnered with FEMA and HHS, providing almost $2.9 billion in life-saving medical services, supplies, and equipment to service members and federal agencies in the nation’s whole-of-government approach to the pandemic.

One is an agreement with BioFire Defense, a subsidiary of BioMérieux, to expand the production of the BioFire COVID-19 Test for the DOD. The government allocated was $3.1 million in funding.

Another is a $3.6 million contract with AQYR Technologies to sustain and expand critical industrial base capability for the Global Broadcast Service (GBS) Portable Receiver Suite (PRS).

The third is a $7 million agreement with Leonardo Electronics US Inc. to sustain critical industrial base capabilities for Diode Pumped Alkali Laser (DPAL) systems.

Finally, the DOD announced a $3.7 million agreement with Aero Turbine to strengthen the domestic aircraft industrial base. Aero Turbine provides turbine engine and accessory overhaul, repair, and testing services for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army.