The Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) of the U.S. Department of Defense, referred to by the Trump administration as the U.S. Department of War, recently announced the launch of a new digital platform for small businesses, LYNX.
The LYNX system will strengthen supplier readiness, improve visibility into business capabilities and expand participation by small businesses into the defense market, officials said.
“LYNX turns readiness into action,” Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy Michael Cadenazzi said. “It’s designed to help companies present their capabilities clearly, prioritize the right steps, and move toward mission-aligned opportunities with greater speed and confidence.”
Officials said the platform is built for new entrants, small businesses, non-traditional suppliers, and growing defense contractors with strong technical capabilities who may face challenges navigating defense requirements, readiness expectations, and partner discovery. Form many small businesses, barriers to entry aren’t in innovation or expertise, the department said, but in understanding how to move from capabilities to participation.
“LYNX reflects OSBP’s commitment to reducing barriers to entry and expanding participation across the defense industrial base,” James Mismash, director of Small Business Programs, said. “By providing a common framework for readiness and capability, LYNX supports faster engagement, smarter collaboration, and more resilient supplier growth.”
Companies can use the platform to present their capabilities, assess readiness, and receive Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)-informed roadmaps to focus investment on actions most likely to advance defense participation. Officials said the platform also improves discovery and connection which can aid the department in matching companies with opportunities.
Registration is now open for businesses seeking to connect with mission-aligned partners and opportunities. Businesses begin by creating a company profile and completing an initial assessment to establish a readiness baseline and identify next steps.