Today, the Department announces four Defense Production Act Title III actions to sustain and strengthen essential domestic industrial base capabilities in molecular diagnostic testing, satellite communications, laser electronics, and aircraft engine repair. These actions will help 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.
DOD & HHS Announce $3.1 Million Defense Production Act Title III Agreement with BioFire Defense, LLC to Expand Domestic Production Capacity for Molecular Diagnostic Testing
As initially released on August 10 and as part of the national response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), signed an agreement with BioFire Defense, LLC, a subsidiary of bioMérieux, to expand the production of the BioFire® COVID-19 Test for the DOD. Government funding allocated was $3.1 million.
The current COVID-19 pandemic created a global demand for diagnostic tests for the virus, including a requirement to maintain operational readiness and the health of our armed forces. The investment in BioFire Defense will enable the company to increase manufacturing capacity through expansion of its facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. By installing two new production lines, BioFire Defense will triple its manufacturing capacity of tests starting in September 2020, which are compatible for use with BioFire® FilmArray® instruments that are fielded across the DOD and Department of State.
This effort has been led by the DOD’s Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF), in coordination with the Department of the Air Force’s Acquisition COVID-19 Task Force (DAF ACT), and funded through the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III program. This project is part of the interagency effort to ensure timely availability of medical resources essential for national defense.
DOD Announces $3.6 Million Defense Production Act Title III Agreement with AQYR Technologies to Strengthen Domestic Space Industrial Base
As part of the national response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense entered a $3.6 million contract with AQYR Technologies under Title III of the Defense Production Act to sustain and expand critical industrial base capability for the Global Broadcast Service (GBS) Portable Receiver Suite (PRS).
AQYR Technologies is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) company and is the sole source supplier of the PRS tactical and portable terminals which enable warfighters to receive extremely large intelligence products (streaming video, imagery, geospatial, etc) while reducing the chances of discovery by enemy signals detection systems. Using funds authorized and appropriated under the CARES Act, this DPA Title III investment will sustain and expand critical capabilities and capacity that revolutionizes the way the warfighter operates by allowing them to receive important information broadcasted over satellite communication (SATCOM) channels deployed globally.
This investment will ensure the U.S. Government receives dedicated long-term industrial capacity to meet the needs of the nation while maintaining and protecting a skilled workforce during the disruption caused by COVID-19.
AQYR headquarters in Nashua, New Hampshire will be the principal place of performance.
DOD Announces $7.0 Million Defense Production Act Title III Agreement with Leonardo Electronics US Inc. to Strengthen Domestic Electronics Industrial Base
As part of the national response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense entered into a $7.0 million agreement with Leonardo Electronics US Inc. to sustain critical industrial base capabilities for Diode Pumped Alkali Laser (DPAL) systems.
Leonardo Electronics US Inc. intends to continue production of laser diode modules for DPALs to sustain production operations and stabilize the supply chain, ensuring that the U.S. Government continues to have access to this critical domestic capability.
Using funds authorized and appropriated under the CARES Act, this DPA Title III investment will offset financial distress brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and enable Leonardo Electronics US Inc. to retain critical core competencies and capabilities required to produce DPALs, as well as support their supply chain, which includes many small businesses, put at risk by COVID-19.
The principal place of performance will be the Leonardo Electronics US Inc. facility in Tucson, Arizona.
DOD Announces $3.7 Million Defense Production Act Title III Agreement with Aero Turbine to Strengthen Domestic Aircraft Industrial Base
As part of the national response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense entered into a $3.7 million agreement with Aero Turbine under Title III of the Defense Production Act to sustain critical industrial base capability and capacity for U.S. Air Force J85 engine and parts manufacturing.
Aero Turbine is a small business that provides turbine engine and accessory overhaul, repair, and testing services for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. Using funds authorized and appropriated under the CARES Act, this investment will expand its domestic production capability and capacity for J85 engines and parts to meet vitally important demand in support of the DOD. The investment will positively impact operational readiness by reducing delay times and driving time and cost savings for the U.S. Government. Additionally, Aero Turbine will be able to retain critical workforce capabilities throughout the disruption caused by COVID-19 and to restore some jobs lost due to the pandemic.
Aero Turbine headquarters in Stockton, California will be the principal place of performance.
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