The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a $9.5 million award over three years to bolster microelectronics education and training in Indiana, in collaboration with the non-profit Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. (ROI). This initiative, part of a public-private partnership, aims to address the critical shortage of skilled professionals in microelectronics and enhance production capacity.
Funded through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program’s Cornerstone Other Transaction Agreement (COTA), this project aims to strengthen Indiana’s microelectronics workforce, a key element of the National Imperative for Industrial Skills. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience, Carla Zeppieri, emphasized the importance of ROI’s role in developing a robust microelectronics ecosystem, contributing to national security.
ROI will collaborate with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and industry employers to build advanced microelectronics expertise. This effort aligns with the National Defense Industrial Strategy’s goals of improving supply chain resilience and workforce readiness, bridging gaps between urban and rural technology sectors, and fostering economic growth in underserved communities.
The IBAS and COTA programs, overseen by the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Program (MCEIP), have invested over $130 million in the defense microelectronics industrial base since the beginning of FY 2024. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)) leads these initiatives, ensuring a secure and resilient industrial base to support national defense.–News Desk