What's in the New National Defense Industrial Strategy?
some challenges that your company might be able to address
The 2023 NDIS aims to answer the question: How do we prioritize and optimize defense needs in a competitive landscape undergirded by geopolitical, economic, and technological tensions?
Tradeoffs typically occur between cost, speed, and scale. However, the lessons learned since the “Last Supper” and highlighted by current events show that the DoD needs to move quickly toward innovative, next-generation capabilities. We read through the NDIS to look for priorities that industry should focus on, and here’s the list you can wicker into your deck.
Business Opportunities Addressing Specific Defense Industry Challenges:
Utilization of Multi-Use Technologies: Leverage commercial innovations like AI, IoT, and robotics for military applications. For instance, AI used in autonomous vehicles can be adapted for unmanned military drones. IoT devices for smart infrastructure monitoring can enhance battlefield situational awareness.
Workforce Development: Create targeted educational programs and partnerships with universities to cultivate talent in cybersecurity, AI, and advanced manufacturing. Internship and co-op programs within defense contractors can attract young talent.
Boosting Domestic Production: Encourage investment in advanced manufacturing facilities domestically. Use 3D printing for rapid prototyping of defense equipment. Implement AI-driven supply chain management to predict and mitigate shortages.
Combatting Non-Competitive Practices: Develop regulatory frameworks and incentives for fair trade. Encourage innovation in cybersecurity to protect intellectual property.
Improving Manufacturing Efficiency: Incorporate lean manufacturing principles and Industry 4.0 technologies. Use predictive maintenance powered by machine learning to reduce downtime in production lines.
Supporting Sub-Tier Suppliers: Financial incentives and grants for small suppliers. Implement shared risk models where larger defense contractors support smaller suppliers in R&D. Example: The U.S. Department of Defense's Mentor-Protégé Program.
Expanding Market Share and Reducing Over-Customization: Standardize components where possible to increase buying power. Develop modular systems allowing for easier upgrades.
Stabilizing Procurement Processes: Implement long-term contracts to provide stability for suppliers. Develop flexible contract models to accommodate technological advances and changes in military requirements.
Navigating Funding Uncertainty: Explore public-private partnerships to fund critical defense projects. Utilize agile budgeting methods to reallocate funds swiftly in response to changing defense needs. Example: Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) to accelerate small business innovations.
Understanding International Partner Requirements: Develop collaborative R&D programs with allies. Utilize blockchain for secure and transparent sharing of supply chain data. Example: NATO's Science for Peace and Security Programme fostering international technological collaboration.