Insights & Data
Defense Manufacturing Issue Briefs
Issue Briefs are designed to inform local and state government officials, workforce professionals, and manufactuers about important issues that impact their local economy and workforce training.
Issue #1: The Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network
Congress has directed the Department of Defense to create a partnership between the government and commercial manufacturers that can transition to defense production quickly in the event of a national emergency. This partnership, called the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network, represents a new channel for defense investments to impact local and regional economies. Learn how to position your community to benefit from it.
Issue #2: Cybersecurity Requirements for Defense Manufacturers
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program requires every company in the defense supply chain to meet verified cybersecurity standards before it can win or renew a Department of Defense contract. Phase 2 enforcement begins in late 2026, and manufacturers that are not certified will be locked out of defense work. Read the brief to learn more about CMMC, what it means for your manufacturers and how to connect them to assistance.
Issue #3: The “Prioritizing the Warfighter” Executive Order
A new executive order called “Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting” establishes a 3-step process around identifying “underperforming” current defense contractors. This brief highlights what this process means for defense contractors in your region, and what you should know as a local official.
Issue #4: Defense Workforce Development
Every major assessment of the defense industrial base in the past five years has identified workforce as a top constraint, and the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy identified workforce readiness as a strategic priorities. Among the challenges is that the manufacturing workforce is aging, and the pipeline of new entrants has not kept pace with retirements. This brief outlines the federal landscape, provides insight into how you can identify and prepare for defense workforce opportunities in your region.
Issue #5: Critical Minerals and Domestic Sourcing Mandates
Rare earth elements, or critical minerals, are used in any number of defense manufacturing systems, including satellite systems and jet engines. The challenge is that the U.S. is reliant on foreign sources for these minerals, specifically China. Congress is moving to reduce dependency on adversary nations through legislation, and by investing billions into domestic mining and processing. This brief outlines the current federal requirements, and the economic opportunities for state and local officials.
Issue #6: The Expanded Defense Industrial Base Fund
The Industrial Base Fund is the Department of Defense’s primary account for investing in, monitoring, and assessing the U.S. defense industrial base. In 2025, the scope of allowable activities and scale of money behind it changed, with an expansion of the sectors and activities the Fund can support, making it one of the largest defense industrial base investment vehicles available. Read on to see what manufacturers in your region are eligible.