Defense Manufacturing Communities Support Program

The Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program is designed to undertake long-term investments in critical skills, facilities, research and development, and small business support to strengthen the national security innovation and manufacturing base. The program seeks to recognize communities that demonstrate best practices in attracting and expanding defense manufacturing. Eligible consortia may apply for designation as a Defense Manufacturing Community, which is a prerequisite for funding. The program has $25 million in available appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021, and grant awards may vary in size but will not exceed $5 million per award. Key aspects of the program include: • Workforce training, retraining, or recruitment and retention • Business incubators • Advanced research and commercialization • Supply chain development • Small business assistance Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria such as the extent to which the service area is clearly identified, the quality of the region's assessment of gaps and opportunities, and the strength of the consortia's leadership capacity.