OSC Seeks Industry Feedback on New Loan Program

The Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital is seeking public comments through a new Federal Register Notice and a complementary request for information to support the development of its new loan program.

The program, authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024, is designed to stimulate private investment in critical technologies and supply chains vital to national security, Defense .gov reported.

The OSC invited companies, financial institutions and industry associations to comment on current market conditions, capital requirements and potential areas where OSC-backed loans and loan guarantees can support investment.

Specifically, the OSC is interested in entities involved in the 31 critical technology components identified in the FY24 NDAA.

Heidi Shyu, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, a past Wash100 awardee and a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker, highlighted the program’s potential to enhance supply chain resilience and accelerate technological advancements.

According to the OSC, the initiative is in line with its mission to build the DOD’s first loan program office.