Pentagon Selects Advanced Technology International to Oversee New Industry Consortium

Summerville, South Carolina-based nonprofit Advanced Technology International has secured an other transaction agreement from the Department of Defense to form and administer a cross-sector group to support current and prospective defense contractors.

The Defense Industrial Base Consortium will expand commercial and academic access to federally funded research and prototyping opportunities, ATI said Thursday.

The group’s beneficiaries are expected to include small businesses that have not traditionally worked with the government.

According to a press release, the group will support the Manufacturing, Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization directorate by expediting research and facilitating access to commercial solutions for defense requirements.

ATI CEO and President Chris Van Metre said the DIBC will handle challenges revolving around the defense supply chain, workforce development and the scaling of emerging technologies.

The DOD’s Washington Headquarters Services oversaw the solicitation of bids to establish and manage the DIBC.

The news follows a recent statement by Laura Taylor-Kale, assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy, that a “concerted effort” between the DOD and its allies will be necessary to transform the defense industrial base.