Innovation Takes a Turn !
Take a look at the new requirements to support DoD operations and global activities:
Digital Radar Tech to Enable Distributed Sensing: A new technology replaces analog signal processing hardware with digitally based signal processing firmware and software, downloadable for missions to engage with existing sensors.
Drones Modified for Medical Supply Drops in Ukraine: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) previously funded by government have been modified to carry and drop up to 35 lbs of supplies in a stable temperature box.
New Ways to Protect the Warfighter: Defending against Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) utilizes biological, chemical, and nuclear physical applications to support protective garments, cures if exposed, decontamination, preventative vaccines, among others to protect personnel and equipment.
3D Printers Take to Sea: The U.S. Navy has added a 3D printer to construct parts and components, valves, wrenches, and machined items when parts aren’t easily accessible or when they wear out.
Semiconductors: 2021 National Defense Authorization Act creates incentives to produce semiconductors, including research and fabrication of chips, in the United States. We should anticipate funding from the U.S. Government in this regard.
Quantum-Proof Encryption: The government will seek to prevent hacks to high volumes of data integrated in encrypted communications.
As Congress assesses the merits of small business programs, reauthorization of these programs has been leveraged by federal government initiatives. While the funding will likely remain near the $3.9 billion previously provided in the last 40 years, we can anticipate bipartisan support to continue innovation and support innovation across the DoD.