What Can Interagency Collaboration Accomplish?

A crucial aspect of government innovation is the ability to collaborate between agencies. These partnerships often go under the radar but are a key aspect of rapid innovation. Without the support of neighboring agencies who play a role in the success of a project, innovation can be hindered or blocked. This can happen when agencies at the federal, state, and local levels work together to share intelligence and ideas to respond to technology needs, such as new hypersonic missiles or a secure data-sharing platform.

The eight Hubs comprising the Microelectronics Commons, a program under the CHIPS Act led by the Department of Defense (DoD) that was enacted to re-onshore microelectronics manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., are enacting such collaboration within their own ecosystems. Interagency collaboration within the Microelectronics Commons is a strategic priority because it directly supports national objectives in microelectronics, particularly those outlined by DoD) and other federal agencies. Here are a few highlights, showcasing what this can look like.

Leveraging DoD Programs

The Northeast Regional Defense Technology (NORDTECH) Hub, based out of New York, leverages existing agency programs that align with their mission to enhance and amplify impact while reducing stand-up costs associated with the development of new programs. This approach optimizes resource use, accelerates implementation, and minimizes duplication of effort, ensuring efficient use of federal funding to sustain and scale existing programs to their fullest potential.

NORDTECH actively supports the Veteran Semiconductor Training & Experience Program (Vet S.T.E.P.) program, which is a DoD SkillBridge and Army Career Skills Program, funded in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This program is hosted by NY CREATES, and designed to prepare soon-to-be veterans for technician careers in the semiconductor ecosystem (fabs, equipment and/or material suppliers). This 10-week program consists of a two-week hands-on training, followed by an 8-week internship with an industry partner.

This is one of few programs where there is job attainment as an outcome; the 8-week industry internship has played a key role in fostering a sense of belonging among transitioning vets and contributes to the 80% hiring rate of VET S.T.E.P. completers by U.S. semiconductor companies. While regional higher education programs across the U.S. are working to create new (or ramp up current) programs to develop a skilled workforce and help address these needs, U.S. military veterans make up a skills-ready demographic poised to hit the ground running in the U.S. semiconductor workforce.

“At NORDTECH, we are proud to support our nation’s military veterans through valuable initiatives like the Vet S.T.E.P. This program, recognized by the DoD and supported by the National Science Foundation, equips transitioning military service members with the hands-on training and industry connections they need to thrive in semiconductor technician careers. By partnering with industry leaders and similar programs, we are not only investing in our skilled workforce but also in the future of the semiconductor ecosystem,” said Cheryl Kennedy, NORDTECH Program Director.

Interagency collaboration within the DoD is essential for ensuring a cohesive and effective response to national security challenges. The Microelectronic Commons Hubs are demonstrating this by pooling resources and expertise, as well as leveraging existing Government programs to encourage more people to enter the technical workforce. This unified approach not only enhances operational efficiency and effectiveness but also fosters innovation and resilience in the face of emerging challenges.

About Microelectronics Commons

The Microelectronics Commons program established eight innovation Hubs in 2023 after Congress passed the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen American manufacturing, supply chains, and national security. By investing in this network of 8 regional prototyping Hubs with a focus in 6 main technical areas – 5G/6G, AI Hardware, Commercial Leap-Ahead, Electromagnetic Warfare, Secure Edge/IoT Computing and Quantum Technology – the United States is safeguarding our critical microelectronics supply chain. The Microelectronics Commons was awarded through the Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS) OTA, established by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division and managed by NSTXL, which is the premier rapid OT contracting vehicle for the Department of Defense (DoD) in trusted microelectronics, strategic & spectrum mission, and other critical mission areas.

About S²MARTS

The Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS), managed by NSTXL, is the premier rapid OT contracting vehicle for the Department of Defense (DoD) in trusted microelectronics, strategic & spectrum mission, and other critical mission areas. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division created S²MARTS to grow and engage an elite network of innovators, shorten the path to defense prototype development, and advance national security efforts.