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Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation outlines programs, cites Calumet Electronics award
Summary
The newly announced Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation described grant and service lines aimed at helping Michigan defense and aerospace companies win federal contracts and highlighted a sponsored Calumet Electronics project that leveraged federal Title III funds.
Colonel John Gutierrez appeared before the Appropriations Committee to describe the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) and the programs the office manages to help Michigan businesses compete for Department of Defense contracts.
"Our mission at the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, or ODAI, is to catalyze growth within the defense and aerospace sectors while advancing innovation as well as defense research opportunities that benefit Michigan's economy," Colonel John Gutierrez said. He told the committee the defense industry contributes about $30 billion to Michigan’s economy and employs more than 66,000 people.
Gutierrez summarized ODAI initiatives including proposal-grant writing support (awards to cover part of proposal-writing costs), a Department of Defense cybersecurity assistance program in partnership with the University of Michigan, a bid-targeting system to match companies to federal opportunities, and outreach efforts including roundtables, an "uncrewed triple challenge" competition, webinars and supplier-assist visits.
The office also highlighted a Calumet Electronics Corporation project in Houghton County. MEDC/ODAI staff described a performance-based $7.5 million Michigan Business Development Program grant that supported a larger federal Title III Defense Production Act award, enabling Calumet to build a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and scale production of advanced substrates — a capability ODAI said is important for radar, electronic warfare and communications systems.
Gutierrez said ODAI’s programs aim to improve small and medium-sized firms’ competitiveness for federal contracts and that the office has engaged thousands of participants through outreach and supplier visits.
There were no committee votes related to ODAI in the briefing; members asked clarifying questions about partnerships with universities and next steps to codify a strategic plan and a Michigan Military Advisory Board to guide the effort.
