Department of Defense Awards Over $20 Million to BRIDG
Osceola’s NeoCity Sees First Major Federal Defense Investment
Kissimmee, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) office has awarded BRIDG its first major federal defense contract valued at up to more than $20 million to provide a new technology for next generation microelectronic multi-chip systems that will strengthen national security and cyber resiliency for the United States defense industrial base.
BRIDG, a not-for-profit, public-private-partnership located in Osceola County, Florida, operates an advanced microelectronics fabrication facility enabling state-of-the-art manufacturing for industry and government.
“In order to retain the leading edge for our warfighters, we must take the necessary steps to increase domestic development and manufacturing capacity for critical emerging technologies. BRIDG is very well positioned to provide the Defense Department with this critical, next-generation technology that will strengthen national security and cyber resiliency for the United States defense industrial base,” stated U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. “I am proud to have worked with Congressman Soto to help ensure Florida companies receive full and fair consideration for federal contracts.”
“I’m proud to have worked in a bi-partisan manner with Senator Rubio to support BRIDG and their efforts to achieve federal recognition for their advanced microelectronics work,” quoted U.S. Congressman Darren Soto. “This contract will strengthen our national security and continue to bring high tech jobs home to Central Florida.”
The microelectronics that are used in large defense projects are frequently outsourced or made by foreign-owned companies. Securing the microelectronics supply chain is a priority of the Department of Defense and this award is the first step in a larger effort that the federal government is beginning to undertake.
The agreement between IBAS and BRIDG opens the door to additional defense and manufacturing contracts and large private defense contractors from around the country. While much of this technology has initial defense applications, it also positions BRIDG to become a leader in 5G, the Internet of Things, and the creation of countless smart sensors.
“The capabilities enabled by this contract will allow us to assist the defense industrial base to achieve performance levels that consume 80% less power and are five times faster than conventional electronics,” stated Chester Kennedy, BRIDG CEO. “This positions BRIDG to be at the forefront of protecting our nation’s technical leadership and global competitiveness.”
BRIDG is the anchor tenant of NeoCity, a new 500-acre technology district in Osceola County, Florida. Long recognized as a tourist and agriculture economy, Osceola County is now being recognized by the federal government as a leader in empowering the nation’s microelectronics. The IBAS program is dedicated to strengthening the force posture of the U.S. Department of Defense and the defense industrial base. The most pressing defense industrial base issue is the ability to make secure microelectronics in the United States.
“The award announcement is recognition that Osceola County is an emerging leader in securing our nation’s microelectronics supply chain,” said Osceola County Commission Chairwoman Cheryl Grieb. “The work we do here will not only help our service members by providing them with advanced technology that was completely and securely built in the United States but will also create new high-tech jobs right here in Kissimmee and Central Florida.”
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