Department of Defense renews MxD as Manufacturing Innovation Institute  

Extends Commitment to Strengthening U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness

December 3, 2024 (CHICAGO) – MxD is excited to announce that it has been awarded a renewal of our core agreement by the Department of Defense. As the nation’s digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute, MxD looks forward to continuing its collaboration and supporting the Office of the Secretary of Defense Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD (R&E)) Manufacturing Technology (OSD ManTech) and U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL). The award is under contract with the ARL’s Research Triangle Park Division. 

This contract is a five-year commitment for $40 million. It will enable continued investment in digital manufacturing, cybersecurity, and workforce development solutions. The total government value will be matched dollar for dollar by MxD and its members over the period of performance. 

“This contract renewal demonstrates the Department of Defense’s commitment to modernizing U.S. manufacturing and strengthening our overall global competitiveness,” said MxD CEO, Berardino Baratta. “This continuation is also a reflection of MxD’s decade at the forefront of driving digital adoption in U.S. manufacturing, developing tomorrow’s workforce and enhancing cybersecurity to create a domestic manufacturing sector that is a worldwide leader.” 

Through this renewal, MxD will continue to work on projects, programs and partnerships with the goal of helping U.S. manufacturing, including the Department of Defense industrial base, digitalize operations and empower the manufacturing workforce.  With the U.S. manufacturing sector contributing more than 10% to GDP in 2023, MxD’s mission to accelerate digital adoption is critical to national security and economic prosperity. By improving productivity, enhancing quality and securing supply chains, U.S. manufacturing will be more agile and resilient in meeting global and domestic market needs. 

“The strength of America’s defense industrial base relies heavily on an innovative and competitive manufacturing sector. For the last 10 years, MxD’s work has significantly and tangibly benefited U.S. defense operations and will remain vital in the future,” said Tracy Frost, Director, Technology Industrial Innovation Base program. “This renewal demonstrates commitment in MxD to empower manufacturers with the resources needed to upskill their workforce and prepare for current and future needs.” 

MxD has over 300 members within its ecosystem across industry, academia, non-profit and government, with 650 members over the 10-year history. As the nation’s only dual-mission institute focusing on digital and cybersecurity, MxD leads a portfolio representing over $415 million of public-private investment supporting 194 projects in R&D, cybersecurity and workforce development, generating more than 540 IP assets focused on technology innovation and adoption. 

“As MxD moves into the next decade, we are committed to continuing our collaboration,” Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO, Siemens Digital Industries Software. We look forward to participating in the MxD ecosystem and the power of the public-private partnership, which contributes impact and supports our collective efforts to advance technology innovation and adoption by developing scalable solutions and empowering our workforce. In doing so, we will help bolster economic prosperity and national security.”  

About MxD  
MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.  

Media Contact:  
Mackie Hill, Marketing & Communications Manager   
mackie.hill@mxdusa.org   
312.281.6872