Huntsville Program Plans to Boost Small Contractors into Major Players in Defense Industry

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Huntsville, AL is set to become the launchpad for the next generation of defense contractors with the introduction of the DefenseTech Accelerator at Cummings Research Park, according to AL.com. This new initiative will soon begin supporting 10 early-stage companies, helping them scale their products for defense and commercial markets. The program kicks off with recruitment in September and a November launch. It’s designed to provide small firms with the expertise and connections needed to navigate the complexities of working with the DoD.

Companies that participate will relocate to Huntsville, where they’ll gain insights from established defense contractors and technology experts in the region. The goal? To see these companies secure prime contracts, partnerships, or substantial capital funding within a year of completing the 12-week accelerator program. This effort is supported by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and Treble One Aerospace Consulting, and it taps into the Innovate Alabama tax credit program, ensuring that local development thrives as these startups grow.

Contract Opportunities to Watch: Space Force

At the Fed Supernova conference in Austin, TX, SpaceWERX, the innovation division of the U.S. Space Force, announced the selection of nine companies for the Program Year 2024.2 Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract awards. These selections, designed to advance space technologies from development to full operational capability, include American Lithium Energy, Apex Technology, Impulse Space, Inversion Space Company, K2 Space, Outpost Technologies, Portal Space Systems, Turion Space, and Wildstar LLC. Each of these companies is working on innovative solutions ranging from satellite operations to advanced propulsion systems, reflecting SpaceWERX’s commitment to accelerating cutting-edge capabilities in space exploration and defense. The total investment for this cohort is impressive, with $146 million in SBIR/STTR funds, $155 million in government matching funds, and $217 million in private matching funds, all aimed at maintaining U.S. leadership in space technology.

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Arkansas is solidifying its position as a leader in the defense industry, according to U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, who recently attended a conference in Australia where the state topped the list of prime locations for defense industry expansion. Speaking at the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance summit, Womack, along with U.S. Sen. John Boozman and Gov. Sarah Sanders, highlighted the state’s business-friendly environment and the growing opportunities as F-35 training begins at Ebbing Air Force Base. The event drew over 250 industry representatives, including attendees from as far as Australia, underscoring Arkansas’ growing influence in the defense sector. Gov. Sanders emphasized the importance of momentum in attracting aerospace industries, while industry leaders like Dassault Falcon Jet’s Mark Bremer praised the state’s efforts in workforce development, noting that collaboration between industry, education, and government is finally coming together after years of groundwork.

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Jillian Hamilton has worked in a variety of Program Management roles for multiple Federal Government contractors. She has helped manage projects in training and IT. She received her Bachelors degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing from Penn State University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.