Defense Industry Economic Development Advisor Services

The Vendor is required to provide defense industry economic development to support the arsenal alliance defense economic development initiative ("arsenal alliance").
- Responsible for providing strategic planning, industry research, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy to strengthen the defense industry cluster within the two cities.
- Strengthen the Defense Industry Collaboration
•    Develop a unified defense cluster strategy for warren and heights.
•    Enable collaboration between the cities and the, defense manufacturers, technology companies, and state/federal agencies.
- Amplify regional workforce development and innovation initiatives 
•    Consolidate training programs and certifications at local universities, trade schools, and defense companies.
•    Enhance stem education to foster a talent pipeline for high-demand defense sector jobs.
- Promote Economic Growth
•    Market the regional ecosystem to attract new defense-related businesses and contractors.
•    Develop local and national technology focused business collaborations with research institutions and organizations.
- Develop or Enhance Local Programs That Boost National Security and Readiness
•    Provide recommended mitigation measures (or strategies) to reduce barriers to entry for organizations conducting research, development and manufacture of advanced defense technologies in the region. 
•    Communicate and promote any current services and programs that strengthen supply chain resilience for military production.
- Increase Public and Private Partnerships
•    Organize an annual arsenal alliance defense summit.
•    Engage stakeholders through advisory councils and working groups
- Strategic Planning and Execution
•    Develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the arsenal alliance to meet the above objectives.
•    Identify key market opportunities and industry trends.
•    Benchmark the region’s defense industry against other national clusters.
- Stakeholder Engagement
•    Establish formal agreements (MOUS) with supporting organizations, defense contractors and government agencies.
•    Organize and lead industry forums and working groups.
•    Build relationships with state and federal lawmakers to secure funding.
- Economic Development
•    Identify grant and funding opportunities from the departments, and state/federal agencies that can be leveraged for collaboration opportunities amongst the defense industry, research and development institutions, manufacturers, and technology companies.
•    Promote private sector investment and venture capital engagement whenever necessary to advance company growth and partnerships.
•    Support infrastructure improvements to enhance manufacturing capacity.
- Workforce Development
•    Catalog training programs and certifications at local universities, trade schools, and defense companies.
•    Facilitate apprenticeship and internship programs with local schools and defense firms.
•    Support stem outreach programs.
- Marketing and Branding
•    Develop and manage the arsenal alliance’s public identity (website, social media, etc.).
•    Promote the region’s defense capabilities through media, conferences, and events.
•    Organize the first arsenal alliance defense summit.

- Contract Period/Term: 3 years
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: September 10, 2025