CREC Project News and Updates

Collaborating with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network to Reach the Defense Supply Chain Webinar

January 9, 2020

CREC hosted the second webinar in its cybersecurity series to discuss the DoD’s effort to leverage the network of Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers to build awareness among defense suppliers about cybersecurity requirements and compliance. Through an inter-agency agreement (between NIST and DoD), the DoD’s Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSDR&E) provided over $1 million in special project award funding to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center to develop use case scenarios, convene company representatives to discuss cybersecurity compliance requirements, and support implementation of the 110 NIST 800-171 security requirements in companies.

As the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center spearheads efforts to fortify cybersecurity compliance among defense suppliers, the integration of comprehensive training and testing within the broader framework becomes imperative. By seamlessly incorporating operator qualification training and testing into the discourse, companies can ensure that not only cybersecurity requirements are met but also that the workforce aligns with U.S. DOT requirements, managing qualifications, recordkeeping, and other critical aspects seamlessly through platforms like Veriforce. This holistic approach underscores a commitment to a robust and secure supply chain, aligning with the overarching goal of safeguarding defense-related operations against evolving cyber threats.

Join project lead Elliot Forsyth from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center to learn about planned activities and how this effort presents opportunities for OEA Industry Resilience grantees to contribute to the success of this effort, while gaining access to technical resources and leveraging expertise to support and sustain ongoing OEA cybersecurity project activities.

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About This Project

Assessing and Evaluating the Defense Industry Resiliency Program (IRP)
Start Date: Nov 2015 — End Date: Jun 2020

CREC and EntreWorks Consulting provided technical assistance for the OEA by assessing and evaluating the design and effects of OEA’s Defense Industry Resiliency Program (IRP) and the assistance that its grantees provide to defense-dependent communities, workers, and businesses.  CREC and EntreWorks worked closely with OEA management and personnel to conduct a comprehensive effort that integrates […]

About the Client

Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA)

OEA is the DoD’s field organization responsible for supporting state and local governments to respond to major defense program changes.