Bridging the Gap: Connecting Michigan's Innovators and Manufacturers to DoW

Michigan has the talent, manufacturing strength, and technology base. The Department of War has the mission and the funding. So why aren’t more Michigan companies at the table?

This panel explores where that disconnect occurs and provides a practical roadmap to close it. In partnership with DESC (Detroit at Work) and Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace (ODAI), MoveAmerica’s team of defense ecosystem practitioners will share their hands-on experience, activating Michigan’s defense-compatible industrial base, consortium-driven initiatives, and targeted supply chain development across the ground vehicle and maritime sectors. The objective is simple: move nontraditional suppliers and small businesses from overlooked to contract-ready.

The second half of the session demystifies how the government actually buys. Panelists will walk through acquisition strategies, contracting pathways, and key decision points that determine outcomes. Topics include contract types, Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), and commercial acquisition approaches, all explained in clear, practical terms industry can use.

Whether you are a manufacturer entering the defense market, a small business navigating federal contracting, or a regional partner building the next generation of the Defense Industrial Base, this session delivers the insight, framework, and connections needed to help bridge that gap.

How to register:

1. First make sure you are registered for the event on the Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX) webiste at https://mdex-ndia.com/.
2. The maximum amount of participants per session is 55.
3. Pick ONE of the two sessions offered, and include your MDEX proof of registration.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Huntington Place, 1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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