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2025-01-20 Federal Market Insights Episode 39 — Session Overview

WPI Podcast Episode 39 Summary 

Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS)

IBAS is a statutorily authorized program under Title 10 §4817. Its purpose is to improve readiness and strengthen the competitive posture of the DIB. It is managed by DoW’s Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) office.

IBAS primarily looks to the future needs of the services. This includes establishing high priority domestic capabilities for new supply chains. It also includes an analytical element such as reviewing battery utilization and determining future battery needs.

The weapons of war continue to evolve. Current technology (weapons) is countered by next-generation weapons which employ more advanced technology. It’s a vicious cycle. Those that rely upon current technology will be at a disadvantage as they lack the technology and weapons needed to counter aggressors that utilize weapons which use advanced technology.

This is one goal of the IBAS program – identify and develop next generation weapons and the supply chains needed to support them. Another element is developing U.S. based resources and minimizing/eliminating dependency on foreign sources of production and supply.

Many of today’s product rely upon foreign sources of raw materials and may also rely upon foreign sources of production. Such reliance creates risk of possible disruption at critical times as non-U.S. sources control resources and production. Additionally, reliance on foreign sources, weakens the U.S. industrial base.  As demand goes overseas, U.S. capabilities atrophy at best or cease to be viable elements of the supply chain. This includes talent, know-how and capacity. Today’s maritime infrastructure and industry is one such example. The tonnage of ships produced by the U.S. is a small fraction of the output of other nations. Our shipbuilding capacity has been diminished and as demand has been eliminated so has the available workforce, supply chains and necessary infrastructure.

Recruiting workers with the knowledge and skills needed to build both naval ships and/or submarines is extremely difficult. In fact, the effort has been so difficult that programs such as Buildsubmarines.com have been funded to attract the talent needed.

These efforts also fall under the purview of IBAS. They support DoD’s responsibility to ensure that industry can rapidly equip and support the nation’s military during both times of peace and war.

This is one example. There are a number of products and supply chains that have predominantly moved to off-shore (foreign) producers and/or suppliers.

With respect to advanced technology, there are several technologies that require research and development, resources, talent and a viable support structure. In essence, the problems have been defined and now the technology needs to be developed and harnessed.

In other cases, capabilities exist but increasing capacity is what is needed.

The following is the list of six key areas on which the IBAS program is focusing.

Current IBAS investment areas include:

  • Submarine and shipbuilding workforce
  • Kinetic Weapons
  • Microelectronics
  • Critical Chemicals
  • Castings & Forgings
  • Energy Storage & Batteries

As an Apex Accelerator, that supports the DOW, WPI is attempting to identify and work with companies with expertise in these areas or companies conducting research related to topics in one of these areas. WPI is also assisting with getting the word out about these needs and assisting companies with the skills, knowledge and capabilities to become a viable member of today’s and tomorrow’s DIB.

Additionally, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has a variety of programs which align with and support companies conducting research in one of these critical areas.