The Department announces four Defense Production Act Title III actions to sustain and strengthen essential domestic industrial base capabilities in molecular diagnostic testing, satellite communications, laser electronics, and aircraft engine repair. These actions will help to retain critical workforce capabilities throughout the disruption caused by COVID-19. The Department remains closely partnered with FEMA and HHS, providing almost $2.9 billion in life-saving medical services, supplies, and equipment to service members and federal agencies in the nation's whole-of-government approach to the pandemic.
As part of the national response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense entered into a $7.0 million agreement with Leonardo Electronics US Inc. to sustain critical industrial base capabilities for Diode Pumped Alkali Laser (DPAL) systems.
Leonardo Electronics US Inc. intends to continue production of laser diode modules for DPALs to sustain production operations and stabilize the supply chain, ensuring that the U.S. Government continues to have access to this critical domestic capability.
Using funds authorized and appropriated under the CARES Act, this DPA Title III investment will offset financial distress brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and enable Leonardo Electronics US Inc. to retain critical core competencies and capabilities required to produce DPALs, as well as support their supply chain, which includes many small businesses, put at risk by COVID-19.