Indiana Office of Defense Development: Defense firms have opportunity to diversify

INDIANAPOLIS (March 28, 2018) — The Indiana Office of Defense Development is letting statewide defense firms know that they are eligible to receive consulting services to diversify due to a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment. 

“It is vital we are continuing to sustain and expand Indiana’s defense industry,” said. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who oversees IODD. “The grants will help companies increase economic activities and create jobs in Indiana.”

The grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment, assists small and mid-sized companies in reducing their dependence on DOD procurement activity by helping them to diversify into new markets.

“This is a great opportunity for defense firms in Indiana to diversify their revenue streams and strengthen their business as a whole,” said Brandi Hughes, IODD Director of Operations. “Participating businesses are already experiencing positive impacts as they plan to break into commercial markets.”

Companies are eligible for up to $50,000 of consulting services in the following four areas: strategic planning, strategic communications, lean product development and quality certifications. There are no cost requirements for participating companies, but they must meet the following four requirements to apply: 

• have been in operation in Indiana for a minimum of one year prior to application;
• have at least one full-time employee;
• be a defense contractor or subcontractor to a defense contractor; and
• have experienced a loss of revenue due to reduced DOD expenditures.

The Indiana Office of Defense Development has engaged kglobal, a strategic communications firm with extensive Office of Economic Adjustment experience in three other states, to spearhead consulting and diversification efforts under the initiative. The firm is working in collaboration with several other service providers, four of which are Indiana-based companies; Simon Everett, Indiana Strategic Research Group, Maple Hill Engineering, Mary Romeo and Associates and QAI.

To inquire about the program, contact Parry Carter, kglobal Director at parry.carter@kglobal.com or 202.897.7475.