Welcome to Wayne County, Michigan

(revised April 8, 2009)

Every year, the federal government spends between $400 – 800 billion for goods and services, including:

• Vehicles for troop and equipment transport
• Military field equipment, weapons, and weapons systems; and
• Communications and surveillance devices

Defense opportunities are vast in Southeast Michigan. Not only is the region home to several military outlets, but the State of Michigan’s DC3 is working aggressively to connect defense buyers and prime contractors to Michigan’s capable supply chain.

Wayne County’s manufacturers have the specialized machinery and the unique know-how to diversify into Government and Defense Contracting, and the County is also home to three Procurement Technical Centers (PTACs) which are there to assist your company throughout the government procurement process, from pre-award to post-award.

Resources

The Defense Contract Coordination Center (DC3) is the arm within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that strategically connects defense buyers and prime contractors to Michigan’s capable supply chain. The DC3 aggressively seeks and identifies Michigan companies to create supply chains and leverages their unique capabilities to meet defense goals. The DC3 is utilizing the state’s Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) as the front line in Michigan’s efforts to bring defense contracts to Michigan Companies.
 

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)

PTACs partner with Michigan companies to orient those unfamiliar with the government contracting process and to help these companies obtain and perform on government contracts. There are three Procurement Technical Centers (PTACs) located in Wayne County:
 

Downriver Community Conference

Paula Boase and Tim Durand
15100 Northline Road
Southgate, MI 48195
734.362.3477 (Paula Boase)
734.362.3480 (Tim Durand)
734.281.6661 (fax)
 

Wayne State University – Professional Development Division

Cynthia Bell
5229 Cass, 238 Rands
Detroit, MI 48202
313.577.2241
313.577.4354 (fax)
 

PTAC of Schoolcraft College

Jann Deane
Donna Cappabianca
Holly Johnston
Ann Boss-Cronin
18600 Haggerty Road,
Livonia, MI 48152
734.462.4438
734.462.4673 (fax)
 

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

The SBIR program is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

SBIR targets the entrepreneurial sector because that is where most innovation and innovators thrive. By reserving a specific percentage of federal R&D funds for small business, SBIR protects the small business and enables it to compete on the same level as larger businesses. SBIR funds the critical startup and development stages and it encourages the commercialization of the technology, product, or service, which, in turn, stimulates the U.S. economy.
 
 

Partners:

Automation Alley Defense Consulting (for Automation Alley members only)

Automation Alley has formed relationships with Brigadier General Donald Schenk (USA, ret.) and Colonel Tom Lytle (USMC, ret.) to consult with companies interested in working with the Army.

Brigadier General Schenk and Colonel Lytle both offer defense-related consulting, specifically with the U.S. Department of Defense and military prime contractors, to Automation Alley members only. There is no cost for the initial consultation.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Alysia Green  at 248.457.3215.
 
 

Organizations:

The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)

The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is America’s leading Defense Industry association promoting national security. NDIA is proud to provide a legal and ethical forum for the exchange of information between Industry and Government on National Security issues.

The NDIA Michigan Chapter currently has over 1,750 members from Government, Military and Industry, and most of the businesses that support the Michigan Defense Community are Corporate Members of the organization.