DEFENSE
Reimagining the Arsenal of Democracy
In Michigan, we put the world on wheels with the assembly line more than a century ago. Today, our manufacturing roots and heritage of innovation are driving the next evolution of defense and aerospace with the launch of Michigan’s Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI). The ODAI supports a defense industry that contributes $30 billion in economic activity for Michigan, with more than 166,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses serving the defense, defense aerospace and homeland security industries.
U.S. Defense Starts Here. Mission, Vision, and Approach
Mission
The Mission of the Michigan office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation is to bolster the state's defense and aerospace sectors.
Vision
To forge a future rooted in the legacy of the Arsenal of Democracy and Innovation - a future where Michigan leads in the defense and aerospace markets of tomorrow.
Approach
ODAI's approach involves the following lines of effort.
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Fostering Business Growth within the Defense and Aerospace Sectors
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Amplifying the State's Unique Advantages
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Setting Conditions to Accelerate Innovation
Business Support Services
Proposal & Grant Writing
Improve your chances of winning a federal contract with this grant program that assist Michigan firms in writing a winning bid response. Grant funds can subsidize up to 50% of the cost of proposal writing services.
Bid Targeting System
BTS is a online software that helps identify and prioritize federal contracts right for your business. With thousands of federal contracts available, BTS uses your business profile to automatically identify federal contract opportunities.
Cybersecurity Grant Program
F15-EX Fighter Mission Announced at Selfridge Maintains Michigan’s Defense Legacy and Leadership
Michigan is securing a “game-changing” new mission of F15-EX fighters at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The Boeing aircraft is expected to replace the remaining F15C/D fighters in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. With its legacy of serving F-16s and A-10s, Selfridge is well equipped to support a fighter mission, which includes not just aircraft but also auxiliary and support staff and materials. This news builds on the successful, bipartisan effort to secure a new KC-46A tanker mission at the base, which was announced in January 2024, and Michigan’s long-standing leadership in the defense sector with the help and support of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI).
Read MoreMade for the Mission Ahead: Michigan Powers America's Defense Industry
Michigan’s strong R&D assets, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing expertise, and exceptional skilled and engineering workforce, make the state a leader in the defense-sector and related industries.
Calling all Innovators
Defense Hardtech Accelerator
Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University has launched the Defense Hardtech Accelerator (DHA) Program to help the U.S. Department of Defense identify and assist companies with promising technologies that support the needs for our nation’s defense. Apply to compete for up to $250,000 to mature your high tech product offering and expedite your transition into production.
Top Michigan Defense Contractors
Mission Focused. Michigan Made.
Michigan is where the automotive industry got its start. More than 100 years later, it’s still the global center and nexus of commercial automotive, electrification and military vehicle technology. Locating in Michigan is an opportunity for your company to connect to the next generation of vehicle innovation and cybersecurity leaders, as well as leverage world-class research, talent, manufacturing and technology assets.
MEDC leads the state's Protect and Grow Initiative, a comprehensive statewide effort for Michigan’s Defense, Defense Aerospace and Homeland Security Sectors.
Michigan's National Security Defense Industry Assets
From the Upper Peninsula to Southeast Michigan, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security defense industry assets can be found across the state.
Connect with APEX Accelerators, Michigan's Government Contracting Experts
Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators is a not-for-profit organization made up of 10 different offices across the State of Michigan, which are dedicated to helping businesses understand and succeed in the government marketplace.
Michigan is an Industry Leader
