Latest News

Advanced Power & Energy Cluster Helps Members Achieve Over $40M in Contracts

The Defense Alliance operates one of the nation's three Advanced Defense Technologies Clusters (ADTs) for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  The Advanced Power & Energy Cluster (APC) was created in 2010, after Defense Alliance won the competitive SBA solicitation to create 10 technology clusters - three of which are ADTs.  Since then, 124 Members have registered to be part of the APC - most of which are small, high technology businesses in 26 states (primarily in the Upper Midwest).  As of last month, APC's efforts have helped these members achieve government and commercial contracts (and other awards, such as technology contests) totaling over $40 million, and creating over 500 jobs.

The contracts include early-stage technology R&D (such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Cooperative R&D Agreements (CRADAs) and Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs); late-stage technology (such as the highly competitive Department of Defense (DoD) Rapid Innovation Fund); and commercial off-the-shelf technologies, such as one APC Member that sold its unique temperature-retention fabric to the Pepsi Corporation, after it was developed for the U.S. Army. 

The APC staff and "Partners" do technology scouting and vetting; and work with Members to assess their business and technology readiness, and conduct highly focused business development through DoD and commercial opportunities, teaming and partnerships, and connections to other technology clusters.

More information about APC successes and Membership can be found at the Website - www.powerfordefense.com.