WHO CAN BECOME A MEMBER?

The new consortium provides a vehicle for DoD to contract with trusted partners in industry and academia, including small and medium-sized innovators that typically do not do business with DoD. Through a variety of programs such as conferences, networking events, white papers, and collaboration projects, the DEC will tackle numerous defense electronics challenges and innovations.

Participants may include companies that make printed circuit boards, microelectronics, cable harnesses, connectors, and other components, assemble electronic systems and provide materials and equipment for manufacture and assembly.

HOW TO JOIN

To access DEC projects, organizations must be members of USPAE.

1. Join USPAE:

Member Benefits

  • Greater access to USG opportunities
  • Greater access to potential industry partners and customers
  • Members gain insights into future needs and opportunities
  • Advocates for programs and funding to increase U.S. global competitiveness

Email membership@uspae.org for information on how to join!

Learn More Here

2. Ensure you have an active DD2345

A copy of your DD2345 Certification (prerequisite for membership). Those without a current DD2345 can find the form and instructions at the link listed below. For a brief overview of this form, please consider watching the video below.

3. Review the DEC Consortium Membership Agreement and then complete the DEC Membership Application

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

  • ACCESS
    Networking opportunities with consortium members (industry and academia), Government and other strategic stakeholders, at annual membership meetings and valuable conferences and forums

  • INFORMATION
    Provides visibility into Government needs and priorities, enabling members to direct R&D (and IR&D) investments to meet them

  • SPEED
    Operates through a flexible contracting vehicle capable of multiple taskings with a single set of terms, resulting in award execution significantly faster than traditional FAR-based contracts

  • MARKET EXPANSION
    Creates a channel for small companies and non-traditional suppliers to identify opportunities and establish customer relationships with Government and other members

  • REVENUE
    Minimizes cash flow challenges through rapid, single-point contracting capability of the Consortium Management Firm (CMF) and advanced payments for approved projects from the Government to CMF

In partnership with govmates,

ATI offers members (at no additional cost) matchmaking services and access to the Innovation Resource Hub to provide you access to the critical tools you need to thrive. Learn more here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The mission of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) is to strengthen the global competitiveness of the U.S. electronics industry through partnership with the U.S. Government (USG).

As a neutral third-party, USPAE orchestrates interactions between the USG and leaders in the electronics industry and academia. It facilitates collaboration on electronics innovations, helps solve government challenges and accelerates the adoption of new technologies.

USPAE is a non-profit organization and its members have no ownership outside the U.S. or its allied countries. They are leaders in researching and developing innovative technologies and experts in designing, prototyping and producing advanced electronics. All have committed to high standards in quality, cybersecurity and supply chain risk management, helping ensure they are resilient, trusted and secure.

Cornerstone is a prototype Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) contract vehicle and consortium supporting a broad spectrum of Department of Defense (DoD) technology areas to strengthen the force posture of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Cornerstone is operated by DEVCOM CBC and ACC in Rock Island, Illinois, under the oversight of the IBAS Program Manager. To date, Cornerstone is the only Government-managed OTA Consortium, thus providing a unique capability within DoD. Cornerstone supports effective execution of funding for collaborations between DoD Programs of Record and the DIB. Additionally, Cornerstone provides the DoD an opportunity to engage with a wide range of non-traditional, traditional, and emerging industries and entities to streamline access to the DIB for mission critical capabilities.

Cornerstone’s intent is to provide a collaborative environment for the identification and resolution of capability gaps across the DoD enterprise, both within and across sectors. Cornerstone’s tailored agreements provide an effective mechanism for executing industrial base prototype requirements by streamlining the research, development, prototyping, demonstration, and qualification process.

Cornerstone: No.

USPAE: USPAE assesses annual membership dues based on a company’s revenue. Learn more here.

Yes

Yes, UEI number and CAGE code are required to perform work with the U.S. government.

To receive a CAGE code and UEI, register to do business with government at sam.gov/SAM.

UEI Quick Start Guide

“Other Transactions Agreement (OTA)” is the term commonly used to refer to the 10 USC 2371b authority to enter into transactions other than contracts, grants or cooperative agreements. The Department of Defense (DoD) currently has temporary authority to award relevant to weapons or weapons systems proposed to be acquired or developed by the DoD. OTA’s for prototype initiatives are acquisition instruments that generally, are not subject to the federal laws and regulations governing procurement (FAR based) contracts. As such, they are not required to comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), its supplements (i.e. DFARS) or laws that are limited in applicability to procurement contracts.

Learn more here.