DOW Invests $9.2M in Advanced Materials Processing

The Department of War contract aims to boost manufacturing affordability through ceramic matrix composites.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Defense's Department of War (DOW) has announced a $9.2 million, five-year contract with the national advanced materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, LIFT, to address manufacturing challenges associated with ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). This effort, funded through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (OASW(IBP))'s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program, supports White House and Secretary of War priorities in advanced composites manufacturing research and development and defense industrial base workforce development.

Why it matters

Composites have become increasingly important in industries like aerospace and defense, offering superior heat resistance compared to traditional metal alloys. This investment aims to make CMC manufacturing more affordable and accessible, which could boost U.S. competitiveness in critical defense technologies like stealth aircraft, jet engines, and hypersonic weapons.

The details

The DOW contract will fund research and development at LIFT's new Ceramics Manufacturing Center in Detroit, Michigan. LIFT is one of 18 Manufacturing USA Innovation Institutes focused on advancing domestic manufacturing capabilities. Recent advancements in carbon-fiber technologies have improved CMCs, which are known for their ability to withstand higher temperatures than polymer composites.

  • The DOW announced the $9.2 million, five-year contract on September 17, 2025.
  • The contract was delayed due to a government shutdown.

The players

U.S. Department of Defense

The federal agency responsible for national defense, including the Department of War (DOW).

LIFT

A national advanced materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute focused on fostering innovation, enhancing domestic supply chains, and developing a skilled workforce to reestablish U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing.

Michael Cadenazzi

The Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, overseeing the IBAS program that is funding the LIFT contract.

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What they’re saying

“This project aims to disrupt manufacturing affordability through advanced materials and processing technologies.”

— Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (Mirage News)

What’s next

The DOW contract with LIFT will fund research and development at the new Ceramics Manufacturing Center in Detroit over the next five years.

The takeaway

This investment in advanced materials processing capabilities, particularly for ceramic matrix composites, underscores the U.S. government's commitment to bolstering domestic manufacturing and strengthening the defense industrial base through innovation.