Strengthening Virginia’s Role in National Security Manufacturing
Overview
GENEDGE works directly with manufacturers across Virginia to strengthen the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and Maritime Industrial Base (MIB). These sectors are critical to national security, shipbuilding readiness, and supply chain resilience.
Through targeted consulting, training, and technology insertion, GENEDGE helps small and medium-sized manufacturers develop the capabilities required to enter, grow, and sustain business within defense and maritime supply chains.
Our role is to help Virginia companies become stronger, more capable partners to prime contractors, shipyards, and federal agencies by improving operational performance, quality systems, workforce readiness, and advanced manufacturing adoption. GENEDGE works with PEO Carriers, Newport News Shipbuilding, and their supply base to strengthen the manufacturers that support aircraft carrier construction and sustainment. GENEDGE also supports the Build Submarines 3+1 effort by helping Virginia manufacturers develop the capabilities, capacity, and consistency required to participate in the submarine industrial base and meet the growing demand for submarine production.
Why It Matters
The defense and maritime sectors rely on a deep, capable supplier network. Many smaller manufacturers have the technical ability to contribute but need support navigating requirements, improving processes, or adopting new technologies.
GENEDGE helps bridge that gap by preparing manufacturers to:
- Meet the demands of defense and maritime customers
- Strengthen quality and compliance systems
- Improve production capacity and reliability
- Adopt advanced manufacturing technologies
- Build a more resilient and secure supply chain
This work directly supports national readiness while creating long-term growth opportunities for Virginia manufacturers.
How GENEDGE Supports the DIB & MIB
GENEDGE provides hands-on assistance across key areas that matter most to defense and maritime suppliers:
Operational Excellence
- Process improvement and productivity gains
- Throughput and capacity optimization
- Supply chain performance improvements
Quality & Compliance Readiness
- Support for defense-related quality expectations
- Preparation for customer and regulatory requirements
- Management system strengthening
Technology Adoption
- Smart manufacturing readiness
- Automation and advanced manufacturing integration
- Modeling, simulation, and digital twin tools
Workforce Development
- Training to support modern manufacturing environments
- Leadership and supervisory development
- Skills alignment with defense and maritime needs
Business Growth Support
- Positioning manufacturers to compete in defense and maritime supply chains
- Strengthening operational maturity for long-term contracts
Direct Support to Aircraft Carrier Construction and Its Supply Base
GENEDGE works with PEO Carriers, Newport News Shipbuilding, and their supplier network to strengthen the Maritime Industrial Base that supports U.S. Navy aircraft carrier construction and sustainment.
Our role is focused on helping the broader supply base perform at the level required to support one of the most complex and demanding manufacturing efforts in the world. This includes assisting small and mid-sized manufacturers that provide components, services, and specialized capabilities critical to shipyard operations.
Through this work, GENEDGE helps suppliers:
- Improve production performance, throughput, and delivery reliability
- Strengthen management systems and operational controls
- Adopt advanced manufacturing and automation technologies
- Build the capacity and consistency needed for long-cycle defense programs
Aircraft carrier construction depends on a deep, capable, and reliable supplier network. By working with both the shipyard and its supply base, GENEDGE helps ensure Virginia manufacturers are positioned to support current and future fleet readiness requirements while growing their role in the maritime economy.
Supporting Defense Supply Chain Resilience
Defense supply chains depend on capable, stable small and mid-sized manufacturers. GENEDGE helps build that strength by assisting companies with:
- Capability development and operational maturity
- Technology integration and modernization
- Risk reduction and performance visibility
- Scalable processes to support increased demand
Supporting Shipbuilding and Maritime Readiness
Virginia plays a central role in U.S. shipbuilding and fleet sustainment. GENEDGE works with manufacturers supporting maritime programs by helping them:
- Improve production performance and delivery reliability
- Adopt advanced manufacturing to meet evolving requirements
- Strengthen internal systems to support long-term program participation
Our work supports both new suppliers entering the maritime space and existing suppliers seeking to expand their role within the shipbuilding industrial base.
Who This Is For
GENEDGE supports Virginia manufacturers that:
- Currently supply defense or maritime customers
- Want to enter the defense or maritime markets
- Need to improve operational readiness for government supply chains
- Are adopting advanced manufacturing to support national security priorities
Impact
By strengthening individual manufacturers, GENEDGE contributes to a broader mission:
- More competitive Virginia manufacturers
- Stronger domestic supply chains
- Greater resilience in defense and maritime production
- Increased economic opportunity tied to national security investment
Get Involved
If your company is interested in supporting defense or maritime programs, GENEDGE can help assess your readiness and identify practical steps to strengthen your position.
Contact GENEDGE to learn how your organization can grow within the Defense and Maritime Industrial Base.