A.C.E. Product Expansion for ICON

Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society (NFFS) is excited to announce the next major evolution of ICON — the launch of A.C.E., a powerful expansion designed to modernize and streamline the casting procurement process across the U.S. industrial base. A.C.E. stands for “Automated Contract Evaluation”, a groundbreaking module that enhances ICON’s core capabilities by introducing advanced automation, intelligent analytics, and compliance checks to the contract and RFQ process. A.C.E. empowers manufacturers, government agencies, and suppliers to reduce lead times, minimize errors, and increase the accuracy and transparency of procurement decisions — all within a secure, centralized platform.

As supply chains face increasing complexity and demand for faster, more accurate decision-making, A.C.E. delivers vital enhancements to ICON, including:

• Automated RFQ Analysis
  A.C.E. uses machine-assisted parsing and matching to evaluate technical contract requirements against foundry capabilities, ensuring faster turnaround and better alignment between buyer needs and supplier qualifications.
• Improved Data Accuracy & Compliance
  With built-in logic checks, version control, and audit tracking, A.C.E. reduces the risk of non-compliance and improves visibility into contract status and performance.
• Accelerated Contracting Timelines
  The A.C.E. module streamlines the exchange of technical documents, pricing, and terms, reducing the administrative burden on buyers and suppliers alike.
• Supplier Enablement
  Small and mid-sized foundries and machine shops can now compete more effectively with streamlined access to opportunities, improved response tools, and automated guidance that reduces the need for specialized contract support.

 The A.C.E. expansion was specifically designed to support the unique needs of ferrous and non-ferrous casting producers, forge shops, and precision machine shops — the core manufacturing base that supports sectors like defense, aerospace, transportation, and heavy equipment. By building A.C.E. into ICON, NFFS is equipping U.S. manufacturers with tools that enhance competitiveness while supporting national industrial capabilities. A.C.E. was developed by the Valor Group, a long-time active user and supporter of ICON, based on their relationships with government partners, OEMs, and small business suppliers. Their feedback shaped the functionality and user experience, ensuring that expansion meets the real-world needs of the metal casting supply chain.

The A.C.E. expansion is currently being deployed in phases, with early adopters gaining access to pilot capabilities in late 2025. A full rollout across the ICON platform is scheduled for early 2026, with training sessions, documentation, and technical support available to all registered users. Organizations interested in participating in the A.C.E. onboarding initiative are encouraged to contact NFFS for early access opportunities.