Industry experts from across the Department of Defense (DOD), the manufacturing industry and academia joined a nationwide audience, September 9, 2025, for a virtual webinar hosted by the APEX Accelerators program, spotlighting the future of casting, forging, and machining in defense manufacturing using the Integrated Casting Order Network (ICON).
This session provided a unique opportunity for more than 400 industry suppliers, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to hear directly from those shaping the next generation of defense procurement and production strategies. Panel of experts represented included DLA Land & Maritime, Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA), Forging Defense Manufacturing Consortium (FDMIC)/AMC/ATI and the Non-Ferrous Founders' Society.
In today’s rapidly evolving defense landscape, the demand for agile, secure, and efficient manufacturing solutions has never been greater. From advanced aerospace systems to mission-critical ground vehicles, the DOD’s need for precision metal components continues to grow in both scale and complexity.
The Integrated Casting Order Network (ICON) stands at the forefront of this transformation. ICON is a state-of-the-art digital platform that connects the DOD and prime contractors with qualified foundries, forging facilities, and machine shops across the nation. By uniting supply with demand, ICON helps strengthen the industrial base while ensuring reliable access to critical parts.
The webinar highlighted the role of several groundbreaking capabilities, including:
- Smarter Sourcing – ICON’s supplier-matching capabilities streamline procurement by connecting buyers with manufacturers based on capabilities and capacity.
- Increased Visibility – Real-time data and transparent workflows give both government and industry greater confidence in sourcing decisions.
- Accelerated Timelines – By reducing inefficiencies, ICON shortens acquisition cycles and speeds delivery of mission-critical components.
- Integration with Automated Contract Evaluation (ACE) – The ACE module automates proposal analysis, saving time and reducing errors while ensuring compliance with DOD acquisition requirements.
Defense industry leaders emphasized that ICON is more than just a portal—it’s a game-changer for collaboration. By lowering barriers for small and medium-sized manufacturers, ICON expands opportunities while building resilience in the supply chain. Experts noted that forging, casting, and machining sectors now have direct pathways to contribute to defense readiness through an accessible and secure platform.
For additional information, please visit http://icon.nffs.org.