ICON: Driving the Future of Defense Manufacturing

ICON, developed and operated by the Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society (NFFS), is the premier digital platform advancing the capabilities of the U.S. defense manufacturing supply chain. ICON connects qualified American foundries, forges, and machine shops with government and prime contractor buyers seeking trusted, compliant partners. Through NFFS’s leadership, ICON bridges industry expertise with cutting-edge technology to strengthen the resiliency, transparency, and competitiveness of the nation’s industrial base.

ICON is proud to showcase the next evolution of its industry-leading supply chain platform—now enhanced with the powerful A.C.E. (Automated Contract Evaluation) system. Together, ICON and A.C.E. create a seamless, end-to-end solution that connects suppliers and buyers of castings, forgings, and machined products in support of the Department of Defense and the American warfighter.

Best-in-Class Collaboration for the Defense Industrial Base
ICON is recognized as the premier collaborative portal for defense manufacturing. Built for accessibility, transparency, and performance, ICON provides a centralized marketplace where qualified foundries, forges and machine shops can connect with 

DoD procurement officials, prime contractors, and Tier I suppliers. The platform reduces barriers to entry for small and mid-sized manufacturers, while giving buyers a streamlined way to identify, evaluate, and engage with trusted partners.

The ACE Expansion: Transforming How Industry Competes and Delivers
With the integration of A.C.E., ICON now offers a cradle-to-grave contracting solution that guides manufacturers through every stage of defense procurement—from opportunity capture to final contract delivery

Suppliers benefit from:

• Automated workflows that simplify solicitation reviews, RFQ/PO creation, and bid submissions.
• AI-enabled support tools that eliminate the need for endless research, delivering curated answers and insights directly inside the platform
• Built-in compliance resources including ISO-9001 certification pathways, CUI data management, and integration with secure file storage systems
• Actionable feedback loops capturing reasons for “no-bids” and user input, ensuring procurement data continually improves outcomes.

For buyers, including DoD program managers and Tier I suppliers—ICON + A.C.E. delivers unprecedented visibility into a robust, diversified supplier base. The system not only accelerates sourcing but also improves confidence that each vendor is compliant, capable, and ready to support the mission.

Driving Outcomes That Matter

• For Suppliers: ICON + A.C.E. reduces the complexity of doing business with the DoD, providing turnkey tools that shorten learning curves, cut costs, and increase win rates. Even companies new to defense contracting can rapidly become competitive players.
• For Buyers: ICON provides a curated, compliant supplier network across castings, forgings, and machined components. Procurement officials gain faster access to qualified partners, improved transparency, and a direct line to American manufacturers supporting the warfighter.
• For the Industrial Base: By lowering barriers to entry and simplifying contracting, ICON strengthens the entire supply chain, helping ensure U.S. defense manufacturing remains resilient, responsive, and ready.

Experience ICON at the 2026 NFFS Industry Executive Conference
Visit the ICON booth at the 2026 NFFS Industry Executive Conference to see firsthand how the platform is reshaping defense manufacturing. Discover how ICON + A.C.E. can simplify your path to new contracts, connect you with reliable suppliers, and deliver the tools and insights you need to succeed in today’s demanding defense marketplace.