Investment to Improve Domestic Semiconductor Production and $6 Million to Expand Domestic Production of Satellite Solar Array Panels

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Statement attributed to Lt. Col. Mike Andrews, Department of Defense spokesman:

"As part of the national response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense has signed a $12.45 million contract award with 5N Plus Semiconductor to improve semiconductor production processes to support long term business viability and maintain the sole domestic source of critical semiconductor technologies for space programs.

Located in St. George, Utah, where the project will be performed over the anticipated 39 months. This agreement will support 5N Plus Semiconductors' product and process capability integration with U.S. space satellite suppliers to complete development and qualification of next-generation semiconductor products and technologies.

The Department of Defense has also signed a $6 million contract with SolAero Technologies to sustain critical domestic industrial base capability for satellite solar array panels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, SolAero Technologies will expand its domestic production capability and capacity for advanced satellite solar cells and panels.

SolAero will accomplish this by addressing critical capabilities and capacity to integrate advanced solar cells into Covered Interconnected Cells (CICs) and Photovoltaic Assemblies (PVAs). This will enable SolAero to retain critical workforce capabilities throughout the disruption caused by COVID-19 and to restore some jobs lost because of the pandemic.

Both Defense Production Act Title 3 contracts support the Space Defense Industrial Base, and use funds authorized and appropriated under the CARES Act.

The Department remains closely partnered with FEMA and HHS, providing almost $2.5 billion in lifesaving supplies and equipment to service members and federal agencies in the nation's whole-of-government approach to the coronavirus pandemic."