Understanding the Defense Production Act Title III

The Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III is a powerful funding mechanism that enables the U.S. government to strengthen the industrial base by supporting the expansion of domestic manufacturing capabilities. Originally enacted in 1950, DPA Title III has evolved to address modern national security needs, including semiconductors, energy storage, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.



Title III funding is particularly important for businesses producing materials or components essential to defense readiness. It provides non-dilutive capital that helps companies scale, reduce supply chain dependencies, and enhance resilience in critical sectors.

What Makes DPA Title III Awards Unique?

Unlike traditional government grants or contracts, DPA Title III awards can take the form of cost-sharing agreements, direct investments, or purchase commitments that:

• Encourage rapid scale-up of emerging technologies
• Fill gaps in the defense supply chain
• Mitigate risks from foreign dependency
• Drive innovation in manufacturing

These awards are often aligned with Department of Defense (DoD) strategic priorities and industrial base assessments, making them both impactful and competitive.

The Role of OTAs and Consortiums

Many DPA Title III initiatives are managed through Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and specialized consortia. OTAs are flexible contracting vehicles designed to attract non-traditional contractors and accelerate technology adoption.

Many of the major OT-focused consortia are managed by Advanced Technology International (ATI), such as:

• Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC)
• National Armaments Consortium (NAC)
• Naval Surface Technology & Innovation Consortium (NSTIC)
• Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC)
• Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Consortium (CWMD)
• Information Warfare Research Project (IWRP)
• Defense Automotive Technologies Consortium (DATC)
• Expeditionary Missions Consortium (EMC2)
• Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness Consortium (BioMaP-Consortium)

Understanding how to align with these organizations’ missions and evaluation criteria is key to winning awards.

How Award Advisors Supports Your Success

At Award Advisors, we help clients navigate the full lifecycle of DPA Title III opportunities. Our support includes:

• Identifying and prioritizing high-potential opportunities
• Shaping a winning narrative and proposal strategy
• Budgeting, indirect rates, and compliance planning
• OTA and Technology Investment Agreement (TIA) negotiation
• Post-award implementation and reporting

Whether you are new to federal funding or seeking to scale your compliance infrastructure, our team brings decades of experience to every engagement.

Ready to Pursue DPA Title III or OTA Opportunities?

If your business is working in advanced manufacturing, biotech, energy, or other defense-critical sectors, DPA Title III funding may be the catalyst you need. Let Award Advisors be your strategic partner in pursuing, securing, and managing this transformative federal funding.