Officials Ink Agreement on Defense Production Act Loans

U.S. Department of Defense Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen M. Lord and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Chief Executive Officer Adam Boehler have signed a memorandum of agreement formalizing the relationship between the two organizations as outlined in Executive Order 13922, which delegated authority to DFC to execute loans using Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III in support of COVID-19 response.

The program will utilize $100 million of DOD’s CARES Act spend plan to support DFC financing to projects that create, expand, or restore domestic industrial base capabilities in response to COVID-19.

The signing of the MOA was followed by the launch of a request for proposals from private sector entities seeking DFC financing under the DPA. Eligible projects should help re-shore production—or strengthen related domestic supply chains—of personal protective equipment, medical testing supplies, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, ventilation equipment, or relevant ancillary materials and technologies.

“Today marks an important milestone in DFC’s collaboration with DOD under the Defense Production Act,” said Boehler. “We look forward to working together with DOD and the private sector to protect the health and safety of Americans by strengthening critical supply chains at home. Increased U.S. production of strategic resources will also allow the United States to assist allies around the world.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic response has highlighted what DOD has always known, a strong domestic supply chain is critical for economic and national security. DOD is committed, in partnership with other federal agencies, to bring all tools available to support the response to COVID-19,” said Under Secretary Lord. “I look forward to this partnership between DOD and DFC. We both wholeheartedly believe it will provide new avenues to expand and support our domestic industrial base for medical resources in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response.”

Under the MOA, DFC will originate, screen, and conduct due diligence on projects seeking financing under the DPA. The agency will also underwrite and finance projects that clear DFC’s comprehensive review process. These responsibilities will be carried out in close consultation with DOD, which will bear all direct and indirect costs of DFC’s DPA programs. Further, the agencies will establish a working group to ensure close coordination and implementation of the MOA.

Interested parties can review the full eligibility criteria and learn how to submit a proposal on the DFC website. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and selected through a competitive process subject to a thorough due diligence and approval process.

www.dfc.gov/dpa