Finance Events in Detroit

Michigan has the talent but lacks defense contracts. This panel bridges that gap — from supply chain to acquisition strategy. In partnership with DESC (Detroit at Work) and Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace (ODAI), MoveAmerica’s team of defense ecosystem practitioners will share their hands-on experience, activating Michigan’s defense-compatible industrial base, consortium-driven initiatives, and targeted supply chain development across the ground vehicle and maritime sectors. The objective is simple: move nontraditional suppliers and small businesses from overlooked to contract-ready. The second half of the session demystifies how the government actually buys. Panelists will walk through acquisition strategies, contracting pathways, and key decision points that determine outcomes. Topics include contract types, Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), and commercial acquisition approaches, all explained in clear, practical terms industry can use. Whether you are a manufacturer entering the defense market, a small business navigating federal contracting, or a regional partner building the next generation of the Defense Industrial Base, this session delivers the insight, framework, and connections needed to help bridge that gap.