Critical Materials

NATO’s December 2024 list identifies 12 raw materials used across defence systems, including aircraft structures, engines, avionics, electrical systems and emerging batteries. Concentrated mining and refining create sourcing risks for contractors, making material provenance, alternate suppliers and qualification lead times important procurement considerations.

The U.S. Army issued IperionX Task Order 2 under its existing $99 million SBIR Phase III IDIQ, with $11.5 million initially funded and a potential value of $25.4 million including options. The order reinforces demand for domestic titanium production, while the remaining $79.2 million IDIQ ceiling could support additional task orders but does not represent an open solicitation or guarantee future awards.

The Department of Commerce announced an $85 million CHIPS Act award to Commonwealth Fusion Systems for semiconductor R&D and manufacturing tied to fusion power plants. Separate letters of intent outline up to $389 million in planned awards to four companies; these are not completed awards or open solicitations, but may signal downstream demand for power semiconductors and critical materials.

ATI’s renewed naval nuclear contract is expected to more than double the company’s business in that area, alongside rising demand for its titanium and nickel superalloys as aircraft production increases. The available reporting does not identify the contracting agency, contract value, scope, schedule, or a solicitation, limiting conclusions about competition or near-term bidding opportunities.

The Defense Logistics Agency has awarded a $36 million contract to Elmet Technologies, aimed at supplying essential molybdenum and tungsten materials for the National Defense Stockpile. This contract underscores heightened demand for both raw materials and finished products critical to U.S. defense capabilities and emphasizes the need for robust domestic supply chains.

The Department of War awarded a $37.2 million contract to Principal Mineral Company Inc. to revitalize domestic production of defense-grade copper foil. This initiative is critical for enhancing supply chain resilience within the military microelectronics arena, particularly as it aims to secure the nation’s sole source of this essential material.

The U.S. is enhancing its procurement of critical materials such as tungsten and titanium. With significant contracts underway, including a $300,000 order for titanium components, these initiatives aim to secure long-term supply and mitigate logistical risks in the defense sector.