Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today (Dec 1, 2023) established the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), a Department of Defense organization that will help build an enduring technological advantage by partnering with private capital providers.

OSC will connect companies developing critical technologies vital to national security with capital. Critical technologies such as advanced materials, next-generation biotechnology, and quantum science often require long-term financing to bridge the gap between the laboratory and full-scale production, often referred to as the “Valley of Death” in industry.

“We are in a global competition for leadership in critical technologies, and the Office of Strategic Capital will help us win that competition and build enduring national security advantages,” said Secretary Austin. “By working with the private capital markets and by partnering with our federal colleagues, OSC will address investment gaps and add a new tool to the Department’s investment toolbox.”

These technology companies also suffer from a limited supply of longtime-horizon “patient capital,” which results in an inability to transition technology into military capabilities – even for technologies developed with the help of federal research grants or contracts. Moreover, many of these technologies are essential for future defense capabilities but are not purchased directly by the DoD, meaning existing procurement programs are unable to support the relevant companies’ immediate capital needs. 

“America’s strategic competitors are working to influence U.S. technological innovation to their advantage,” said Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu. “OSC is part of a broader administration-wide effort to ‘crowd-in’ private capital in areas where our efforts can boost our future security and prosperity. Our hope is that OSC will be able to strike its first deals by early next year.”

As an office overseen by the Secretary of Defense, the OSC will have an advisory council that includes the Under Secretaries of Defense. The OSC will work across policy, acquisition, and research efforts to increase the amount of capital available to critical technology companies. OSC will also help counter non-market actions by strategic competitors that use U.S. capital markets to advance their own technology goals.

In support of the Under Secretary Defense for Research and Engineering, OSC will complement the innovation organizations already executing programs to support critical technology developers. OSC aims to scale investments between science and technology-focused organizations, such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and commercially-oriented organizations, such as the Defense Innovation Unit, by increasing the capital available to critical technology companies to help them reach scaled production. 

While existing offices rely on grants and contracts to deploy capital, OSC is investigating the use of non-acquisition-based tools, such as loans and loan guarantees. Many other federal agencies use credit programs to participate in capital markets through loans, loan guarantees, development funds, and other tools. 

These types of federal investments have been vital in helping companies such as Apple, Cray Research, and Sun Microsystems early in their development. The OSC is unique within DoD by seeking to use proven credit programs, making strategic public-private investments in supply chains, and supporting critical technology companies from early-stage to full production.

Read more about the OSC at: www.cto.mil/osc

With over 50 years of firearms innovation, from the Bushmaster series to the multi-caliber modular Hydra pistol and rifle, the newly renamed Hydra Weaponry company has hired Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM) to communicate product innovation and company news to the industry media. A new website reflects the company’s commitment to its current and new customers.

Hermon, Maine (November 2022) – Hydra Weaponry, formerly MGI-Military, headquartered in Maine, has launched a revamped website at www.hydraweaponry.com to reflect the company’s commitment to developing firearms for civilians, law enforcement, and military professionals. As part of revamping the business, Mack Gwinn, CEO of Hydra Weaponry and son of Mack Gwinn, Jr, designer of the Bushmaster pistol, rifle, and submachine gun, along with other firearms innovations, is increasing manufacturing capabilities at the Maine facility to accommodate orders. In step with adding new CNC machines to produce parts and products in-house, Hydra Weaponry has hired Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM) to facilitate communications in the industry media.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Mack Gwinn and Hydra Weaponry,” Laura Burgess, president of LBM, said. “The Hydra system is a unique weapon system that allows the user the advantage of changing out calibers quickly to meet the mission on hand. For civilians, as well as, law enforcement agencies, this concept not only makes owning several caliber guns more affordable, but training on one system enhances shooter performance, and that is especially important for the tactical operator.”

“Hydra Weaponry is the new home for all Hydra rifles and pistols, including MARCK-15 Hydra Vipera pistols,” Gwinn added. “We have been investing in the company to increase capacity and effectively grow the brand. Hiring Laura Burgess Marketing is the first step in creating that link between our company, the media, and our customers. We are excited to get going.”

Hydra Weaponry manufactures the MARCK-15 Hydra® Modular Weapon System. With the Hydra, or base system, the user can build upon and use an ever-growing system of caliber conversion kits and various magwells. Change out is as simple as changing the barrel, bolt, and magazine well to the desired caliber. To change out some calibers, it is as simple as changing the barrel and bolt. The Hydra’s caliber conversions include .223 (.556), .22LR, .300 Blackout, .450 Thumper, and for the heavy hitters, .50 Beowulf®.

For more information on Hydra Weaponry, visit the new website at www.hydraweaponry.com. 

On Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, from noon to 3 p.m., CAA USA unveils a brand-new facility and opens the doors to its first retail store for walk-in customers. Grand Opening includes 50 percent off store-wide, giveaways, facility tours, and shooting tip classes.

Pompano Beach, Fla. (December 2022) – CAA USA, designers, and developers of the world-famous MCK/Micro Conversion Kit, proudly announce the Grand Opening of the CAA USA new, larger facility and the first CAA USA retail store. On Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, from noon to 3 p.m., the CAA USA store and facility will be open at 1704 Park Central Blvd. North, Pompano Beach, Florida. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase any of the renowned American-made, CAA Micro Conversion Kits (MCK), including the brand new GEN3 Conversion Kit, or any other CAA USA product for 50 percent off during the Grand Opening. Lots of CAA USA free swag will be on hand, as well as giveaways and raffles (no purchase necessary) throughout the afternoon.

For customers wanting to learn a bit more about the MCK and the new GEN3, two Shooting Tips & Tour sessions will be offered from noon – 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Founder and CEO, LTC. (Ret.) Mikey Hartman, will also be on deck and giving a special shooting tip class. Hartman, a former IDF officer, is credited with developing the IDF sharpshooting manual, as well as leading the Sharpshooting and Marksmanship School. He trained over half a million soldiers and his training techniques are highly sought after by operators around the world.

“This is a very special day for all of us at CAA USA,” Hartman explained. “We have been working for months behind the scenes to make the grand opening of our very first retail store something special and memorable for our customers. We hope to see you there!”

Reserve a spot for the CAA USA Grand Opening by emailing cvalentino@caagearup.com or by calling 754-205-9385. Come meet the incredible staff behind the famous MCK conversion kits and sign up to win a free MCK during the event. Cousins of Maine Lobster food truck will also be on-site for a taste of delicious New England lobster.

For more information on CAA USA’s MCK product line visit CAA USA’s YouTube page or www.caagearup.com.

Menomonee Falls, WI (December 6, 2022) – Vortakt Barrel Works® continues to expand upon its 16,500 square-foot Wisconsin production facility as part of its ongoing effort to serve as a world-class OEM barrel supplier for rifle, pistol, and shotgun manufacturers. Chad Weister, Managing Director of Vortakt Barrel Works had the following to say regarding these latest developments:

“We’re expanding our in-house production capabilities by automating processes that were formerly manually executed. This helps us expand our product offering, allows for more repeatable processes, and improves consistency in our finished barrels.”

Vortakt’s Facility Improvement Plan includes a revised shop layout involving the reorganization of numerous CNC machining cells, the addition of a Gorbel crane system designed to support large-volume government barrel contracts, a 50-ton air conditioning system enabling unprecedented climate control capabilities, the creation of a 5,000 square-foot warehouse space designed to accommodate Vortakt’s new QuickShip inventory fulfillment program, and the addition of a new break and recreation space.

To learn more about the Vortakt Barrel Works facility, production capabilities, and manufacturing team, visit www.vortakt.com.