Two days of Critical Defense Manufacturing Activities
Hosted by the Manufacturers Association
Single Registration – Multiple Opportunities for Our Defense Community
Please Note: This agenda is still evolving. Speaker lineup and session details are subject to change.
Event Overview
Current national threats require unprecedented manufacturing efforts from US suppliers to meet this once-in-a-lifetime Defense Challenge. This comprehensive two-day event provides critical networking and learning opportunities with Navy leadership, prime contractors, and fellow suppliers.
Intended Audience
This day is designed for regional manufacturers and suppliers actively working with the US Navy and the Maritime Industrial Base at ANY level, including:
- Company Leadership: Owners, CEOs, and executive teams
- Business Development Professionals: Government Relations, Business Development, and Supplier Development teams
- Program & Contract Management: Contract Managers, Program Managers, and Contract Management professionals
- MIB Program Leaders: Organizations expanding their supplier base and identification efforts
- Prime & Subprime Contractors: Companies seeking contractors already engaged in MIB work for supply chain integration
- Similar Program Participants: Companies engaged in related efforts like TIDE (Central Pennsylvania Talent & Innovation Defense Ecosystem) or TPP (US Navy Talent Pipeline Program)
- US Navy Personnel: Navy offices, acquisition teams, supply chain professionals, and program offices
Day 1
Event Details | Defense Manufacturing Supplier Day
Date: November 4th, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM Check-in | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Programming
Location: Verandah Room, York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404
Format: Speakers, panels, demonstrations + lunch provided
Attendance: By invitation and RSVP only – Space is limited
Cost: $50 pp
Details: Featured Sessions & Speakers
- Josh Sturgill | Program Analyst, MIB Workforce Development Lead – Pennsylvania
Addressing current national threats and the critical manufacturing effort needed from US suppliers - The Navy Needs a Part – Could You Supply It?
- Capt. Josh Melchert, SC, USN | Director, Surface Operations (WSS N96), Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapons Systems Support (WSS)
- How the Navy connects to suppliers with capacity for immediate need items up to $50K
- Defense Logistics Agency Small Business Programs- Executive Briefing
- Amelia Zyski | Small Business Program Manager, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)
- Key Focus Areas:
- Responsible for over 40,000 different types of spare parts
- DIBBS (Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System) – Processes over 10,000 solicitations weekly
- Primary DOD procurement platform for standardized supplies and services
- Web-based portal for searching opportunities and submitting competitive quotes
- CMMC Compliance for Defense Suppliers
- Rob McNellis | Strategic Planner, CSMI
- Executive Briefing: Navigating Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Requirements. Essential insights into current CMMC regulations and compliance strategies for defense manufacturers and suppliers. This briefing addresses the critical cybersecurity requirements impacting Maritime Industrial Base contractors, including implementation timelines, certification levels, and practical steps for achieving compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Key Focus Areas:
- Partnership between the MIB and CSMI to assist MIB Suppliers meet this requirements
- Current state of CMMC regulatory landscape
- Compliance requirements for defense contractors and subcontractors
- Strategic implementation approaches for small and medium manufacturers
- Timeline considerations and certification processes
- Blue Forge-MIB Supplier Efforts
- Speaker TBD: Topic: Strengthening America’s Maritime Industrial Base Through Enhanced Supplier Visibility
- Demonstration & Discussion:
- How manufacturers can communicate capacity and capabilities to support Maritime Industrial Base Supply Chain
- Review of the Maritime Industrial Base Partner Intake Form
- View from the Top: Current Navy Demand Signal
- Juan F. Berrocal | Director, Acquisitions & Contracts, Team Submarine, NAVSEA
- Prime Contractor Panel
- Moderator: Juan F. Berrocal, Director, Acquisitions & Contracts, Team Submarine, NAVSEA
- Anticipated Panelists:
- General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB)
- RTX Raytheon
- HII/Newport News
- Lockheed Martin
- AUKUS and Beyond: Defense Manufacturing for Allied Markets
- Discover untapped opportunities in international defense manufacturing as the AUKUS partnership (Australia, United Kingdom, United States) opens new doors for American manufacturers.
- Confirmed Speakers:
- Tina Weyant | Executive Director, World Trade Center Harrisburg
- Nic Cervantes | Director, US Commercial Service Harrisburg
- Greg Dubin | Vice President, Daisy Data
- Advanced Cooling Technologies (invited)
Event Details | Evening Reception
Date: November 4th, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: UPMC Arena, York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404
Format: Networking
Cost: Free with Supplier Day registration
Details: MX2025 “Sneak Peak” Reception
Day 2
Event Details | US Navy Talent Pipeline Program Breakfast
Date: November 5th, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Verandah Room, York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404
Format: Extended Learning & Networking
Attendance: All TPP Network Companies and Supplier Day Attendees
Cost: No cost – Sponsored by US Navy
Note: Stand-alone event – Supplier Day attendance not required
Event Details | MX2025
Date: November 5th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: UPMC Arena, York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404
Format: Trade Show
Attendance: Manufacturing Industry
Cost: Free with Supplier Day registration
Note: Manufacturers interested in exhibiting: https://mascpa.org/expo/
Why Attend?
This is a full day of learning and networking you cannot afford to miss. The event provides opportunities to:
- Connect directly with Navy leadership
- Network with prime contractors and fellow suppliers
- Understand current defense manufacturing demands
- Explore new business opportunities
- Strengthen America’s defense manufacturing capabilities
- Access exclusive procurement information and processes
Registration: By invitation and RSVP only – Space is limited
Registration