CRANE, Ind. –
Two Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) employees were recognized throughout the Navy for their outstanding contributions to establish the Microelectronics Commons. Dr. Alison Smith and Bryan Smith received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award (MCSA), the third-highest honorary award in the Navy.
“The Commons was spearheaded successfully because of the hard work of our team,” said Bryan Smith. “It included me, Luke, Alison, Matt, and Mariah—we called ourselves BLAMM. I hope the team felt empowered to do great things, as we continue to move the needle to advance defense-critical microelectronics.”
Microelectronics are foundational to everyday electronic and computer technology, including enabling defense and military technology. In the National Defense Strategy, the Department of Defense (DOD) prioritizes investing in microelectronics to ensure future technological advantage and nuclear modernization. NSWC Crane subject matter experts provide trusted microelectronics leadership, ensuring proper operation of microelectronics throughout the strategic weapons system life cycle, across Office of the Secretary of Defense Trusted Microelectronics programs, and the Microelectronics Commons. NSWC Crane also holds regular events like the Microelectronics Integrity Meeting, bringing experts together across industry, academia, military, and government to exchange information and address challenges in the microelectronics field.
In 2023, recognizing the vital role of microelectronics in advanced weapon systems, the Department of Defense launched the Microelectronics Commons initiative. In eight regional hubs across the country, the Microelectronics Commons aims to accelerate the domestic development of cutting-edge microelectronics technology crucial for maintaining our nation's economic and national security. NSWC Crane was selected to lead this charge, a testament to their expertise in trusted microelectronics. Furthermore, Crane’s expertise, particularly in managing the S2MARTS Other Transaction (OT) Agreement, has positioned them to oversee the execution of this critical program, addressing the rapid and flexible prototyping needs of the military services.
Dr. Alison Smith, the Technical Director for the Microelectronics Commons from 2022 to 2024, and Bryan Smith, the Commons Execution Advisor for the Microelectronics Commons, led a five-person NSWC Crane team to establish the eight technology hubs. The MCSA awards credit Dr. Smith and Bryan Smith for their outstanding leadership of key milestones in instituting the $2 billion Commons program. The NSWC Crane team collaborated with technical execution leads from the Air Force, Army, and Navy service branches to create the Commons, which has more than 1,300 members.
Dr. Smith said being recognized for these efforts showcases the talent and work ethic of the NSWC Crane and cross-service team.
"We had the opportunity to first and foremost work with what I believe is the very best in government. The team’s efforts, including the tireless work of technical experts across the DoD, have positioned the Microelectronics Commons to deliver vital capabilities to enable our warfighters. This initiative represents a significant leap forward, providing a crucial link between laboratory research and manufacturing,” said Dr. Smith. “Not many people have an opportunity support an American-innovation enabler of this magnitude, and it was an honor to be a part of the team that made it happen."
Establishing the hubs included significant events that brought experts together to share information, such as Commons Industry Day and the Commons Inaugural Meeting. These events resulted in more than 80 technical proposals for microelectronics, where they coordinated with more than 50 subject matter experts from across the DOD, Department of Energy, Department of Commerce, and Department of State. The Commons Inaugural Meeting in Washington, DC had over 700 in-person and 1,000 virtual attendees, including high-ranking speakers such as Senators, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director.
Bryan Smith said their work combines the knowledge of experts inside and outside of the DOD.
“The days were long, but the year was short; looking back, it was over quickly,” said Bryan Smith. “Having the opportunity to go out and meet different folks in industry and academia – we were able to work with people outside a single service lab, including U.S. Senators. It is meaningful to receive recognition across the Navy and across the DOD for our efforts.”
Dr. Smith and Bryan Smith coordinated efforts across the technical assessment teams, which had a combined over 1,000 years of experience, more than 2,400 publications, and more than 200 patents. Within a remarkably short timeframe, they successfully launched eight regional technology hubs, each specializing in defense-critical areas like artificial intelligence and electromagnetic warfare and leveraging industry and academic strengths to accelerate technical innovation.
“The technical execution area leads worked tirelessly; and when I say tirelessly, I truly mean around the clock to ensure that Microelectronics Commons is not just building circuits, processes or devices; it's building a future where American innovation and technological dominance are assured,” said Dr. Smith.
The Microelectronics Commons continues to enable innovative prototype demonstrations in microelectronics materials, processes, devices, and architectural designs. Prototype transitions, follow-on efforts, and continuing project awards are planned to continue for several years.
“As we closed out the second fiscal year and move into the third year of the Microelectronics Commons program,” said Bryan Smith. “I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come! Collaboration across industry, academia, and government will create new opportunities for talent, infrastructure, and supply chain resilience. This pivotal year will help secure the U.S. as a global leader in semiconductor production, fostering national security and economic growth in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Stay positive, avoid resistance, and keep conducting greatness like a good semiconductor.”
About NSWC Crane | NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electromagnetic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi-spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.