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DRDC supports companies, National Guard and federal assets, prime contractors, innovators, and academia in the region by connecting them to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to grow.
Events Calendar
The Detroit Region convenes constantly. Forums, conferences, networking events, legislative meet-and-greets, educational programs, Discovery Days, and partner events are happening throughout the year across the tri-county region. DRDC members receive a 10% discount at DRDC forums and events, plus access to select partner event discounts.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR INCLUDES:
- Defense industry forums and panels
- Prime contractor networking events
- Legislative meet-and-greets and Washington, D.C. fly-ins
- Workforce development and training programs
- Discovery Days for companies from outside the region
- DRDC member briefings and Steering Committee meetings
Partner Network
DRDC works alongside, not in competition with, the region's established defense and economic development ecosystem.
Our partners include:
- Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI)
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
- Arsenal Alliance
- National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
- Women in Defense (WID)
- Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
- Air Force Association (AFA)
Members gain access to introductions, co-sponsorship opportunities, and collaborative advocacy through this partner network.
Workforce Development
Defense contracting requires specific certifications, security clearances, and workforce competencies. DRDC connects member companies to workforce development programs, training resources, and educational institutions in the region that support defense industry growth. Stakeholder-level members receive direct assistance with workforce development and training program connections.
Policy and Advocacy
DRDC is a 501c(6) — which means we can advocate. We champion the policy priorities of the Detroit Region's defense industry at the state and federal levels, and we represent our members' interests in legislative discussions, procurement reform conversations, and federal program decisions.
- Shareholder members receive input into DRDC's policy direction
- Stakeholder members participate in outside partner negotiations and discussions at an organizational level
- Both levels are invited to participate in forums, legislative meet-and-greets, and fly-ins
Matchmaking & Catalog
One of DRDC's most powerful member benefits: access to the company matchmaking catalog. Shareholders are listed in the catalog for partnership and subcontracting opportunities. Stakeholders gain full access to the catalog to identify and connect with regional suppliers, partners, and sub-tier companies. This is how contracts get built, through relationships made possible by a common platform.
News and Reports
DRDC publishes economic analyses, industry reports, and policy analyses to inform member decision-making and support advocacy efforts. Our inaugural defense industry economic review of the Detroit Region provides a comprehensive baseline for understanding regional capability and opportunity.
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APPENDIX: Stat Reference Sheet
Sources: DRDC Factsheet (March 2026). All figures to be updated annually. Additional stats (total manufacturers, engineers, R&D labs, events) to be compiled and added by DRDC team.
| Statistic | Source / Context |
|---|---|
| $4.63B | DoD Procurement, FY23 — tri-county region total |
| $5.90B | DoD Procurement, FY23 — Michigan statewide total |
| 75%+ | Region's share of Michigan's total DoD procurement |
| 360+ | Defense contracting companies employing 7,000+ workers |
| 7,000+ | Workers employed by regional defense contractors |
| $1.73B+ | Annual compensation earned by 11,000+ military/DoD civilian residents, FY24 |
| 11,000+ | Military and DoD civilian residents, FY24 |
| 155,000+ | Veterans in the tri-county region — 1/3 of Michigan's total |
| Detroit Arsenal | Critical U.S. Army research and contracting facility — Macomb County |
| Selfridge ANGB | Largest Air National Guard Base in the nation — Macomb County |
| FY23 Distribution | Macomb: 77% of DoD procurement | Oakland: 15% | Wayne/Detroit: 8% |
| Workforce FY24 | Macomb: 34% of DoD workforce | Oakland: 16% | Wayne/Detroit: 50% |
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