Microelectronics Secure Enclave

The Microelectronics Secure Enclave (MSE) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0605296F, is a new initiative within the Department of the Air Force. It was established to provide oversight and direction for the nation's investment in secure, state-of-the-art microelectronics advanced fabrication and packaging capability. This program directly supports the Secretary of Defense's priority to rebuild the U.S. defense industrial base, with a specific focus on microelectronics critical to national security. The MSE program is funded in accordance with the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024, and leverages Federal Financial Assistance through the CHIPS Act of 2022 to develop a Secure Enclave capability within the domestic commercial sector.

The primary objective of the Microelectronics Secure Enclave is to establish and sustain a secure microelectronics manufacturing and packaging infrastructure that meets the needs of the Department of Defense (DoD) for sensitive and advanced weapon systems. The program office, situated within the Air Force, is responsible for managing and executing the scope of work associated with the Secure Enclave. This includes oversight of commercial partners, coordination with other government agencies, and ensuring alignment with DoD requirements. Funding supports program office operations, pilot project initiation, and investment in production infrastructure.

A key goal of the Microelectronics Secure Enclave is to initiate pilot projects that design and produce state-of-the-art microelectronics for integration into critical weapon systems. These pilot projects are intended to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of secure domestic manufacturing processes and to provide a pathway for transitioning these capabilities into sustained production. The program will also invest in the minimum production infrastructure required to maintain continuous manufacturing capacity. This ensures that the U.S. can meet its most sensitive warfighting needs without reliance on foreign supply chains.

The Microelectronics Secure Enclave line item funds program office support requirements, including civilian pay, contractor manpower, facilities, and other direct costs necessary for executing the program's scope of work. Funding supplements similar expenses budgeted in other Air Force program elements. These resources enable the program office to manage the complex technical, contractual, and oversight activities required for the Secure Enclave's success.

Another objective is to support the performance of a full financial audit as mandated by Title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D. This requirement ensures transparency and accountability in the use of federal funds and aligns with broader DoD efforts to improve financial management and audit readiness. The program's activities and expenditures will be subject to rigorous oversight to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

The acquisition strategy for the Microelectronics Secure Enclave will begin with a reverse industry day and subsequent engagements with industry and government partners to identify investment requirements and opportunities. Based on these engagements, the program will develop acquisition paths for pilot projects and ultimately a comprehensive acquisition strategy that aligns with available resources and weapon system manufacturing needs. This approach is designed to foster collaboration with commercial entities while ensuring that DoD requirements for security and performance are met.