Keynote: Microelectronics Acquisition Policy of the US Government

ABSTRACT *Presentation Slides (PDF) Only* Microelectronics are a key enabling factor for the US economy and national security. Current geopolitical tensions place a premium on a secure access strategy for the US Department of Defense's (DoD) microelectronics needs. The DoD has unique needs for a wide variety of microelectronic components In low volumes available for very long (decades) periods of time. As a result there are major disconnects with the commercial microelectronics business model based on modern parts in high volumes available for relatively short periods of time. This talk presents a history of the United States Government's (USG) secure acquisition policies and strategies for microelectronics access. The speaker will cover various approaches, including a dedicated USG Fab, the Trusted Foundry concept, and emerging work on microelectronics security standards. This is an important area of growing interest even outside the DoD.