The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command – Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), is initiating the "Strengthening America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base" opportunity, aimed at enhancing the U.S. manufacturing and defense sectors. This initiative will involve awarding prototype projects in FY25 related to advanced packaging, electrification demonstrations, defense supply chain readiness, rare earth element demonstrations, and scaling commercial-grade packs and frames, with a total anticipated investment of approximately $22 million. The Cornerstone Initiative is designed to foster a public-private consortium, and participation is limited to Cornerstone Consortium members who have completed the membership process and are registered in SAM.gov. Interested parties should direct inquiries to usarmy.ria.devcom-cbc.mbx.cornerstone-ota@army.mil and stay updated on any changes to the opportunity.