MxD Innovates

Help shape the next federal strategy for manufacturing innovation. Every four years, the White House revises the National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing. As part of this process, a Request for Information (RFI) is issued to gather public input on Federal programs and initiatives that can enhance U.S. manufacturing. These efforts aim to create new jobs, strengthen the economy across various industries, and bolster national security.

The National Science and Technology Council is tasked with developing the 2026-2030 National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing and is currently seeking public stakeholder input. In support of this outreach, the NIST Office of Advanced Manufacturing is hosting a virtual “Town Hall” to hear from members of Manufacturing USA institutes. Your input is crucial to shaping the next national strategy.

Register Now: https://loom.ly/Ivo4RDA
Wednesday, February 11, 2026. 2:00-3:30 pm ET

We hope you will join us to share your thoughts on the future of advanced manufacturing in the U.S. However, if you can’t attend, we still encourage you to review the RFI and provide your comments online through the Federal Register. Note: the RFI deadline has been extended to March 30, 2026.

In the defense industry, keeping secrets is part of the job. But as CMMC 2.0 rolls out, many manufacturers are facing a significant puzzle: How do you protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) if you can’t recognize it?

Because CUI can range from engineering files to simple scheduling details, many companies find themselves struggling with "keyword fatigue" or over-classifying public data. As Michael Tanji, MxD’s Director of Cybersecurity, points out: “Understand that properly designating CUI material is often a matter of context and can be a tedious process.”

Our latest article dives into: ✅ Why identifying CUI is the first (and hardest) step toward CMMC compliance. ✅ The common pitfalls of automated systems and keyword triggers. ✅ How to move from "mystery" to "mastery" through System Security Plans and employee training.

Protecting the defense supply chain is a team sport. Whether you are a prime or a small supplier, the goal is the same: Don’t let this leak.

Read the full breakdown on how to demystify CUI and harden your shop floor's defenses: https://loom.ly/TH91nIQ

Modernizing the artisan workforce is essential to the future of the Organic Industrial Base (OIB).

Leaders need clear guidance to navigate that change, which is why we created the OIB Workforce Readiness Guide: a free resource that outlines the roles, skills, and capabilities needed to prepare people, processes, and technologies for phased modernization.

Inside, you’ll find workforce frameworks, success profiles, and insights on the drivers and barriers shaping the path forward.

Download the guide and get a head start on building the OIB workforce of tomorrow: https://loom.ly/YlQW9K4

MxD’s Cybertown is a first-of-its-kind testbed that brings cyber risks in operational technology (OT) to life.

By simulating real-world environments, it shows how offensive tactics actually impact OT systems in real time. These demonstrations help industry teams recognize threats faster, understand operational consequences, and strengthen their defenses.

The result: a more prepared and resilient industrial base.