First DRPM-MIB Established to Strengthen U.S. Naval and Shipbuilding Capacity

The establishment of the first Deputy Resource Program Manager for the Maritime Industrial Base (DRPM-MIB) marks a significant commitment by the Department of the Navy to enhance national shipbuilding capacity in collaboration with industry and stakeholders.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, Nickolas Guertin, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “America has been a leading shipping and shipbuilding nation before, and the Navy is focused on restoring this vital strategic industry.”

The DRPM-MIB will be pivotal in advancing Secretary Del Toro’s vision for a comprehensive maritime power strategy, aligning with the National Defense Strategy. This initiative integrates naval diplomacy with a national, whole-of-government approach to bolster U.S. and allied maritime capabilities, including both commercial and naval sectors.

Building on the successes of the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) and Surface Combatant Industrial Base (SCIB) programs, the DRPM-MIB aims to create a cohesive organization dedicated to the construction and sustainment of the maritime industrial base.

Frederick “Jay” Stefany has been appointed to lead this new organization as the first DRPM-MIB. His extensive experience, including serving as the Principal Civilian Deputy and the longest-serving Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, makes him the ideal candidate to oversee this major expansion in the shipbuilding industry.

Guertin highlighted Stefany’s contributions, noting, “Jay Stefany has been at the forefront of developing the strategy and securing over $40B in industrial base investment to meet our submarine and shipbuilding imperatives.”

Dr. Brett Seidle will take over as the Principal Civilian Deputy, bringing his extensive executive leadership experience from both government and industry.

The DRPM-MIB initiative represents the largest shipbuilding industry mobilization in the Department of Defense since World War II, aiming to deliver integrated capability at speed and scale.