NFFS awarded government contract to sustain ICON program
The Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society (NFFS) is pleased to announce that on November 12, 2023, it received ongoing funding through a program award from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for the continued development and advancement of the Integrated Casting Order Network (ICON) program, specifically focusing on the enhancements and expansion of the ICON portal and its related industry datasets.
The ICON web portal is a ground-breaking technology platform that surpasses conventional bid matching services. It offers a robust e-sourcing solution, efficiently filtering, organizing, and delivering defense casting business opportunities to foundries and machine shops. By aligning the required part’s requirements with a supplier’s precise manufacturing capabilities, ICON can deliver sales opportunities to foundries with the correct material and process capabilities required. The system provides comprehensive data, including complete procurement history, estimated contract value, and a two-year demand forecast. The ICON portal is an invaluable resource, saving time and proving indispensable for any metalcaster aiming to optimize their business prospects in the defense market.
The awarded grant, totaling more than $2.7 million dollars, will support an approximately 48-month initiative focused on enhancing the ICON portal's data sets and further deploying the program to foundries and machine shops. The primary objective remains to continually innovate the ICON portal to assist the Defense Logistics Agency in procuring cast metal components, fostering increased competition, and revitalizing diminished supply chain capabilities. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to reduce administrative and production lead times, component costs, and generate opportunities for cost avoidance by leveraging existing tooling within the foundry and machining industries.
Additionally, the upcoming enhancements to ICON will include an improved database showcasing industry capabilities. Furthermore, it will feature an authoritative directory highlighting firms capable of 'mold cavity building' and those equipped with in-house additive capabilities.
For further information about the ICON portal or the ongoing program award received from the Defense Logistics Agency, please contact ICON program manager, Sheila Rayburn, at sheila@nffs.org.