The PNDC Has the Right Stuff for Those Looking to Do Business in the Defense and Security Industries.

Since 2005, The Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition has worked to create, grow and diversify opportunities for Pacific Northwest companies that are looking to do business in the defense and security industries. 

“Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are uniquely positioned to support the defense industry because we have such a rich ecosystem of innovators, both in aerospace manufacturing and in other industries,” said Denise Ryser, executive director for the PNDC. “But doing business with the DoD presents some unique challenges that most manufacturers are not prepared to deal with. We help them through that process with training, one-on-one counseling, business-to-business networking, and advocacy.” 

“Two of our newest members, LifePort, LLC and Pendleton UAS Range are great examples of how small businesses with huge value can navigate the complexities, stay on top of changes to industry regulations and make the right connections with OEMs they want to do business with.”

LifePort, LLC

LifePort LLC, is a Woodland, Washington-based equipment manufacturer of custom interior solutions for a wide range of aircraft for government and commercial sectors. For over 30 years, they have designed, qualified, manufactured and integrated commercial air medical, military MEDEVAC, VIP interior cabinetry, seating, galleys, and lightweight composites and ballistic protection systems. 

With such an impressive range of products, LifePort continues to broaden their reach and expand their customer base. “PNDC has access to a vast network of contacts and defense personnel connections, and shares that network with its members,” said Kelsey Arnold, business development manager with LifePort. “This is undeniably a great resource to expand our government customer portfolio.” 

LifePort is AS9100, ISO9001, and ISO13485 certified, ITAR compliant, and a self-certified small business. “We take great pride in the quality of every product we manufacture,” said Arnold. “We focus on design, manufacturing, and certification of highly differentiated aerospace products. These products allow our customers to achieve unique operational capabilities.”

According to Arnold, “The PNDC has helped LifePort extend our reach and make the right connections that lead to more business — through shared booths at trade shows, visits to our facility and brown-bag pitch opportunities with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).” DIU is the only Department of Defense organization focused on accelerating the adoption of commercial technology at speed and scale.  

Pendleton UAS Range (PUR)

There are good reasons that a drone isn’t proven until it’s Proven in Pendleton. PUR joined the PNDC this year, and with 14,000 square miles of range space approved for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations from surface to 15,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) and 30,000 square feet of new hangar space, it’s no wonder they average 3,000 test operations per month — the largest number in the Northwest. 

Pendleton is the fastest, most affordable, and most turnkey path to developing and testing new UAS platforms and payloads. PUR is truly a one-stop shop where drone developers can perform flight test operations, fabricate new or replacement parts and train users. They have a full machine shop, 3D printing lab and an electronics lab.   

“Our goal is to do business with companies that do business with the government,” said Steve Chrisman, economic development and airport director with PUR. “SIGMADESIGN, which operates our on-site machine shop, recommended PNDC. Since we joined, PNDC has helped us connect to the right companies and to government officials who can recommend our UAS range to those trying to do business with the government.” 

Recently, PUR hosted a Pacific Northwest Mission Acceleration Center (PNW MAC) Innovation Luncheon, and through networking with defense industry insiders they have made new contacts on both the government side and the supplier side. 

“I literally saw business development benefits to membership within 30 days of joining,” said Chrisman. “I can’t say that about most organizations we belong to.”  

You can get more information on the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition at pndc.us.